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Making a Memory Wire bracelet

Bigger Photo

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:

	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.
	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 :-)
	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!

Designs using this Tip:

Memories of Fall

by Ali

Read the comments (or add your own)

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!