Materials: Tools:
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
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Tutorial: 3 Wire Wrapped Bail Created by Abby Hook www.abbyhook.co.uk
This simple bail, formed from a single piece of wire, is quick to make and very versatile. It can be used for any top drilled stone, donut or as the finishing touch for a pendant. Due to the large loops this design is particularly useful is you are using a chunky chain like Viking knit, chain maille or a multi strand necklace, as the bail allows free movement of the pendant. The main tutorial teaches you how to make the bail for a front, top drilled stone, also included are 2 variations, the first is for a side drilled or drop stone and the second shows you how to wrap a donut, including instructions on how to calculate the length of wire required.
Materials: 8” 18 gauge soft, round wire 1 top drilled focal bead, drop, donut or pendant
Tools: Chain nose pliers Round nose pliers Wire cutters Flat nose pliers Nylon jaw pliers 8mm mandrel (wooden dowel, pen, knitting needle or similar) Tape measure
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 2
Step 1: Prepare the wire Cut an 8” length of 18 gauge wire and straighten, by grasping one end with the chain nose pliers and pulling the length through the jaws of the nylon jaw pliers a couple of times.
Step 2: Shape the first loop Measure 2” from one end of the wire, hold this point against the mandrel.
Ensure that the wire is at a 90° angle to the mandrel and wrap long length of wire around the mandrel, forming one complete circle.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 3
Step 3: Shape the next 2 loops Wrap the wire around the mandrel another 2 times, so that the straight wires either end cross each other, forming a straight line. You now have 3 complete loops.
Step 4: Bend the wire Check that the 2” length you started with is still 2” long and hasn’t got bent around the mandrel, adjust if necessary. Grasp the 2” length at the point it completes the third loop with the flat nose pliers.
Bend upwards 90°, so that it is pointing straight up from the mandrel.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 4
Step 5: Form a loop Measure 1/8” from the bend, grasp with the flat nose pliers and bend outwards 45°, so that it is pointing in the same direction as the bail.
Remove the wire carefully from the mandrel. Grasp just after the bend with the round nose pliers and form a large loop.
Tip: - Make sure that the loop is at least as big as the gap between the hole in the stone and the top of the stone.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 5
Step 6: Attach the stone Carefully open the loop slightly, by twisting it open. Tip: - Do not pull the loop apart, as this will weaken the wire and cause the loop to become misshapen.
Re-insert the mandrel so that you do not distort the shape of the bail wire while you work. Thread the bead onto the wire, so that the front of the bead is facing the same direction as the straight wires are pointing.
Close the loop again by pinching or twisting closed with the chain nose pliers.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 6
Step 7: Bend the wire Remove the mandrel again. Grasp the straight wire from the bottom loop, level with the 1/8” straight wire, with the flat nose pliers and bend upwards 90° so that they are parallel.
Trim the wire so that it touches the bottom of the 3 circles of the bail (1/8”). Reinsert the mandrel
Step 8: Prepare to wrap the bail Grasp the long straight wire with the flat nose pliers and bend 90° to the left, so that it crosses straight under the 3 loops of the bail. Take care that the wire remains straight and the 3 loops do not become distorted, by holding them in position against the mandrel.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 7
Step 9: Wrap the bail Grasp the end of the wire with the chain nose pliers and carefully wrap the wire around the 2 x 1/8” straight wires, pulling them together, while holding the 3 loops in position against the mandrel with your less dominant hand.
Continue wrapping until you have 4 coils on the front and 3 on the back.
Step 10: Trim the wire Trim the wire on the side of the bail, so that it is just past the wire from the bottom loop.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 8
Carefully tuck the end in, by bending it round the wire from the bottom loop with the chain nose pliers. Ensure all bindings are neat and straight.
Step 11: Final step Remove the mandrel and carefully splay the wires, by bending the outer one either side out a fraction with your fingers. You are done!
Step 12: Variation 1 – Side drilled/ Drop Stone Follow steps 1 to 4, forming the 3 bail loops and bending the 2” wire upwards.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 9
Measure 1/8” from the bend and make a 45° bend to the side using the flat nose pliers.
Step 13: Attach the bead Measure the distance between the hole and the top of the bead, in this case ¼”.
Therefore measure ¼” (or whatever the distance was) from the last bend and bend 135° inwards, so that the wire draws a line under the bail.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 10
Thread the bead onto the wire.
Step 14: Finish shaping the wire Grasp the straight wire with the flat nose pliers, just after the bead and bend 135° inwards, forming a triangle. Tip: - Leave a small gap in the wire just after the bead, before you make the bend, to allow the bead to move freely and stop the wire rubbing on it.
Step 15: Finish the bail Follow steps 7 to 11, bending the wire upwards, trimming to 1/8”, wrapping closed and finally splaying the bail wires.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 11
Step 16: Variation 2 – The donut For wrapping a donut, you first need to calculate the length of wire required. Measure your donut from the top to the hole, in this case ½”. So to calculate the wire you require, add 2 x this measurement to 8”, in this case 1” plus 8” gives you a total length of 9”.
Cut a 9” length of 18 gauge wire (or your required length) and follow steps 1 to 4, this time measuring 3” from the end of the wire in step 2 instead of 2”.
Step 17: Prepare to attach the donut Measure 1/8” from the bend and grasp with the flat nose pliers, bend 20° backwards.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 12
Measure ½” (or the measurement you made in step 16) from this bend and bend 100° in the opposite direction.
Step 18: Attach the donut Thread the donut onto the wire, push the wire against the stone with your thumb, so that the donut is positioned directly beneath the bail.
Remove the donut, measure ¼” from the last bend and bend the wire upwards 100° towards the bail, forming a ‘U’ shape.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 13
Thread the donut back onto the wire and bend the wire over the top of the donut, so that it points to the front.
Step 19: Wrap the bail Follow steps 7 to 11, wrapping the bail closed, trimming the wire and spaying the bail wires. You have finished! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. For comments or questions, please go to www.abbyhook.co.uk Please do not distribute, lend or copy. Do not mass produce. Please give credit to the Teacher. Use and view of this content constitutes an agreement to Abby Hook’s Terms of Use. Copyrights 2011 Abby Hook
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 14
Page: 1
Tutorial: 3 Wire Wrapped Bail Created by Abby Hook www.abbyhook.co.uk
This simple bail, formed from a single piece of wire, is quick to make and very versatile. It can be used for any top drilled stone, donut or as the finishing touch for a pendant. Due to the large loops this design is particularly useful is you are using a chunky chain like Viking knit, chain maille or a multi strand necklace, as the bail allows free movement of the pendant. The main tutorial teaches you how to make the bail for a front, top drilled stone, also included are 2 variations, the first is for a side drilled or drop stone and the second shows you how to wrap a donut, including instructions on how to calculate the length of wire required.
Materials: 8” 18 gauge soft, round wire 1 top drilled focal bead, drop, donut or pendant
Tools: Chain nose pliers Round nose pliers Wire cutters Flat nose pliers Nylon jaw pliers 8mm mandrel (wooden dowel, pen, knitting needle or similar) Tape measure
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 2
Step 1: Prepare the wire Cut an 8” length of 18 gauge wire and straighten, by grasping one end with the chain nose pliers and pulling the length through the jaws of the nylon jaw pliers a couple of times.
Step 2: Shape the first loop Measure 2” from one end of the wire, hold this point against the mandrel.
Ensure that the wire is at a 90° angle to the mandrel and wrap long length of wire around the mandrel, forming one complete circle.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 3
Step 3: Shape the next 2 loops Wrap the wire around the mandrel another 2 times, so that the straight wires either end cross each other, forming a straight line. You now have 3 complete loops.
Step 4: Bend the wire Check that the 2” length you started with is still 2” long and hasn’t got bent around the mandrel, adjust if necessary. Grasp the 2” length at the point it completes the third loop with the flat nose pliers.
Bend upwards 90°, so that it is pointing straight up from the mandrel.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 4
Step 5: Form a loop Measure 1/8” from the bend, grasp with the flat nose pliers and bend outwards 45°, so that it is pointing in the same direction as the bail.
Remove the wire carefully from the mandrel. Grasp just after the bend with the round nose pliers and form a large loop.
Tip: - Make sure that the loop is at least as big as the gap between the hole in the stone and the top of the stone.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 5
Step 6: Attach the stone Carefully open the loop slightly, by twisting it open. Tip: - Do not pull the loop apart, as this will weaken the wire and cause the loop to become misshapen.
Re-insert the mandrel so that you do not distort the shape of the bail wire while you work. Thread the bead onto the wire, so that the front of the bead is facing the same direction as the straight wires are pointing.
Close the loop again by pinching or twisting closed with the chain nose pliers.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 6
Step 7: Bend the wire Remove the mandrel again. Grasp the straight wire from the bottom loop, level with the 1/8” straight wire, with the flat nose pliers and bend upwards 90° so that they are parallel.
Trim the wire so that it touches the bottom of the 3 circles of the bail (1/8”). Reinsert the mandrel
Step 8: Prepare to wrap the bail Grasp the long straight wire with the flat nose pliers and bend 90° to the left, so that it crosses straight under the 3 loops of the bail. Take care that the wire remains straight and the 3 loops do not become distorted, by holding them in position against the mandrel.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 7
Step 9: Wrap the bail Grasp the end of the wire with the chain nose pliers and carefully wrap the wire around the 2 x 1/8” straight wires, pulling them together, while holding the 3 loops in position against the mandrel with your less dominant hand.
Continue wrapping until you have 4 coils on the front and 3 on the back.
Step 10: Trim the wire Trim the wire on the side of the bail, so that it is just past the wire from the bottom loop.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 8
Carefully tuck the end in, by bending it round the wire from the bottom loop with the chain nose pliers. Ensure all bindings are neat and straight.
Step 11: Final step Remove the mandrel and carefully splay the wires, by bending the outer one either side out a fraction with your fingers. You are done!
Step 12: Variation 1 – Side drilled/ Drop Stone Follow steps 1 to 4, forming the 3 bail loops and bending the 2” wire upwards.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 9
Measure 1/8” from the bend and make a 45° bend to the side using the flat nose pliers.
Step 13: Attach the bead Measure the distance between the hole and the top of the bead, in this case ¼”.
Therefore measure ¼” (or whatever the distance was) from the last bend and bend 135° inwards, so that the wire draws a line under the bail.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 10
Thread the bead onto the wire.
Step 14: Finish shaping the wire Grasp the straight wire with the flat nose pliers, just after the bead and bend 135° inwards, forming a triangle. Tip: - Leave a small gap in the wire just after the bead, before you make the bend, to allow the bead to move freely and stop the wire rubbing on it.
Step 15: Finish the bail Follow steps 7 to 11, bending the wire upwards, trimming to 1/8”, wrapping closed and finally splaying the bail wires.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 11
Step 16: Variation 2 – The donut For wrapping a donut, you first need to calculate the length of wire required. Measure your donut from the top to the hole, in this case ½”. So to calculate the wire you require, add 2 x this measurement to 8”, in this case 1” plus 8” gives you a total length of 9”.
Cut a 9” length of 18 gauge wire (or your required length) and follow steps 1 to 4, this time measuring 3” from the end of the wire in step 2 instead of 2”.
Step 17: Prepare to attach the donut Measure 1/8” from the bend and grasp with the flat nose pliers, bend 20° backwards.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 12
Measure ½” (or the measurement you made in step 16) from this bend and bend 100° in the opposite direction.
Step 18: Attach the donut Thread the donut onto the wire, push the wire against the stone with your thumb, so that the donut is positioned directly beneath the bail.
Remove the donut, measure ¼” from the last bend and bend the wire upwards 100° towards the bail, forming a ‘U’ shape.
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 13
Thread the donut back onto the wire and bend the wire over the top of the donut, so that it points to the front.
Step 19: Wrap the bail Follow steps 7 to 11, wrapping the bail closed, trimming the wire and spaying the bail wires. You have finished! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. For comments or questions, please go to www.abbyhook.co.uk Please do not distribute, lend or copy. Do not mass produce. Please give credit to the Teacher. Use and view of this content constitutes an agreement to Abby Hook’s Terms of Use. Copyrights 2011 Abby Hook
Copyright 2011 ABBY HOOK – www.abbyhook.co.uk
Page: 14
