Making memory wire bracelets is one of the easiest and most gratifying projects in jewelry creation. I am going to show you the simple steps to make memory wire bracelets of your own.
What is Memory Wire?
Memory wire is wire that maintains it circular shape despite being stretched out when putting on or removing your bracelet. It comes in a roll like the one below.
You can make single strand memory wire bracelets:
Or you can make them with multiple strands:
I usually max out at 4 loops, but I’ve seen some bracelets that have more.
Supplies Needed
1. Memory wire
2. Beads of your choice
Tools Needed
1. Needle nose pliers
2. Wire cutters
How to Make a Memory Wire Bracelet
For this example, I am making a single strand memory wire bracelet. I am making this bracelet to complement a necklace I recently finished (but haven’t yet blogged about).
1. Cut a circle of wire. You will need some overlap. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first is that you’ll need some extra wire to give yourself room to work. And the second is to insure the bracelet stays on your wrist. (This latter concern does not apply to multiple-strand memory wire bracelets.)
2. Next, collect the beads you want use. These little red flowers are included in the necklace that this bracelet is intended to match.
These beads came from one of the very first bracelets I made. There was nothing wrong with the bracelet, but it wasn’t all that inspired. Time to recycle!
3. If you are going to have a focal, you will add these beads first, then work from both sides of it. (It’s not necessary to have a focal. None of the multi-strand bracelets in the photos above have a focal.)
4. Then begin adding beads on either side of your focal.
5. Not sure exactly what you want? Have a couple of different ideas? Test them out on each of the two sides of your focal and compare.
6. Once you’ve decided, fill in the remaining distance with beads. I am using the square, clear beads and the seed beads from the old bracelet, and some cute, little silver flower beads. I’ve chosen to use two, black blossom beads on the ends. In this case, the blossom beads will cover my wire loop ends, but I also like to leave the wire loop ends exposed and add charms (shown in the examples above).
7. Use the needle nose pliers to make a loop in one end of the bracelet.
8. Push all the beads to the side in which you’ve just ended off the wire. Then use your wire cutters to trim off the excess wire. Be certain to leave enough to make a loop. Making the loop down in the blossom bead is a bit challenging. If it’s your first bracelet, I’d recommend not using blossom beads on the ends.
Voilà
Here is my completed bracelet:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this memory wire bracelet tutorial. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
lovely idea and very nice tutorial – thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much!
Great post, some stunning colours on your beads.
Thanks so much, Anita!
Lovely. I tried heavy gauge fishing line once, it worked for a while. Then I just had a mess and crawled around for quite sometime looking for and picking beads. Thank you for linking up to Put your foot down,
Thank you, Denise!
These are beautiful and seem so easy to create!
#thatfridaylinky
They really are. I’m working towards making one to go with every outfit. 😄
What a lovely tutorial, it’s nice and clear. I love your bracelets, so pretty. #ThatFridayLinky
Thank you so much! I was hoping the tutorial made sense. 😄
Love your bracelets, they are so beautiful and wonderful tutorial. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Chas!
I like this idea and think it’s something my kids would love to learn how to do.
Awesome! I’d love to see what they make!
So pretty, Michelle… and simple enough for a beginner jewelry maker!
Thank you! Yes, this was one of the first things I learned to make.
How nice, I like them all! Thanks so much for linking up at #AThemedLinkup 1. Shared.
Thanks so much!
Michelle, these are so beautiful! You are so talented. I wish I had the patience to create such lovely jewelry!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks so much Shelbee!
They are gorgeous, especially the multiple strand ones! Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
Thank you!
Congrats! Your post is FEATURED at #AThemedLinkup 2 for All Things Halloween from my previous Crafts and DIY Linkup! Party open now!
I am honored! Thanks so much!
These memory wire bracelets are so cute! I love them. Your tutorial was very easy to understand. I found you at the https://grammysgrid.com/a-themed-linkup-1-for-crafts-and-diy/
Thanks so much! I appreciate the feedback regarding the ease of understanding. I always hope I am being clear on tutorials.