Wire Jewelry Making: What Can You Do with a Figure 8?

The figure 8 is basic wire jewelry making with lots of possibility. When you create them from large gauge wire, figure 8s are strong enough to bear the weight of the boldest bracelet or necklace components. In a smaller gauge, they are perfect to use in creating dangly earrings.

Experiment with a few of the ideas in this article. You'll find figure 8s perfect for all your jewelry designs.

Tools

Pliers

Round Nosed Pliers

Wire Cutters

Metal files, sand paper or emery files (the thick cushioned kind found in beauty supply stores)

Hammer and Metal Block (Optional)

Materials

Copper wire - begin with 16 gauge. Buy it on line or at a craft or jewelry supply store. The 16 gauge figure 8s you create will be bold and strong and versatile.

For an economical alternative, purchase copper wire from your local hardware store. The really big hardware chains usually stock only 16 gauge. Most ACE hardware stores offer several gauges.

Create your figure 8s

Use your cutters to cut several 1&1/4 inch pieces of 16 gauge wire.

Each 1&1/4 inch 16 g wire piece will make a figure 8 that's ½ inch in length.

Form a loop at one end of a wire piece by using your round nosed pliers to grasp the very tip of your wire.

Roll your pliers into the wire to form a roundish shape.

Your loop should use ½ of the wire's length.

Form a second loop at the other end.

Roll the second loop opposite the first.

Tips for creating figure 8s

Experiment with 20, 18 and other gauges.

Once you feel comfortable, try more expensive wire like sterling silver or gold-filled.

For a different look, hammer your wire flat, cut it, then form your figure 8s.

As you practice making figure 8s you will realize it's all about rhythm: relaxing and rolling your pliers with smooth rotating motion.

Use your hammer to flatten your figure 8s for a different look and texture.

Use files or sandpaper to smooth out rough areas and tool marks as necessary.

For a few additional figure 8 tips, check out the article Make a Wire Bracelet Even a Grandma Could Love.

So what can you do with a figure 8?

Make a chain

If you need a copper chain and can't find one, make one yourself with figure 8s.

Create the number of figure 8s for the length you need and connect them.

When you assemble them, open the loops outward like a door. (see illustration #2) Connect them, then close them the same way and they will retain their shape.

Use the figure 8 "chain" technique to make a simple necklace or bracelet. The "Grandma Bracelet" is one easy example.

Dangle things

Jump rings can be hard to close. Figure 8s will work just as well for dangling whatever needs to be dangled.

Use figure 8s in bracelets, necklaces and earrings to dangle beaded headpins, charms or wire swirls

Use them to dangle charms from a necklace or bracelet.

Connect things together

Compared to jump rings, figure 8s are much easier to open and close. They are less frustrating and that can make your wire jewelry making more efficient.

Use a single figure 8 or a pair to connect bracelet and necklace parts together. Figure 8s allow more movement than jump rings.

Attach clasps with figure 8s.

Figure 8s work well as the "eye" part of a hook and eye clasp.

Make earrings

Add a single bead to a head pin. Dangle it from a 16 g figure 8 for an elegantly simple pair of earrings.

Use figure 8s to dangle groups of beads from your earrings, they will add a sense of fullness and motion.

Create a delicate figure 8 with 20 gauge wire. A 1 inch piece of wire will make a 3/8 inch figure 8.

20 gauge figure 8s work well in earring designs.