Shiney Lounge

FREE tutorial – Make your own findings, Toggle T-Bar Part 2

Learn to make your own Toggle Clasp with a Hoop and T-bar. We recently featured Part 1 of this free jewellery tutorial, showing you how to make the hoop part of the clasp. This post shows you how to create the T-bar with 0.8mm wire. We have used a plated craft wire, however, once you are practiced at the art of making your own findings, you can work with Sterling Silver wire.

Read on to discover what tools and techniques are required to make this item. Follow our step by step instructions wtih photo’s to help you along the way. Don’t forget to make a comment, if you want some extra help or just want to tell us what you think of our project.

Tools required

Nylon Jaw Pliers
Snipe Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Flush Cutters

Materials
0.8mm Gold Plated/Silver Plated Craft Wire from Shiney Rocks

Step 1
Grip a 40cm piece of 0.8mm wire 3cms (or twice the diameter of the hoop + 2mm) from one end with the tip of the round nose pliers and make a small loop as shown. It is important that you perfect the length as it will either undo easily or be difficult to do up!



Step 2
Using the tip of the round nose pliers, grip inside the loop at the base where the wires cross. Bend the wire so that it straight and do the same with the other side as shown. Trim 3mm from the short wire.


Step 3
Grip the long wire with the tip of the round nose pliers and make a right angle as shown and make a very small wrapped loop at the end.


Step 4
Grip the loop with the nylon jaw pliers and hold the long wire in one hand while you turn the nylon jaw pliers to wrap the bar, keeping the wraps close together and as neat as you can.


Step 5
Wrap half way along the bar (you may need to measure). At the half way point use the round nose pliers to create a small wrapped loop, with only one or two wraps. Continue wrapping the remainder of the bar. Snip the remaining wire and squash the end with the snipe nose pliers.


Tips:

1) Nylon jaw pliers are a must for these projects. It’s tricky at first, but practice makes perfect and the wrapping will get neater.

2) If you are feeling brave. Take a longer length of wire for the hoop and make the wraps close together for a different finish. Its touch on the fingers but produces a great result.

3) Use coloured wire from Shiney Company in 0.71mm and match your handcrafted findings to the bead colours.