Most wire wrapping projects use either square or round wire. There are many techniques which can be applied to the wire before the wrapping process. One of them is to add a 'twisted' or filigree look to square wire. This is a short, free tutorial on how to create a twisted wire to use for your wire wrapping projects. Click on any of the images for a closeup view of the tools and wire used.

There are a few ways to create a twisted look to square wire. The old fashion way is shown here and best used for 'smaller' projects. If you are twisting a foot or two of wire, this method is good to use, but if you are twisting many many feet of wire, then an alternative would be to use a drill head or similar type tool. In this tutorial, we are using a Pin Vice and flat nose pliers.

The pin vice I'm using is two sided and each 'bit' is designed for certain gauge wires. The most common gauges for wire wrapping jewelry are 21 or 22 gauge, dead soft wire, either square or round and 'half' round banding wire. The pin vice I have will work with most wire from 24g to a larger 18 gauge wire. If you are purchasing a Pin Vice or Pin Vice set, make sure that you get the tool appropriate for the gauges you work with.

1. To create a twisted look, you are best to begin with square wire. I normally use what's called Dead Soft wire. It's easier to work with when wire sculpting or wrapping then 'hard wire' is.
Twisting the wire will create more strength in the wire also.

2. The 'tools' used are flat head pliers and a wire twisting tool called a Pin Vice. As shown in the image, the wire slips through the pin vice and is held in place by screwing the head 'closed' around the wire. Working with 2 or three inches at a time is best.

3. Use your pliers, clamp down and hold the 'end of the wire. Holding the vice with your other hand, begin to manually turn the tool either toward you or away from you. Keep the twisting as consistent as you can. Count them per the 2 or three inches you are working with. The more you twist, the tighter the look.

4. After you have the desired 'look' for 2 or 3 inches, stop, loosen the vice, slide it back along the square wire, exposing another 2 or 3 inches of untwisted wire. Tighten the vice and move the teeth of your flat nose pliers to hold the wire now, at the intersection of the previously twisted wire section and the section to be twisted. Begin the manual twisting process again.

5. Continue these steps until all the wire length is twisted. You will notice that the new wire has much more strength to it then the previously untwisted wire. This technique adds a great look to wire projects but is also great to use when building bails. If your project is small and you are using thin, soft wire and need to add strength to the bail, the twisting method works quite well.

Pin Vices are not that expensive and can be found at most jewelry supply shops. I think I remember purchasing mine from Wire-Sculptor.com for less then $15.00

In one of the tutorial videos I've studied in the past, I also saw a technique where twisting could be done with an electric hand drill and pliers. The same concept applies. Make sure you hold onto the loose end of the wire tightly in your pliers, using a small hand drill as the 'vice', clamp down on the end of the wire and close the bit around it. Then turn the drill 'on' or using a finger trigger, begin the drill head on 'slow'. It will start to twist your wire at a pretty decent speed.

Enjoy! I hope this helps you get started with Twisting Wire.

What tools do *I* use? Lindstrom's RX ergonomic tools. They cost a bit more then the pliers and cutters you might find at the local hobby store, but... I have to say that if you're going to do wire for the long haul, then it's worth the investment. I got my tools a couple of pieces at a time and over time, have tried several of their jewelry pliers and cutters. I have to say... they are my faves for sure. They've outlasted anything else I've tried from local shops and trust me... I give the tools a run for their money. I'm hardly delicate when I'm intent on bending or cutting wire. I expect the tools to do most of the muscle work and so I use them that way, saving my precious wrists and hands as much as I can.

Here's the link to their site for information:
http://www.lindstromtools.us/products/bead-and-jewelry-arts

When I first started making wire jewlery, I did like everyone else does... went to the local Hobby Lobby, got the 'jewelry making kit' for around $30.00 and went to town learning. That's a great start, but once you fall in love with wire art, you'll want to invest in some better tools. Like any serious hobby, it's best to invest in your body's comfort and well being. That makes the jewelry project all the better and when you're not concerned with hand or wrist fatigue... your project will be even more spectacular when finished.

From their site:

Lindstrom Rx plier

The result of 150 years of making the world's leading cutters and pliers.

We have put all our experience, technical expertise and ergonomic know-how into the successful Rx plier series. Take a close look at the Rx plier, try it out and then compare it to all competitors on the market. The Rx plier will always come out on top!

Finely finished. High degree of symmetry, even under magnification.
Rounded shape makes it easy to rotate to find the correct working angle.
Cushioned, high-friction surface. Always comfortable and steady in your hand.
Return spring automatically opens Rx pliers. You always have your fingers in place to do the job.
Easy to adjust, three-position spring. Provides different resistance and grip widths.
Unique spring design. Reduces fatigue over time in intensive use.
Long, wide handles. Distribute and minimize pressure points.
Light weight. Easy to maneuver and position.
Springs are easily replaced. Tool stocking and replacement costs are reduced.
ESD safe.

Here is my little collection of Lindstrom tools... along with some other tools that are important when mangling wire. I have a wonderful collection of non-Lindstrom tools also, which I purchased from the local hobby store or from one of my fave online suppliers. All will work well for you when you keep in mind, the comfort of your body machine.

Now for the beginner... what basic tools do you need to start? Here's what I recommend:

Flat nose jewelry plier
Chain nose
Round nose
Jewelry wire cutters
A jewelry file
A ruler
I'm missing an image of my nylon jaw pliers... a must for straightening wires.

Here's a link to a pair at Michael's...

You should be able to accomplish most wire and bead projects with these. Over time, you'll most likely look to add to your collection based on what you prefer to make.

Updated: A girlfriend of mine just told me about Wubbers! They sound just as wonderful as the Lindstrom but not as expensive. I can't speak on them because I don't own a pair, but here is a link to her post on them. I think the next time I need a new pair of pliers I'll be looking into Wubber also.
Thanks Jamie! CreationsbyJae

Enjoy!