
Tips & Techniques
Learn at Lima Beads!
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
- TLC on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
- K McPhail on “How to make a paper bead”:
“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- Stingray on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- Stingray on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- Joy T on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- K Manley on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
- dolllady aka Pam on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- angmoore2011 on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
- E moccaldi on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:
“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- Dusty Rose on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- R Duhon on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
- L Bernadett on “How to Use Colorful Enamel Accents”:
“Looks like great stuff! Might try it.…” read »
- Wordgrrl on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:
“Has anyone tried the clear sealant on glass beads with special finishes? I'm thinking of Czech…” read »
- C Dallara on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“How do you use resin with an open frame and transfer sheet?…” read »
- Debi z on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“i'd like to hear about securing jump rings closed too. thank you, debi…” read »
- Moogie on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“If you need an answer from Lima, use the customer service link. I don’t think they…” read »
- povertyridgeranch1 on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Did you ever receive an answer about them not answering questions???…” read »
- BeadsVenture on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:
“Great post! Thank you!…” read »
- Jules H on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Hi size of hemp twine ??…” read »
- povertyridgeranch1 on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Are the beads large hole beads? I'll be trying this also I just book marked the…” read »
- Moogie on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“DISCLAIMER—I haven’t actually put a decorative bead in the middle of a sliding closure, but I…” read »
- BEAD WABBIT on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“Can these sheets be die cut on a Big Kick/Big Shot machine using normal dies or…” read »
- kathrynfitzgerald on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot? Also, can…” read »
- kathrynfitzgerald on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot?…” read »
- J Kanalas on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“looking forward to learning this!…” read »
- N Rios on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Hi....my question is in regards to the ring used.....what is the gauge...or do you have it…” read »
- S Behn on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great tutorial, looks easy. Now I want to try it. Thanks Ali.…” read »
- MrsBaum on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to…” read »
- Ebonyfrogg on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:
“I'M HAVING A PROBLEM KEEPING THE WIRE PROTECTOR IN PLACE ...USING ECONOFLEX NYLON COATED .019IN. WIRE.CAN.T…” read »
- Scotti C on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as "One Size Fits Most."…” read »
- doglover72 on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“I have seen the crimp beads here made in gold plated brass, which are much cheaper…” read »
- J Marable on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“I've made a lot of these...using gemstones & Fireline doubled (2 strands). Gemstones are very hard…” read »
- C Edmonds on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I used the elastic cord for awhile,but switched to the nylon cord for more strength(.05mm),because my…” read »
- C Edmonds on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give…” read »
- M Borland on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“What kind of glue is being used in this project?…” read »
- Drio on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and getting so frustrated and wasting…” read »
- Octobermom on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“B Tuttle - ibuse Fireline on a regular. It’s durable and can stand the pulling…” read »
- S Gogna on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Gabriele P: the stretch cording comes in black and clear. They used black here.…” read »
- J rovner on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“best tutorial I've read in a long time. i'll be making some tonight!…” read »
- Sheri Z on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I enjoy the tutorials.…” read »
Making a Memory Wire bracelet
About this Tip:
As a little kid, did you ever "wear" your Slinky on your wrist as a fashion statement? Well, this Memory Wire will bring you back to those days, but here we'll show you how to elevate it to adulthood. Time to get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Cut the length of Memory Wire you want for your bracelet. Do you want one wrap or several? Here's where you start! Line up your cut with the wire's end-- this way your bracelet will appear to start and begin in the same place. This gives a nice finished appearance. Be sure that you're using cutters built for such a sturdy/stiff wire. We recommend the Memory Wire cutters, because they are designed specifically for such a task. |
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Step 2: Decide how you want to end your memory wire: glue on a Memory Wire end or create a loop. Using glue on your ends is a great option and might give you a more seamless look to your bracelet design. But I choose a loop in this example... It allows me more freedom to embellish the ends of my bracelet and you all know how I like to embellish :-) |
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Step 3: String on you beads, finishing off your bracelet the same way that you started it (with either a wire end or a loop). Alright, you're ready-- check out our selection of Memory Wire! |
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
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On Feb 25, 2021 at 5:52 pm
YOU say:

On Oct 19, 2012 at 12:13 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Beautiful bracelet, Ali — love the colors & design! I’ve used memory wire before & you explained its use perfectly! Thanks!
On Oct 24, 2012 at 6:23 pm #
P HOWARD says:Love this bracelet! The mixtures of colors,fibers,and charms are just awsome!!
On Nov 11, 2012 at 10:58 pm #
Granny Nancy says:I love your bracelet. Just one question… I noticed the size indicated large and most other don’t indicate anything. Should we assume that most are for the average wrist, which is usually around 7.5″?
Thanks, Granny
On Nov 13, 2012 at 11:40 am #
Erin Sue says:Memory wire is highly addictive and should be used with caution….just sayin.
On Nov 15, 2012 at 11:59 am #
Kate says:Hi Granny! All the dimensions listed on these memory wires can get a little confusing to juggle. The one to pay attention to for wrist sizing is the Coil Dimension. With the “standard” you’ll see, for example, 1.75″-2.25″ which means it has an approximately 8″ circumference. The “large” has a coil of 2.25″-2.63″ which will come out to nearly 10″ circumference. Does that make sense?
On Nov 19, 2012 at 11:59 pm #
Jewelry Guy says:Beautiful! I like the idea of having a loop on the end. That would be a good spot to add a charm or two.
On Nov 24, 2012 at 9:40 am #
Tigz says:Very inventive and look the unique feel to it
On Nov 24, 2012 at 9:45 am #
Retro By Design says:Love your design & I love making these bracelets. So easy and u can make so many different designs. Thanks for.sharing
On Dec 07, 2012 at 3:40 pm #
Lily Cat says:Thanks, Ali!! It’s just beautiful!! I just made a memory wire bracelet for the first time and it came out great, except for the loops on the ends. I think they are too large. The wire is so hard to bend and I messed up the 2nd one I made cuz I bent the end up trying to make the loop! Is there an easier way to make the loop? I was using 24! Thanks for any input you can give me! You are really very innovative!!!!
On Dec 11, 2012 at 11:22 am #
Ali says:Wire-wrapping as a technique can take some time to fully master. Of course, it helps to have the right tools to start with! But getting a feel for metal working like this really does just take practice!!
Here are a couple tutorials that could help get your wires workin’:
http://www.limabeads.com/Wire-Wrap-a-Bail-on-a-Teardrop-T9
http://www.limabeads.com/Wire-Wrapped-Cover-on-a-Teardrop-T10
http://www.limabeads.com/Wire-Wrap-a-Charm-T11
On Jan 10, 2013 at 8:21 pm #
Evangelina says:Very beautiful bracelet.
I have a question….
If you make the loop on the end before you put on the beads, that means the beads can fit over the loop. So wouldn’t the beads be able to fall off?
On Jan 10, 2013 at 9:14 pm #
C Helman says:I like the memory wire bracelet look. I’m supposing the loop on the end to start with keeps the beads on. Thanks for the motivating demo.
On Jan 11, 2013 at 11:20 am #
DB says:Great explanation! I usually use bead caps but I think I will experiment with this method. I especially love the design, and I may mimic it in my trademark blues. browns, and greens.
On Jan 21, 2013 at 3:50 pm #
Granny Nancy says:Hey Kate,
Thanks for the response. I forgot to come back to look for one. I just copied your answer to save so I can refer to it and study on it. At 73 and a long time of being sick and caring for a sick husband, my brain tends not to be all that cooperative. They say to keep using it so as not to lose it totally. What better way than making jewelry…eh!
On Jan 26, 2013 at 9:11 pm #
Evangelina says:Bracelet is so pretty. I keep looking at it every time I come on Lima Beads
So pretty!
On Mar 02, 2013 at 7:55 pm #
GWENDOLINE c says:Hi, I just this site the ideas are great,it lovely the way you share the ideas with us all. what I want to know is what differents it makes as to what menorie wire you use if you are going to cover it with beads. Hope this makes sence , I am a beginner. thank you again
On Mar 21, 2013 at 12:16 pm #
Alem z says:i Really like bead work and all materials i want know more to learn how to make by wire and bead bracelet thank you
On Mar 28, 2013 at 12:15 am #
motelprisoner says:Hi Gwendoline,I can answer your question. Most of the time it makes no difference which color wire to use, since you are covering it. The exceptions are when you “loop” the ends; you will see the wire color and you would want to consider color of wire blending with your chosen beads or embellishments on the loop. Also, I sometimes leave space on purpose between my beads if I particularly like the color/shine on my wire. Hope that helps answer your question.
On Apr 18, 2013 at 2:36 pm #
dutchyswife58 says:I’m new to jewelry making and have so much to learn. You mentioned using glue at the end of the bracelet as an alternative to loops. Could you please tell me what kind of glue is used to do this?
Thank you.
On Apr 23, 2013 at 2:41 pm #
Kate says:Dutchy– My favorites are the hypo cement or our very own LimaStudios epoxy: http://www.limabeads.com/Adhesives-C3769
On Jun 04, 2015 at 9:50 pm #
G Sanchez says:I am new to the jewelry making world & would love tips on selling my jewelry
On Aug 27, 2015 at 3:03 pm #
The Kooky Zone says:Beautiful colors for fall. inspiring too! I have memory wire now and have been picking beads and such!always nice to have a boost.
On May 09, 2016 at 12:07 pm #
nandddtkk54 says:I am new to using Menory Wire but is there adifferences. Been the size of wire u use i have some Large Chrystals and the white doesn’t. Seem heavy enough to hoid up got at Micheal’s craft store. See some in Pinterest they look so Great. Need help
On Jul 16, 2016 at 8:30 am #
Natalie R says:Beautiful! I am wondering – why would I buy oval v.s. round memory wire for bracelets? Do you have a preference? Thanks!
On Aug 20, 2017 at 5:09 pm #
Beauty Earth says:Have been experimenting with memory wire off and on. Got frustrated becs. bracelets I made looked like my wrist was pinched when I wore them. Then…discovered memory wire comes in sizes!! Also, discovered diff. weights for the “wire”, which really changed how bracelets fit. Anyway, actually made one I wear, and like! Here’s pic. of it “under construction”.
On Nov 28, 2017 at 4:06 pm #
G Thomas says:I’m new to beading and had a disaster with looming my clasps came apart.
So I thought memory wire would be easier for my grandchildren! Silly question I know but do I have to stretch the wire at all for different size wrists ie: child to adult only have seen it for sale and it all seems same size.
Told you I was new to this
On Dec 08, 2017 at 8:24 pm #
Kumali Z says:i LOVE THE MEMORY WIRE BRACELETS.
On Dec 12, 2017 at 1:57 pm #
J Cossin says:I just made my 1st Memory Wire bracelet! I love it, its super easy! Your right about the addicting part! I can’t stop thinking about how many coils to make the next one! Thank You!
On Sep 16, 2019 at 4:35 pm #
Scotti C says:I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as “One Size Fits Most.” I have a customer who loves to order them from me. I use “Large” memory wire coils. She recently showed me where a bracelet I made for her now had gaps of wire between a few of the beads. At first I thought maybe some beads had broken and come off, but now I think it’s just that she stretched the bracelet to fit her arm, stretching it out to the point that the beads no longer cover all of the wire. Does that make sense? I opened the bracelet up and added a couple of beads to it to fix the problem, but is there anything else I could do before I send a bracelet to a customer to prevent this (I can’t imagine what…)
On Oct 25, 2019 at 9:15 am #
MrsBaum says:Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to sell my jewelry one day. Question: what thickness of beading wire do you all recommend?