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How to Make Square Spirals

by Judy Ellis
I came across this great little tutorial by Pearl over at The Beading Gems's Journal, and thought I'd share. I'm sure if you've made spirals before you've probably had some of the same questions that this addresses. Enjoy!
Instructions
How to Make Square Spirals
Judy Ellis's How to Make Square Spirals - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Square copper wire spiral
With square versions, you need just your broad nose or chain nose pliers to make 90 degree bends along a length of wire. If this is new to you, don't try any thicker than 20 gauge wire to start with.




First make a bend not far from the wire end. It might help to use a small broad nose pliers at the first attempt to get the distances right for the first few bends.
Judy Ellis's How to Make Square Spirals - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Broad flat nose plier
Then another the same distance along. The next bend will be a tad longer as it has to clear the wire end.

Judy Ellis's How to Make Square Spirals - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Bending with wide flat nose pliers
Keep going! Make the distance longer if you want an open spiral. Open informal spirals are easier to make than trying to get them absolutely dead square.

Judy Ellis's How to Make Square Spirals - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Spiral in copper wire
Judy Ellis's How to Make Square Spirals - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Copper wire square spiral
Tip 1 Use your nylon jawed pliers to straighten out the wire before making a bend.

Judy Ellis's How to Make Square Spirals - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Nylon jaw pliers used on copper wire
Tip 2 Work harden the component by hammering with a pvc or rubber mallet. If you want to flatten it, then bang away with a metal hammer.

Tip 3 Using a chain nose pliers at the beginning will get you a tighter look. You can also offset the angles for a different look. There are no hard and fast rules in making this. So experiment!
Judy Ellis's How to Make Square Spirals - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Using Chain nose pliers to form copper wire
And there you have it. The basic square spiral component. What you do after to make it your jewelry design is up to your creativity.
Judy Ellis's How to Make Square Spirals - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Copper wire square spirals

Materials

Wire
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Tools

Classic Wubbers Wide Flat Nose Pliers
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WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
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5 1/2 Inch Nylon Flat Jaw Pliers with Replacement Jaws
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Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
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Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face
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  • Category: Classic
  • Technique(s): Making Spirals

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