Making Perfect Crimps
There seem to be many different theories on how to make the perfect crimp. I'm pretty sure I've tried them all and this is my fave! Crimping is a simple technique that just takes a little practice to get good at. I suggest crimping 5-10 "practice" crimps on some beading wire as a warm up when you're first learning this technique. Then, when you crimp your actual piece of jewelry, you've got the hang of it. The keys to crimping are good quality crimp tubes (beads) and pliers. There are 2 sections inside the crimping pliers jaws: the front section and the back section (that turns the crimp into a little taco).
Instructions
Using a crimp tube, make a small loop by slipping the beading wire up through the crimp and then back down through it. Be sure the wires don't crisscross over themselves. And leave yourself a a short 1/2" tail.
Place the crimp into the front section of the crimping tools and squeeze just a tiny bit. This turns the round crimp tube into an oval shape.
Put the crimp in the back section and squeeze tightly making a little taco. Be sure the wires aren't crossed and that each side of the crimp now contains one wire.
Place the little taco into the front section sideways and squeeze tightly folding the taco snugly.
Viola' Here's an example of a finished crimp.
Pro Tip: You can also use crimp covers to cover the crimp for decorative purposes.
Materials
Soft Flex Beading Wire--Medium--.019
BDC-419.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $15.50
- Gold Club Price: $11.63
Gold Filled Crimps 2x1mm - Pack of 20
J10-21
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $2.82
- Gold Club Price: $2.12
Tools
Original Bead Crimper
PLR-585.00
- PLR-585.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $12.97
- Gold Club Price: $9.73
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- Category: Beading
- Technique(s): Beading
Kristal Wick
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