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Do you love the look of knit accessories? Why not try knitting your own bangle?
I’ve previously written an i-cord knitted bracelet tutorial, and this one is kind of similar, but the special twist here is the addition of a wire to give the knit structure so it wears more like a bangle than a bracelet! This simple tutorial requires some basic knitting skills, but I think the results are worth it. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your knitted bangle:
1: Yarn. I used two leftover yarns, a sliver sparkly mohair and a pink boucle style yarn.

Hot pink yarn:
Sparkly black yarn:
2: A piece of wire. I used some recycled copper wire.

3: Pliers. I used my cutting pliers, flat nose pliers and round nose pliers.

4: Scissors.

5: A darning needle.

6: Two double pointed knitting needles. I used some 8mm needles to give myself a chunky i-cord. The width of your i-cord will depend on the size of your yarn and your needles. I recommend using a thick yarn and needles for a bold bangle. Alternatively, if you don’t like knitting, you can use an i-cord knitting machine.

Alternatively, you can try an i-cord knitting machine
Follow these steps to make your own amazing knitted bangle:
1: Hold the two yarns together.

2: Create a slip knot and add it to the needle, pull the yarn to tighten it around the needle.


3: Cast on two more stitches. After casting on the three stitches, slide them to the other end of the needle and begin knitting the first stitch. Knit the next two stitches. This will start to form a tube. You can see this process a bit in this video.
4: After finishing the first row, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle and repeat the knit pattern you did in step 3.

5: Once you have your desired length, it is time to cast off. To cast off, knit the first stitch onto the second needle, then knit the second stitch, after you slide it onto the next needle, take the first stitch and pull it over the second one, you will now have one stitch on each needle. Repeat this again until you only have one stitch left on the second needle.
6: Leaving the final stitch on the needle, trim the end of the yarn leaving a tail.

7: Remove the needle and then thread the tail through the loop and pull it tight. Now your cast off is complete.


8: Take the wire and start pushing it into the middle of the i-cord.


9: Create a loop on one end of the wire.


9: Form the wire into a large circle shape, this will be the form of your bangle.

10: Trim the excess wire using your cutting pliers, leaving a little excess on the end to allow for the loop.

11: Put the second end through the loop you made at the first end, then loop them together using your round nose pliers.



12: Push the knitted i-cord tube around to cover the loops you made. and then tie the two ends together using the tails you left.

13: Use the needle to weave the tails in and further cover the wire. Trim any excess yarn.





Now your knit bangle is finished and ready to wear! How cute is this design? I love it. I’m planning to make a whole stack to add some fun colourful accessories to my wardrobe.


Here are some other fibre focused jewelry tutorials you can follow:
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How to make a pair of triangle statement earrings!
Here’s how to make a cute pair of statement earrings, these are such a fun design that pack a bold punch with their size and colours. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make these earrings:
1: Eight pieces of wire all the same length. I used 0.8mm copper wire.

Here’s a pre-made eye pin option if you don’t feel like making them yourself: https://tidd.ly/3WCad6D
2: Four statement beads. I used these polymer clay beads I made. Here’s a polymer clay bead tutorial for you.

3: Some accent beads. I used these timber beads.

4: A pair of earring hooks. If you don’t have any, you can find tutorials that show you how to make your own here, here and here.

5: Some flat nose pliers and round nose pliers. You will also need your cutting pliers if you are not using pre-made eye pins.



Follow these steps to make your amazing triangle statement earrings:
1: Bend the end of each wire to form a right angle using the flat nose pliers.



2: Loop the end of each wire using round nose pliers.

3: Add beads to two of the wires, these will form the bottom of your triangles. I added some statement beads to each of these wires.

4: Bend the ends of the beaded wires to form another right angle.


5: Loop the end of the wire using the round nose pliers. This will secure the beads in place.


6: Repeat steps 3-5 for two more of the pins, these will be used to attach the triangles to the earring hooks.

7: Add your accent beads to the four remaining wires to create four solid beaded pins, secure the beads in place as you did in steps 4 and 5.







8: Now it is time to start assembling your earrings, Add one of the solid beaded wires to one of the accent beaded wires.

9: Add a second solid beaded wire to the first accent beaded wire, so you have one statement beaded wire with two solid beaded wires attached.
10: Add a second statement beaded wire to the earring, attaching each end to each of the solid beaded wires to form a triangle shape.


11: Repeat steps 8 to 10 for the second earring.

12: Attach each of the earring hooks to the triangle forms. Once both earring hooks are attached your earrings are finished and ready to wear out! How will you style yours?




Here are the finished earrings!


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Here’s how to make a beaded necklace out of wire!
If you want to make a beaded chain necklace, but don’t have any head pins, or if you want to add some handmade flair to your work, here’s how you can use wire instead! This necklace tutorial uses the clasp from last month’s tutorial, you can follow it here.
Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links
You’ll need these tools and materials to make your necklace:
1: Some wire. I used some copper wire that was about 1mm in diameter.

Here’s some silver wire if you prefer it: https://amzn.to/3M8DgL0
2: A clasp. I used the clasp made in this tutorial.

3: A selection of beads. I used a random selection of glass, plastic and clay beads.

4: A pair of flat-round pliers.

5: A pair of cutting pliers.

6: A pair of flat nose pliers or flat nose parallel pliers.

7: A file in case you want to smooth the ends of your wire. This isn’t totally necessary but adds to giving your work a quality finish.

Follow these steps to make your beaded wire chain necklace:
1: Bend the end of the wire using the flat nose pliers to form a right angle.


2: Loop the end of the wire using the round-flat pliers.

3: Add your first bead to the wire.

5: Trim the wire. I measured where to trim by holding the wire with the flat nose pliers and then cutting next to it.


6: At this point, you can file the end of the wire to flatten it, or you can simply create a loop at the top of the bead using the flat-round nose pliers.


7: Repeat steps 1-6 for the next bead link for the necklace. Once the link is formed, use the flat nose pliers to open the jump ring, slide it onto the first charm and close the link to start forming the chain.




8: Repeat these steps until you have a length you like for a necklace.



9: Open one of the loops at the end of the necklace and attach the clasp. Close the loop to secure the clasp in place. Add the clasp ring to the other side of the necklace to finish it off.



Now your necklace is finished! How fun to make your own jewellery without any pre-made findings?!


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How to make a simple clasp out of wire!
This is a cool tutorial!
Imagine, you want to make a necklace or a bracelet, but you’ve totally run out of clasp findings. Rather than ordering some online, and waiting for them to arrive, check to see if you’ve got some wire on hand, and then come back here and keep reading about how you can turn this wire into a simple, but elegant clasp.
Please note, this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make your own clasp out of wire:
1: Some wire. I used a piece of copper wire recycled from an old project.

2: Some cutting pliers.

3: A jump ring that matches the wire colour.

4: Round flat pliers.

5: A small needle file.

Follow these steps to make your wire clasp:
1: Take the wire and wrap it around the widest part of the round on the round flat pliers to create a fold in the wire with the ends crossing each other. When you do this, have about 2.5cm on the short side, you can trim the long side later.



2: Using the cutting pliers, trim the long part of the wire off to be slightly longer than the short side.

3: File the ends gently so they aren’t spiky (You can skip this step if you don’t have a file).
4: Take the side that was longer to start with and create a loop at the end of the wire, this loop will turn away from the first loop you made and will sit flush against the other side.



5: Using the round-flat pliers again, create a loop at the other end of the wire, this loop will be higher up and sit flush against the other wire above the other loop.


6: Now your clasp is done. Thread the jump ring through the point where the two wires meet, this is how it opens and closes.
If the clasp feels a little soft or like it will pull out of shape, you can harden the wire a bit by squeezing it flat using some flat nose pliers or flat nose parallel pliers. This will work harden the metal a bit. Another alternative to work harden your clasp is to hammer it gently using a rubber or leather mallet on a steel block (be careful, this is likely to mark your metal or flatten it too much.)

This clasp might widen over time, you can put it back into place using some flat pliers and round flat pliers to make sure the wires sit closely together to prevent your jewelry from falling off!
Here’s an example of the same style of clasp on a bracelet I received as a gift.

Open version of the clasp on a bracelet from Peru. 
Closed version of the clasp on a bracelet from Peru. -
Tips to elevate your handmade pieces!
I love jewelry, I love looking at it, I love making it, and I love wearing it. But there are some parts of jewelry that I don’t love. I can’t stand it when a piece is uncomfortable and scratchy to wear, and I also can’t stand poorly constructed jewelry that looks like it will fall apart after two wears, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some things to look out for so that you always make strong, comfortable jewels that you will enjoy for years to come.
Here are my tips for making long-lasting, professional looking and comfortable jewelry:
1: Make sure you tuck away the ends of the tiger-tail wire. I usually achieve this by running the wire through a few of the beads at each end of my beaded designs so that it doesn’t poke out. You can also use a crimp cover which covers any sharp ends of the wire. You can see some examples below.

Look at the ends of this beaded strand, the ends of the wire are hidden under the beads. Follow the tutorial for this necklace here. 
The crimp cover on this earring charm protects you from being scratched by the wire. Tutorial for these earrings here. 2: Avoid using elastic in your designs. Elastic might be easy to put on and take off (and in some cases, is the only appropriate option in terms of accessibility). Unfortunately, this accessibility comes with a trade off, elastic tends to wear out quickly, and you can find your beautiful bracelet scattered all over the floor at the most inopportune moment. I suggest making your beaded jewels with nylon beading thread or tiger-tail wire for a longer life span. I’ve got a post about the pros and cons of different beading materials here.

Here’s a bracelet I found a while ago that was made from elastic. Unfortunately it had broken and been lost to its original owner! 
I’m yet to experience any of my tiger-tail beaded pieces breaking on me, I suggest choosing it if you are looking for durability in your designs. Full tutorial here. 3: Pull your wire tight at each end of your beaded pieces. I’ve noticed with the trend towards beaded jewelry in recent years, beaded tiger-tail necklaces are being sold with large loops at each end. This loose loop can catch on things and lead to breakages. I also personally think it looks sloppy and makes your work seem less polished.

I think this anklet with tightly finished ends looks a lot neater than a loosely looped wire. You can follow the steps to make your own anklet here. 
Don’t leave big loops like this on your jewelry pieces, they can catch on things and don’t look as polished. 4: Try to use precious metals! I spent a long time making jewelry using findings made from base metals. While these materials are cheaper and great for when you’re starting out, I think investing in fine metals such as sterling silver, is a great way to elevate your designs and make them seem more polished and professional.

A sterling silver clasp elevates this beaded bracelet. You can see the tutorial for this bracelet here. 
Sterling silver wire goes a long way! Some silver wire can be transformed into many sleek, minimalist jewellery designs with minimal effort. Tutorial to make these here. Here are some sterling silver materials you can buy and use in your designs:
5: I don’t always follow my own advice, but when you are making beaded pieces with pearls, it can pay to spend some extra time knotting your beading thread between each pearl. This technique not only protects the pearls, it also stops you from losing them all in the case of a breakage! I have’t made a pearl knotting tutorial yet, but I think there will be one on the way soon so keep an eye out.

This pearl bracelet features individually knotted pearls. So there you have it, a few tips and tricks to elevate your jewelry making to that next level! Please note that this post contains affiliate links.
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Combine gold wire and pearls with these amazing statement earrings
These earrings use different materials to create a loop of gold wire and rainbow beads with a sweet dangly pearl in the centre. This tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your earrings:
1: Pliers. I used my cutting pliers (left), flat nose pliers (right) and round nose pliers (middle).

2: Two pieces of 0.8mm wire approximately 7-10cm long. I used gold fill wire.

3: Two pieces of tiger tail wire, around 10-15cm long.

4: Four small jump rings.

5: Two head pins.

6: Two larger jump rings.

7: Post earrings with charm loops.

8: Beads. I used mixed glass beads.

9: Two pearl beads.

10: Eight crimp beads.

11: Something round to form your wires around. I used a bead container.
Follow these steps to make your earrings:
1: Take one of the pieces of tiger tail wire and add two crimp beads and a small jump ring to the end.

2: Loop the end of the wire around the jump ring and through the crimp beads. Pull it tight.

3: Squash the crimps using flat nose pliers.

4: Add beads to the tiger tail wire until you have a length you like.

5: Once fully beaded add another two crimp beads and another small jump ring to the end of the wire.
6: Pull the end of the wire around the jump ring and back through the crimps and last few beads.

7: Squash the crimp beads at the end and trim the excess wire.

8: Repeat steps 1 to 8 for the second bead strand.

9: Add each of the pearl beads to the head pins and use round nose pliers to curl the tops, this secures the beads on to the pins.



10: Add the pearls to each beaded strand.

11: Bend the wires around your round thing to form an arch shape.


12: Add a loop to either end of the wire using the round nose pliers.



13: Attach a bead strand to each of the wires using the jump rings.



14: Add an earring post to each earring, attaching it using the remaining two larger jump rings.


Now your earrings are finished and ready to put on! Perfect for adding some color to neutral outfits!



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Here’s how to make a pair of cute beaded chain earrings!
These earrings are made using soft wire and beads to make a chunky chain that dangles from each ear. These really cute earrings are fun to make and look so fun.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make these earrings:
1: Pliers. I used my cutting pliers (left), flat nose pliers (right) and round nose pliers (middle) to make these earrings.

2: Some thin soft wire. I used six pieces (approx 7cm long) of wire that I recycled from an old project.

3: Some beads. I used green and gold glass e-beads.

Gold beads: https://amzn.to/3S3zwfi
Green beads: https://amzn.to/3QTdMlj
4: Two small jump rings.

5: Two earring hooks.

Follow these steps to make your chunky bead chain hoops:
1: Take a piece of wire and curl one end around the round nose pliers.
2: Add beads to the wire until there is 1cm left without beads.


3: Put the end of the wire back through the first loop you made.

4: Curl the other end of the wire so that the beaded circle is closed.

5: Make another beaded circle, thread it through the first circle you made before you secure it closed.



6: Make a third beaded circle and attached it to the first two so that you have a chain of three.


7: Repeat steps 1 to 6 for the second earring.

8: Attach the earring hooks to the top of each chain using the small jump rings.


Now your chain earrings are finished and ready to wear!!!

Here is a four link version I made as well


This tutorial contains affiliate links.
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How to make textured arch threader earrings
Here’s how to add some extra flare to your threader earrings… add some texture! Use a hammer to add some glittery facets to your wire threader earrings.
You will need the following tools and materials to make your earrings:
1: Cutting pliers to cut your wire to length.
2: Two pieces of wire. I used some sterling silver wire approximately 4.5cm long.
3: A steel block.
4: A hammer.
5: A file.

6: Tape.
7: A pen or something else that is round to shape your wire around.
Follow these steps to make your textured wire threader earrings:
1: Hammer the wire so that it is textured on all surfaces. Do this by hitting the wire lightly with the edge of the hammer.
2: Once both pieces are textured line them up and tape them to the pen.
3: Bend the wire around the pen to form a curved arch shape.
4: Take the wire off the pen.
5: File the ends of the wire until they are smooth.
Once your earrings are filed they are ready to wear! How cute are these little arch threader earrings?!
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Here’s how to make a bent wire ring. You’ll need a hammer for this one!
Do you need some new finger decoration? Here’s how to turn some soft wire into a cool adjustable ring. Note: affiliate links
You will need the following tools and materials to make your ring:
1: Pliers. You will need your cutting pliers and round nose pliers to make this ring.
2: A ring mandrel.
3: A steel block.
4: A hammer.
5: A file.
6: Some soft wire. I used this thick gauge wire in a silver color.
Follow these steps to make your ring:
1: Cut a length of wire. I cut mine to approximately 12cm long (4.7 inches).
2: Flatten the wire on the steel block using the hammer.
3: File the ends of the wire so that they are not sharp.
4: Bend the wire around the mandrel at the size you want it.
5: Wrap the rest of the wire around to give your ring a layered effect.
6: You can leave your ring as it is here. Or you can follow the next steps to add a coil decoration to it.
7: Using the round nose pliers, create a coil on one end of the wire.
8: Repeat for the other end of the wire.
9: Twist each coil out to the side so they align with the center of the ring.
10: Once both coils have been twisted outwards your ring is finished!
Here are some other hammered wire ring designs:
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Use Special Charms and Some Awesome beads to make this stunning necklace.
This pendant necklace is so cute! Use a pre-made pendant, or make your own, and surround it with some pretty accent beads to make a lovely little necklace!
You will need the following tools and materials to make this necklace:
1: Pliers. You will need your cutting pliers, round nose pliers and flat nose pliers to make this necklace.
2: A piece of chain long enough to fit around your neck. You can make your chain longer or shorter depending on where you want your necklace to sit.
3: Two eye pins.
4: Two smaller jump rings.
5: One medium sized jump ring.
6: A lobster clasp.
7: A pendant or charm. I used this bent wire charm that used to be an earring.
8: Extra beads. I used two silver colored metal beads. You can use any beads that you think will complement your chosen pendant or charm.
Follow these steps to make your necklace:
1: Split the piece of chain in half, you will have two equal length pieces of chain.
2: Add each of the accent beads to each of the eye pins.
3: Bend each eye pin at a right angle to the beaded section using the round nose pliers.
4: Trim each pin if required, the angled part of the pin should be approximately 1cm in length.
5: Create a loop at the top of the pin using the round nose pliers to secure the beads onto the pins.
6: Add the beaded pins to one end of each chain.
7: Attach the other ends of each beaded pin to the larger jump ring and slide the charm on in the middle of the two chains.
8: Close the jump ring to secure the chains and charm together.
9: Add a smaller jump ring to the other end of one of the chains and add the lobster clasp to the same jump ring. close the jump ring to secure the clasp in place.
10: Add the other jump ring to the other side of the necklace, close it to secure it in place.
Now your necklace is finished! How simple but beautiful is this design?
Here’s another accent bead necklace made using a resin charm.









































































