How to Create a Secure Ending with Memory Wire

How to Create a Secure Ending with Memory Wire

You can use memory wire to make rings, bracelets or necklaces. It is available in different sizes.

Once you have decided on the shape and size that you want to use, you also need to create secure endings so that your beads stay on the wire.

View our selection of Memory Wire.

Before you begin adding your beads to the memory wire, you need to make a simple loop, so that the beads don't fall off. When you makes the loops, ensure they sit on the outside of the necklace, bracelet or ring, so that it is comfortable to wear.

Step 1:

Grip the very end of the piece of memory wire for your jewellery design with round nose pliers. Turn the pliers so that the cut end of the wire loops around the jaw until it touches the rest of the wire. You will need to be quite firm with the wire as it will be tough to loop around. If you can't create a full loop in one go, keep using the tool to work the wire until the loop is complete.

Step 2:

Thread on the beads for your jewellery design. When you reach the end go your piece you will need to leave 3/8-inch wire bare. Repeat Step 1 to create a loop at the end of the wire to hold the beads in place.

Step 3:

It can be more attractive to add a couple of dangles to these securing loops, with the same beads that you have used in the design. To make a dangle, thread a bead onto a headpin, create a wrapped loop, and thread onto the end of the memory wire before making the secure ending loops. 

Happy Beading, and don't forget to check out our other Jewellery Tutorials and Free Jewellery Making Videos.