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2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet Part 1

By: Wanda from Making Beaded Jewelry
2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet

The 2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet is a simple project that's perfect for beginners as it is the basis for many more advanced weaves. These very detailed instructions will quickly guide you into the world of chain maille. Chainmaille patterns are becoming increasingly popular, and you will love this introduction to chainmaille bracelet making. This part of the tutorial shows you how to make double ended double wire loop bead units. This is a fast way to incorporate beads into your chainmaille piece.

Project TypeMake a Project

Bead TypeCrystal

Time to CompleteIn an evening

Bead Technique UsedChainmail/Wirework

Bead Project TypeBracelet

 The instructions for this bead chain maille bracelet were graciously written by Wanda Epps.

 

Jewelry Making Supplies:

  • sixty four 18 gauge 6mm OD (outside diameter) 3.5mm ID (inside diameter) unsoldered jump rings
  • four 2 1/4 inch (5.7 cm) lengths of 20 gauge round wire
  • four 8mm cosmojet Swarovski® crystals
  • one toggle clasp

Jewelry Making Tools:

  • wire cutters
  • round nose pliers
  •  chain nose pliers, two pair

Instructions:

  1. Make a double wire loop bead unit: Using the wire cutters, cut four 2 1/4 inch (5.7 cm) lengths of 20gauge round wire. 
     
  2. Grasp one end of one wire between the jaws of your round nose pliers, about half way up the pliers' jaws.
    2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet
  3. Rotate the pliers forward, creating a wire loop.
    2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet
  4. Reposition the pliers to their original position.
    2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet
  5. Rotate the pliers forward, creating one and a half wire loops.
     2 in 2 Chain Maille and BEad Bracelet
  6. Reposition the pliers to their original position, grasping the top of the wire loop between the pliers' jaws.
     2 in 2 Chain Maille and BEad Bracelet
  7. Rotate the pliers forward, creating a double wire loop.
     2 in 2 Chain Maille and BEad Bracelet
  8. With the tip of the pliers, grasp the wire loop where the tip of the wire of the first loop meets the perpendicular portion of the wire. Rotate the pliers backward about 90 degrees, creating a bend in the wire.
     2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet
  9. You should end up with a length of with wire that has a double wire loop on one end.
     2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet
  10. String one 8mm cosmojet Swarovski® crystal bead onto the wire, resting it against the double wire loop.
     2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet
  11. Repeat Steps 1 - 7 on the second end of the wire. You have made one double ended double wire loop bead unit.
     2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet
  12. Repeat Steps 1 - 10 to make three more double ended double wire loop bead units for a total of four.
      2 in 2 Chain Maille and Bead Bracelet

 To finish this gorgeous bracelet, check out part 2!

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