Wire Mesh Ribbon Tutorials

Here are some tips for using Italian Tubular Wire Mesh Ribbon:

For more information on this versatile product please visit our What is Italian Tubular Wire Mesh Ribbon? page. If you like, you may view our entire line of wire mesh ribbon in thumbnail images. Click to view 6mm ribbon or 20mm ribbon.

Please note: Individual colors of the wire mesh ribbon will vary to some extent in weight and texture, depending on the metals used to create that particular color. In general, the heavier weight colors are in a higher price category than the lighter-weight colors. All colors will work nicely when employing the techniques described here on our tutorials page.

For stringing beads onto the wire mesh, the mesh can be rolled at the tip to create its' own needle. Simply pinch and roll the end of a piece of mesh between your index finger and your thumb, and roll it tightly so it forms its' own vertical "needle." You can make this needle as long as you like in order to fit it through the beads that you are using. When you are using the 20mm mesh your beads should have a nice sized hole, so the mesh can fit through easily... a bead with a 3mm hole works best. The 6mm mesh, when rolled tightly, should fit into beads with as little as a 1mm hole. Later, when your piece is finished, the needle can be trimmed and placed into a leather-crimp to which your clasp is then attached, (see directions for finishing your piece below).

For Knotting the Beads In Place:

You knot with a knotting awl, which enables you to get the knots very close to the bead, thus holding it in place. Leave about 2 inches of space between the last knot you completed and the next knot you want to create, so you can fan out the mesh. Simply make a knot, slide on the bead, make another knot as close to your bead as possible, leave space, and repeat the process until you get to the desired length of the piece. Then close the piece off with leather-crimps, as described below, add your clasp, and your finished. This method works best if you are using light-weight beads. Heavier beads will pull the mesh down, but you can always fluff it up in different areas once it is around your neck.

For Ruffled Mesh:

The best way to make a piece that is permanently ruffled is to take about 2 meters of the 20mm mesh and to insert another stiffer cord, like leather, inside of it. Then, starting at one end, gently push the mesh along the inserted cord, towards the opposite end, as you hold it in place. The mesh will begin to form ruffled clumps, which you can shape as you go. Because this technique requires a lot of mesh in order to complete a necklace, it is best to experiment will a smaller piece until you get the hang of it. We've included some example photos below:

For Making Two-Tone Pendant Cords:

For hanging pendants, I like to use the 6mm mesh with another cord, like silk or leather in a contrasting color, inserted inside the mesh. Since the mesh is tubular, this technique works well, and also makes your finished piece stronger. To insert the cord, tie the cord which is to be inserted on to the hook-end of a very thin crotchet hook (size 2 works well). Then gently insert the hook into the mesh tube itself with the cord attached. As you work the hook through the mesh it pulls the attached cord with it. Be very careful and gentle when employing this technique, so you don't accidentally rip the mesh as you work. After your cord is inserted, trim it down so it is even with the mesh at both ends, then attach your clasp.

Another attractive way to use the mesh with pendants is to simply string it with other cords creating an interesting mix of colors and textures, as in this example. To finish your piece, make sure your mesh and other cords are the same length and are even at the ends, then attach your clasp following the steps below.

Finishing the Ends and Attaching the Clasp:

Using a piece of clear tape, tape about a half inch piece at the end of your wire mesh. If you are using other cords along with the mesh, tape all of them together. Once the end is taped, it should resemble the plasticized end of a shoelace. This will stop the mesh from fraying at the ends, thus keeping it stronger. After your end is taped, trim it down so it fits nicely placed inside the leather crimp. Using flat-nose jewelry pliers, crimp tightly, one side of the crimp at a time. Then attach jump rings and clasp.