Page 8      Jewelry Making with Beads and Wire -- What a Beginner Needs to Know

A figure 8 connector is a jewelry wire component in the shape of the number 8.  It is made of two loops oriented opposite one another.  Both of these loops can be opened and closed using the techniques that we discussed on page 5.  The figure 8 connector is made by making a simple P loop, then with your round nose pliers gripping the wire tail next to this initial loop and making a second loop in the opposite direction.  For pictures and directions on how to make a figure 8, please select here. 

Using a figure 8 connector or jump ring is a way to connect two loops and change the orientation of the two components.  When directly connected two wire components tend to orient themselves at right angles to one another.  Using a figure 8 connector or jump ring will change this orientation so that the items will tend to be parallel to one another. 

There are some occasions where you will need to use a connector to connect two wire components but you don't want to change the orientation of the two components.  This can be done by a modified figure 8 connector.  This modified connector has a top loop that is perpendicular to the bottom loop.  Instructions for making this modified figure 8 connector can be found here. 

 Most, but not all of the jewelry supplies shown here can be purchased in our WigJig store.  We try to have a complete selection of jewelry supplies in our store including chain, wire, glass beads, findings, watches, tools, etc.