How to Make a Simple Loop

Simple loops are the foundation to all wire work. If you are going to explore wire use in your bead projects, you absolutely must learn this technique.

Thread a bead onto your eye pin, and make a 90 degree bend just above your bead using chain nose pliers or your fingers.

Use side cutters to cut the wire, leaving a tail that's about one third of an inch long.

Position your round nose pliers at the end of the tail, making sure the tail faces away from your body. Wrap the wire towards you to create a loop.

When making a link like this you'll want both loops to face the same direction. To do this, grip each loop with a pair of chain nose pliers and just twist until your loops are where you want them.

To open and close the loop, you can use chain nose pliers and gently twist it open from side to side.

Thread a bead onto your head pin, and make a 90 degree bend just above your bead using chain nose pliers or your fingers.

Use side cutters to cut the wire, leaving a tail that's about one third of an inch long.

Face the tail of the wire towards your body, and place the round nose pliers at the end of the wire. Using your thumb nail as a support, wrap the wire away from you to create a loop.

To open and close the loop, you can use chain nose pliers and gently twist it open from side to side.

There are 2 techniques being shown here. These are great techniques to use together when creating a link using wire.

To create a simple loop this way, you'll need to cut a piece of wire approximately three times the length of your bead. If there are any kinks in the wire, you can easily straighten it with a pair of nylon jaw pliers.

Use your round nose pliers to grip the end of the wire.

Use your thumb to push the wire around the edges of the round nose pliers. This forms a shape that looks like a P.

Place your chain nose pliers inside of the loop, and break the neck by bending it away from you 90 degrees.

Thread your bead onto the wire and make a 90 degree bend just above your bead.

Grip the wire with your round nose pliers directly above the bend.

Use your fingers to wrap the wire around your pliers until it touches the bead.

Switch the hand you're using to grip the pliers and use your side cutters to cut the wire just above the bead.

Continue gripping the wire with the round nose pliers, while using a pair of chain nose pliers to pinch the wire shut, creating a finished loop.

When making a link like this you'll want both loops to face the same direction. To do this, grip each loop with a pair of chain nose pliers and just twist until your loops are where you want them.

To open and close the loop, you can use chain nose pliers and gently twist it open from side to side.

Useful Notes: To keep your simple loops the same size you can mark your round nose pliers with a permanent marker.