How to Crochet a Bead and Wire Bracelet

Wire crochet gives this bracelet a light, lacy appearance.

Step 1: String the Beads Onto the Wire.

Leave the wire attached to the spool when you do this! You'll cut it after you've crocheted it. Always start and finish with two or three of your smallest beads, and string them in random order in between.

Step 2: Your Strand of Beads Should Be No Longer Than the Width of Your Wrist.

You'll need far fewer beads than you think! See how long my strand of beads is compared with my wrist? That's all you'll need for the first strand of your bracelet. When you crochet the wire, this strand will become much longer. And if you begin with too many beads, your bracelet will end up too large.

Step 3: Push the Beads Along the Wire Out of the Way, and Then Chain Four.

push the beads along the wire out of your way for a moment, and make a slip knot in the wire. Add your crochet hook and chain four.

Step 4: Crochet the Beads Into the Chain.

Begin adding beads with the next chain, and continue crocheting until you've used all the beads. End your strand by chaining four. Remove your hook and cut the wire from the spool with a 6-inch tail

Step 5: Crochet Three Beaded Strands of Equal Length.

Then repeat these steps to make two more beaded crochet strands. Looking at them side by side here, we can notice a few important design considerations:
1 Each strand is the same at both ends: There are two or three small beads and four chains.
2 I've taken care to spread my largest and most prominent beads out among these three strands. See how the red beads are placed so that they won't overlap when I combine all these strands?
3 I've also taken care to separate my largest beads with some smaller ones. This helps the finished bracelet have a more graceful shape.

Step 6: Gently Twist the Ends of the Three Strands Together.

Time to combine those three strands! Start by putting the strands together at one end and gently twisting the uncrocheted ends of wire together.

Step 7: Loosely Braid the Strands Together.

Next, loosely braid the three strands together.

Step 8: Twist the Other End of the Wires Together.

When you reach the other end of the bracelet, gently twist the uncrocheted wires at that end together.

Step 9: To Begin Making a Wire Loop, Bend the Wire at a 90-degree Angle.

To finish off the ends of the bracelet, we'll make a wrapped loop. Start this by using needle-nose pliers to bend the twisted wire at a 90-degree angle.

Step 10: Loop the End of the Wire Back Around and Wrap the End Around the Bottom of the Loop.

Take the end of the twisted wire in your fingers, and gently wrap it in a loop around the pliers.
Move the pliers so you're holding them flat across this loop. Now, take the end of the twisted wire in your fingers again, and wrap them three times around. Cut the ends of the wire close to the loop, and use the pliers to bend down any wire that sticks up from your cut.

Step 11: This Is the Correct Way to Open a Jump Ring.

Time to install a clasp. I prefer a toggle clasp for this bracelet, but you can also use a magnetic clasp, although they work best if your beads aren't too heavy. Use the pliers to open an 8mm jump ring.

Step 12: Place Half of the Clasp and the End Loop of the Bracelet Onto the Jump Ring and Then Close It.

Place the loop end of your bracelet and one half of your clasp onto the jump ring, and close it with the pliers. Repeat this step on the other end of the bracelet to install the other half of the clasp.
And voila! You're done!