Memory Wire Instructions:

Working with memory wire:  terminating and adding dangles.

NOTE:  Memory wire is made from hardened steel.  This is what helps it maintain it’s shape.  Unfortunately this also makes it brittle which means that it does not have the pliability or forgiveness of other metals.  This being the case, when we bend memory wire, we will only bend it in one direction and keep the bends simple.  It is also important to note, because memory wire is so hard, do not cut it with your jewelers pliers, it will notch them.  Use industrial wire cutters if you find it necessary to cut your memory wires.  It is also worth mentioning that you will not want less than 2 loops on a memory wire bracelet.  Less than that and your bracelet will easily come off your wrist.   Shall we begin?

Step 1:

Grasp the end of the memory wire with your needle nose pliers.  Where you grasp the tip within the nose of your pliers will determine the size of the bend (ie;  the farther in towards the joint of your pliers you grasp, the larger the bend).  We like a moderate size loop so we bend it mid-way between the tip and the joint of the pliers.  Bend a right angle into your memory wire. 

Step 2:

Grasp the wire next to your bend and make another bend, moving the tip towards the shaft of your memory wire.  We are making an angular loop in the end of your memory wire.  Keep bending until the tip comes back to meet with the memory wire and keep bending a little further until it overlaps.

Step 3:

Grasp the memory wire inside the loop just above where the tip and memory wire intersect.  Gently tip the angular loop back a bit until it is centered at the end of your memory wire.  You can work the wire a bit to get the loop closed but take care not to bend the wire back and forth.  Memory wire performs best if the bend is only made in one direction.  If your memory wire breaks, not to worry, simply begin again with a new bend.
 

Your loop may be triangular or diamond shaped.  It is almost impossible to make a round loop in memory wire. 
 

Step 4:

To attach dangles to your memory wire loop;  DO NOT OPEN THE MEMORY WIRE LOOP,  open the loop on the dangle attach it to the memory wire loop and close it back up. 

Step 5:

Now you may begin adding beads to your memory wire piece.  After you’ve finished beading, you will terminate your memory wire the same way, with an angular loop, adding your dangle afterwards. 

Making Jewelry Fun, Inc.     Salt Lake City, Utah

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Last modified: 01/10/10