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Crochet Wire Designs
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

What is the best gauge wire to use for crocheting wire? I used a 26-gauge copper wire for a bracelet once, and it stretched out as I wore it. I also used glass beads in various sizes, could that have been the problem, too heavy? Thank you.

-Olga in Aibonito, Puerto Rico
Instructions
Answer:

When I was a little girl, my grandmother tried to teach me to crochet, but all of my Granny Squares came out round! Although I love the look of crocheted wire jewelry designs, I stay far, far away from it. WS Faculty member Lena Bugrimenko makes a lot of crocheted wire jewelry, so I asked for her advice, and she said:

Of course, the more beads and/or components that you add to a crocheted bracelet, the more it will stretch. Yes, the weight of the beads used is part of the challenge, because the wire itself is not really stretching - rather, the stitches are! A lacy crocheted bracelet design is lovely, but add heavy beads to it and the weight of the beads will eventually pull the stitches out of round, making the bracelet longer. Try using smaller, tighter stitches and lighter beads; or, compensate by making the finished product a bit shorter, and then purposely stretch the bracelet for the final product length. Hope this helps!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Dale Armstrong's Crochet Wire Designs - , Wire Weaving, Crocheting, Wire Crochet
Dale Armstrong's Crochet Wire Designs - , Wire Weaving, Crocheting, Wire Crochet

Materials

26 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-26D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.15
  • Gold Club Price: $0.12
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26 Gauge Round Dead Soft 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-26D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.55
  • Gold Club Price: $1.16
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26 Gauge Round Dead Soft 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-26D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.26
  • Gold Club Price: $0.19
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26 Gauge Round Dead Soft Red Brass Wire
H3-26D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.17
  • Gold Club Price: $0.13
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26 Gauge Round Dead Soft .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-26D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.71
  • Gold Club Price: $0.53
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Beads
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Tools

C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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Chain Nose Wire Plier
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Flat Nose Wire Plier
G2-506
  • G2-506
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Round Nose Wire Plier
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Crochet hook various sizes
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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  • Category: Weaving
  • Technique(s): Crocheting

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