How to Start Crocheting with Wire
Learn the tips and tricks you need to know to create beautiful wire crochet jewelry.
If you've crocheted for years and now want to start working with wire, but don't know where to start here's a quick beginner's guide for you. How to Start Crocheting with Wire is a simple guide to tools, hook size and wire gauge to get you started!
Project TypeLearn a Technique
Bead Technique UsedChainmail/Wirework
To crochet with wire you will need:
craft wire (suggested to begin practicing with)
Jewelry Wire - Wire & Gauge
Wire comes in many different thicknesses. The technical term for the thickness of wire is gauge. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire will be.
If you want to learn how to make jewelry from wire, it is advisable to learn the different gauge numbers and the recommendations for uses of the different gauges.
You can find many charts, including conversion charts online.
The best gauge of wire for use in crochet work is 28 gauge wire. 30 gauge is also good, and more like thread, but it is more delicate and tends to break if overworked.
26 gauge wire is good for use in "spines" for bracelets and larger pieces of jewelry.
Craft wires (less inexpensive and easily available in department and craft stores) are "soft" and you will be able to crochet with 26 and even 23 gauge.
Wire comes in all colors and even different shapes. Bronze, Copper, Brass, Silver, Gold, round, half-round, crinkled, and even squared.
Take your time, practice and have fun.
Crochet Hooks
Most crochet hooks will be fine for crocheting with wire.
Plastic is not advisable as the wire will "slide" and you will not have much control.
Bamboo hooks are not recommended as the wire will "nick" and "dent" the Bamboo.
Aluminum hooks are fine. If you are working with one of the real metals, bronze, silver, etc.
The best hooks are made of Stainless Steel. These are readily available.
Optional Tools
You will need something to cut the wire. If using craft wire or small gauge jewelry wire, a nail clipper will do. There are Jewelry Snippers/Cutters also made for this task.
You may also like a pair of flat nose pliars to flatten the crochet work and round nose pliars for rounding sharp edges. But again, these are not necessary.