Beyond the Basics
The BASICS, seen here, starts with a 10-strand necklace with 1mm or 3mm WireLace and a quantity of 100, 4mm bicone crystals. Once you understand the concept you can go Beyond the Basics to create your own style - adding more strands or less crystals such as the three styles shown on this page.
How much WireLace do I need for the styles shown?
The ‘BASICS’ and CLUSTER Style (below) use 5 yards for an 18-inch necklace. The CURLY and GROUPED STAGGERED styles use 10 yards of WireLace to make an 18 inch necklace.
What if I want to make the necklace longer than 18 inches or add even more strands?
You can simply use less strands to increase the length or use a lobster clasp and extender chain. To add more strands and/or make a longer necklace use a second spool of WireLace. Start the second spool on the opposite side of the cardboard template so you have tie-off strands on both ends of the board.
How can I mix two colors of WireLace in the same necklace?
Simply use two different color spools and start each color on opposite ends of the board OR if you are using 1mm, thread two different colors on your needle then string on the beads.
Since WireLace colors vary in thickness, how will I know which colors will fit through a 4mm bicone bead?
We’ve tested all the colors of 1mm and 3mm and listed the results below. It is important to note that variations in hole sizes and mesh may occur so we encourage you to test your beads to ensure they fit.
1mm and 3mm WireLace Colors that fit through a 4mm bicone
using the fine weight eye needle. 1mm: all colors (one strand and doubled-up) 3mm: black, brass, copper, emerald, grass, marigold, merlot, navy, olive, pale gold, pale silver, red, rust, turquoise.
3mm WireLace colors that do NOT fit through a 4mm bicone.
Replace these colors by doubling 1mm WireLace (like doubling thread to sew). aqua, azure, blush, chocolate, cocoa, dusty rose, lilac, ocean mist, pink, purple, rose gold, seafoam, silver blue, tangerine, tanzanite, titanium
7mm Clamshell End Caps
These 7mm clasps hold more strands than the 4mm bell endcaps, do not require epoxy glue and are easy to use. We recommend adding a dab of GS hypo cement glue on the WireLace knot, then squeeze the clamshell closed over the ends and attach a jump ring and/or clasp to the split ring on top.
Why GS Hypo Cement Glue?
This medium bond glue stays flexible, does not shrink, and is easy to apply with the pinpoint tip. It does not cause the WireLace to become brittle and break as other glues might do.
Grouped-Staggered Style
Strands: 20 (10 wraps) from 1mm WireLace
Crystals: 5 per strand
Quantity: 100 3mm Swarovski Crystal Round Beads
Using the Basics steps, while still on board, stagger and space crystals in groups of 2 and 3 (see below). Follow Basics Steps 3-9. See "Creating the Curl"
Cluster Style
Strands: 10 (5 wraps)
Crystals: 10 per strand
Quantity: 100 4mm mixed Swarovski Crystal Bicone Beads
Follow the instructions for the Basics, instead of gluing the 4mm crystals, slide them to the middle and add an overhand knot of all strands on both sides. On each side, slide a large holed bead (of your choice) over all strands to the knot. Follow Steps 4-9 Basics.
Creating the Curl
When glue is dried, hold each end and rotate in opposite directions to remove all slack. Gently tighten then release and shake lightly. To revive curl repeat steps.
Curly Scatter Style
Strands: 1mm - 20 Strands (10 wraps)
OR 3mm - 20 Strands (10 Wraps)
Crystals: 5 per strand
Quantity: 100 4mm mixed Swarovski Crystal Bicone Beads
While on still on the board stagger crystals to space evenly or according to desired effect. Follow Steps 3-9 Basics.
Click Here to review the Basics.
Click Here to return to the WireLace category.
