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May 14, 2017

How to Do Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads: Free Tutorial

As a follow up to the basic herringbone wire weave link tutorial, here is a tutorial for the variation with beads.  I used silver 20 gauge wire for the center and 24 gauge wire for the herringbone wraps for a two-tone metal effect.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

One thing I really like about adding the side beads with a large center bead is that it looks like an evil eye.  I think that look could probably be played up a little more in the design with your choice of beads.

How much wire you need will depend on the sizes of the beads you are using. The center bead for this project is a 12mm aqua faceted round bead and the sides are 4 mm faceted crystal beads.

I recommend you make a practice component using craft wire instead of sterling silver or gold filled.  It will help you get the measurements down - and who knows, you may just like it more than you thought you would (speaking from personal experience there).

Cut a piece of 20g wire for the center - at least 3 inches long.  Cut a piece of 24g wire for the herringbone weave - at least 9 inches long. Always better to be a little long, than short.  Wrap the tail around the center wire at least one full turn so it is secure.

I just want to point out, some people will make wrapped loops on either side of the center bead before starting the herringbone weave. That's a good option that might be easier for beginners. I like the flexibility of moving the component around on the center wire - but try it either way to decide what you like best.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

Slide the coil tight aginst the bead. With the long end of the wire, wrap around the edge of the bead to the other side.  Cross the wire over the front of the center wire and wrap one full turn around the center wire.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

Complete the first round of herringbone weave by wrapping the wire arond the other side of the bead, crossing over the front of the center wire and wrapping one full turn. This is a good time to trim the tail from the original wrap to keep it out of the way. Snip it as close to the bead as possible.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

Add one 4mm bead to the side of the wire you just completed wrapping.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

Bring the wire behind the prior wrap and over the center wire again, on top of the 4mm bead.  Wrap one turn on top of the bead.  Make sure you don't pull the wire too tight or the wrap will be pulled off center.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

This is the front view of the wrap.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

Repeat the process on the other side of the wire. Pick up a 4mm bead and then wrap the wire under the prior wrap on the side of the bead and over the top of the center wire.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

Complete the wrap by bringing the wire under the prior wraps on the side of the bead, over the center wire and wrapped once around.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

With both of the crystal bead in place, I make one more set of wraps around each end.  You could do more, but make sure you have enough wire to keep the number of wraps on each side the same.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

When you are satisfied, make one extra wrap and tuck the tail in the back of the component and trim. This is the back side of the herringbone weave.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

The last steps are adding wrapped loops to each end to hang the component as earrings or a pendant. I like to use a wire wrapped loop.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

Repeat with another wrapped loop on the other side.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

I added earwires to these, but still need to add dangles to finish them.

Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave with Beads - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

One thing that you should know about herringbone weave - it is easiest to work with round beads.  The beads can turn inside the woven frame and it doesn't make any difference to how the design looks. With flat beads, if they turn to the side - well, you're looking at an edge instead of the face of the bead.

Here's a new post on the ins and outs of adding a herringbone wrap border to flat stones like the moonstone in the center or using multiple stones like the stacks of rondelles

Assorted herringbone wire wrapped beads - Free tutorial: Herringbone Wire Weave, Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

And to all you mom's out there - Happy Mother's Day!

I guess that gives me one more chance to show off my beautiful kids again (a couple of fur babies are missing). There is a free tutorial to make the beaded photo cabochons.

Free tutorial: Bead Embroidered Frames - Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

If you enjoy my jewelry projects, please check out my sign up page where you will find a variety of ways to find out when I have posted a new project.

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