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January 28, 2014

Free Tutorial: Wire Infinity Link Chain Bracelet

Free Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

Infinite Love Bracelet


Infinity shapes are very popular in jewelry lately - and this chain is easy and quick to make.  It's also great practice to learn to make consistent size and shape loops.

I added a quick heart shaped clasp because Valentine's Day is on my mind this time of the year. It also gave me the opportunity to give it a really sappy name like Infinite Love.

There is a free tutorial to make the clasp too.

If you like this design, see my Infinity Bracelet with Beads.


Infinity Shape Wire Links


This project is made using one of the simpler wire wrapping shapes - an open loop.

Free Wire Jewelry Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog


The infinity shape (or figure eight) is made up of two loops turned in opposite directions - with the wire ends closely aligned in the center.

Free Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

In my finished infinite love bracelet chain, the links are hammered and joined with a jump ring.  I made a whole bunch of links before deciding I'd like to try flattening them a little.  It may have had more to do with a stressful day and wanting something to hit - than aesthetics, but I like the way the light reflects off the flattened loops too.

Free Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

I also made a chain by joining the links without jump ring connectors and without hammering.  Still a very nice chain!

DIY Infinity Link Chain Instructions

Supplies:
18g wire
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Wire Cutters
File or emery board
Jump Rings (optional)
Steel Bench Block (optional)
Jeweler's Hammer (optional)


Free Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog


1.  Cut a piece of wire for your link and file the ends smooth using the emery board or file.

Each of my wire links use 1 inch or 25 mm of 18g copper wire.  However, depending on this size link you make, you may need a smaller or larger piece of wire for each link.

To figure out how much wire I needed for each link, I made a link that I liked, marked the spot on my round nose pliers and unwrapped and straightened the link to see how long the wire was.

If my loops are too far apart (which means my wire is too long), I trim a little off the inside of the loop and wrap the circle tighter until I have the link that I like.

Free Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

2.  Using your round nose pliers, grasp the wire on one end and turn a simple wire loop.

Free Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog


3.  Grasp the other end of the wire and turn another simple loop on the other side of the wire.  Ideally, the wires ends will meet at the same point in the center.


Free Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

4.  I find it easiest to cut all of my wire, then make all of the links.  You can attach the links using jump rings or by opening the link by bending it to the side using your chain nose pliers, inserting another link and closing the loop by bending it to its original position.

5.  If you like the flattened look of my links, lightly hammer them on a metal block.  Just a warning - when you are hammering something small like this, be prepared .  I sent many links flying across the room and under my work table.  Wear eye protection and make extra links to take into account the ones that flip out of reach.

Free Tutorial for Infinity Link Chain Bracelet at Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog

You can use any type of a clasp for your chain.  On a whim, I made a simple heart shape. Use this free wire heart shape clasp tutorial to make one yourself.  It was very easy and I think it makes the bracelet special.

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18 comments:

  1. It's very nice Lisa I love the tutorial, very informative for the beginner like me. Bu can you show how to hammer also? I heard about I but doesn't know what I meant exactly.

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    1. I will try to add a post about hammering this week. It's pretty easy to do, but you do need a couple of extra tools. One other step I always do is to tumble my jewelry to polish and work harden it. I will be adding information on why that is important in a future post too.

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  2. Thanks for the tut, Lisa. Made the links and rings while watching the President tonight and will do the hammering tomorrow since we are now snowed in.

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    1. And that's how I do it too! Made all the links at my daughter's softball game on Sunday and then came home and hammered. No snow here though! At least it's good for something...

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  3. Thanks for the beautiful bracelet tutorial. I will be trying it out. x

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. I hope it comes out great.

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  4. such a lovely bracelet, I love the clasp

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    1. The clasp was honestly an after thought - but it did come out really cute. I'll post a tutorial on how I made the clasp sometime this week. It's very easy.

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  5. Great tutorial,Lisa, for a versatile jewelry link! Thanks for putting together such clear directions for us all. Hoping to make some of these very soon.

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  6. Beautiful bracelet...I definitely plan to give it a try! Thanks for the tutorial. :-)

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  7. Thanks so much for this awesome tutorial! I'm always on the lookout for new ideas and I absolutely love yours so of course I had to try it immediately! It took me a little over an hour to make, which was really quite simple, and just love how it turned out! Thanks again and keep up the great work!!

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    1. Don't you love it when you can make something this cute that quickly?! I do. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know!

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  8. absolutely adore this, simple & yet intricate!

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    1. Thank you! I still like the one I made too!

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  9. Love love love your tutorials

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    1. Thank you! Glad you enjoy them.

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    2. Lisa, You are amazing! I have tried so many of your projects. Your information is perfect and you are an inspiration to jewelry artists!

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    3. Well aren't you a breath of fresh air?! Thank you for the encouragement and kind words. They are very much appreciated.

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