How to do a Herringbone Wire Wrap

Earrings made using a Herringbone Wire-wrapping Technique

Wire-wrapping has become my newest jewelry making addiction! I am always browsing the internet and looking for new inspiration and techniques that I have yet to master. My latest accomplishment was learning how to create the oh so complicated looking herring bone wrap. I have admired this style of wire wrapping for years but was always too intimidated to attempt it. A couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to learn it. And guess what? It was really pretty easy! Now I will pass my knowledge on to you, fellow bloggers and bead addicts, so you too can feel that sweet satisfaction that comes from creating something new and beautiful! (not to mention the compliments you are sure to receive by your coworkers!)

Everything you need to make a Herringbone Wire Wrap

So here it is! You will need some wire, preferably 22 gauge. I like to use Artistic Wire when learning a new technique because it is relatively inexpensive, so if you waste some there is little guilt. Next you will need a large round bead, 10-12mm is a good size. It can be faceted or smooth, either works just fine. Here’s a nice variety of 10-28mm smooth round gemstone beads and shell pearls. For tools, you will need your trusty chain nose pliers, round nose pliers and side cutters. And that’s it!

Step 1: Cut a piece of wire about 2 feet long (always better to have a little too much than to be short)

Make a loop at one end of the wire.

Step 2: Make a wrapped loop at one end of the wire. I find about a 1/2 inch or 1 centimeter is a good amount to wrap.

It helps to measure the first side.

Step 3: Thread your bead onto the wire.

Add your bead!

Step 4: Create a wrapped loop on the other side to mirror the one you made on the first side. You can measure if you like, to make sure it’s the same or just eyeball it.

Try and make both sides equal.

Step 5: Now that you have both sides wrapped, the fun begins! This is the tricky part. Take your long piece of remaining wire and and wrap it across the side of the bead in the center. Wrap the wire around the front of the wrapped loop on the opposite side.

Step 5 of How To Make a Herringbone Wirewrap: The tricky part.

Step 6: Now run the wire back down the other side of the bead and wrap it around the front of the wrapped loop where you started. The bead should be wrapped in wire all around now. After you have this first wrap, you can continue this pattern going back and forth, tracing the previous wire.

Repeat process on both sides.

Side View

Repeat pattern until desired look is achieved.

Step 7: Once you have your herringbone pattern how you like, you can end by wrapping your wire around the loop at one end and cutting the excess wire with your side cutters. Tuck any excess wire with your chain nose pliers.

Do about 6 or 7 wraps on each side.

Wrap the excess wire at one end to secure.

Clip excess wire with side cutters.

Completed Herring Bone Wire Wrapped Bead

Step 8: Create your own original designs with your beautiful herringbone wrapped beads!

Herringbone done with several different beads and wire

I finished both of these pairs with coordinating clusters. See our blog on how to make cluster earrings!

Hope you enjoyed and learned something new! Happy beading and feel free to ask me any questions! –Tiffany

For all the fantastic items I used to make these earrings, head over to our online store at Rings-things.com