October 2007 Knitted Coloured Wire Bracelet with Glass Beads

Please read all the instructions before commencing.

PLEASE HANDLE THE KNITTED COLOURED WIRE, GLASS BEADS AND FASTENING WITH CARE AS THEY ARE DELICATE.

If you are using a new technique always practice first.

REQUIREMENTS

1 x Knitted Coloured Wire - Dark Purple KC 167 W (Wire - Knitted Coloured Wire)

1 x Coloured Craft Wire - Lilac CC 336 W (Wire - Coloured Craft Wire)

1 x Mixed Beads - Bronze BM 276 B            (Beads - Mixed)

1 x Set Magnetic Fastening - Silver BF 344 M (Beads - Fastenings)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut 24" (61cm) coloured craft wire and bend one end of the wire over to form a loop.  Push the looped end of the wire through the inside of the knitted coloured wire (the knitted coloured wire is tubular).  Leave 2" (5cm) of the unlooped end of the coloured craft wire protruding from the end of the knitted coloured wire.  Twist the last 1/2" (1.5cm) of the knitted coloured wire around the coloured craft wire to anchor the two together.

2. Push the knitted coloured wire along the coloured craft wire in the direction of the twisted end to form a gather of approximately 1/2" (1.5cm).

3. Twist the knitted coloured wire around the coloured craft wire for approximately 1/2" (1.5cm).  You should now have one gathered section and one twisted, flat section, each approximately 1/2" (1.5cm).

4. Continue stages 2 and 3 until the required length for a bracelet.  When calculating the length of the bracelet remember to allow for the fastening, which measures approximately 1 3/4" (4.5cm).   Finish by twisting the knitted coloured wire around the coloured craft wire to anchor the two together.  Cut off any excess knitted coloured wire and coloured craft wire.

5. Thread all the mixed beads on to the coloured craft wire in a random order.  The best way to thread the beads on to the wire is to put the beads into a small bowl, tilt the bowl and push the end of the wire through the beads.

6. Twist the end of the coloured craft wire containing the beads around the twist at the beginning of the bracelet to anchor it.

7. Pass the coloured craft wire under the gathered section.  Wrap it twice around the twisted section where the gathers join the twist, keeping the coloured craft wire taut.

8. Push four beads down the coloured craft wire until they meet the bracelet.  Using approximately 1" (2.5cm) of coloured craft wire, make a loop approximately 1/2" (1.5cm), making sure the four beads are on the loop. Push the beads to the top of the loop and twist the bottom of the loop four or five times.  It should look like a 'flower' with the twisted wire being the stalk and the beads forming the petals on the top.  The height of the 'flower' should be a little less than 1/2" (1.5cm).  Wrap the coloured craft wire around the twisted knitted coloured wire twice.  Repeat stage 8 four more times to produce five 'flowers' in all.

9. Repeat stages 7 and 8 until you reach the end of the bracelet.  Twist the coloured craft wire around the twisted end and cut off the excess coloured craft wire.

10. The knitted coloured wire will probably have become flattened during the construction of the bracelet.  Either use your fingers, nails or a needle to pull the knitted coloured wire into a pleasing shape.

11. Move the stalks of the 'flowers' to different angles.

12. Attaching the fastening.  If necessary, trim the knitted coloured wire and coloured craft wire.  Lay the end of the bracelet into the tray of the box calotte with the loop pointing away.  Using flat nose pliers, carefully fold down one side of the calotte and give a good squeeze.  You may add a drop of glue if required.  Fold down the other side of the box calotte and give the whole thing a firm squeeze.  Hold the jump ring with the opening at the top.  Using flat nose pliers gently open one side by moving it in a backwards direction.  Slip on the loop of the box calotte and also the loop of the magnetic clasp.  Close up the jump ring.  Complete the other side of the fastening.

SUGGESTIONS

A. Pull the knitted coloured wire widthwise and it will become wider.  Pull it lengthwise and it will become thinner.  Pull the middle sections between the folds outwards and it will become puffy.

B. Add a second strand of beaded wire in a second colour.

C. Twist the bracelet on to an Alice band to make a headdress for a bridesmaid.

D. Make the bracelet longer to create a necklace.

© Torbay Textiles 2007