Home / Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques / Perfecting the Figure 8 Link
Perfecting the Figure 8 Link
by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
I use figure eight or bow tie links often, but it usually takes me several tries to cut just the right length of wire for the size loop I want. Here's a trick that works well for me.
Instructions
Cut an adequate length of wire.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Perfecting the Figure 8 Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, figure 8 link
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Perfecting the Figure 8 Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, figure 8 link
Use a cylinder tool to create a loop starting on one end of the wire.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Perfecting the Figure 8 Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, figure 8 link
Position the tool on the opposite of the wire exactly at the end of the first loop.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Perfecting the Figure 8 Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, figure 8 link
Pull the wire around the cylinder tool until it reaches the straight part of the wire. The tendency is to want to turn the cylinder, but pull the wire around first, then reposition the cylinder if needed. You still are not turning the cylinder

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Perfecting the Figure 8 Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, figure 8 link
Use flush cutters to remove the excess wire.
You can vary the gauge of the wire or the size of the loops and this trick still works for me. I hope it will for you, too!
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Perfecting the Figure 8 Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, figure 8 link
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Perfecting the Figure 8 Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, figure 8 link

Materials

18 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-18H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $4.26
  • Gold Club Price: $3.19
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18 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-18H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.39
  • Gold Club Price: $1.04
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Add All Items to Cart

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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Wubbers Large Bail Making Pliers
G2-1303
  • G2-1303
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $27.97
  • Gold Club Price: $20.98
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  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Making Loops

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