Daily Wire Tip March 14: Hook Opening on Wire Bracelets
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
March 14, 2010
Question:
Dale, in your book, you show making the bracelet so the hook opening points away from the wrist. Other bracelet patterns often show the hook pointing toward the wrist. Does it make a difference?
Answer:
Great question, thanks! In my many years of making and selling hundreds of wire bracelets with a hook and eye clasp, I have only ever had one customer request that I turn the hook around to face ‘in’, toward her wrist (which is simple to do ‘on the spot’). With the hook facing ‘out’, away from the wrist, it is so easy for one to be able to put a bracelet on and take it off, with one hand, eliminating the need for struggle or another person to help (especially for those with arthritis). Also, if you think about it, the majority of folks who purchase bracelets are ‘working’, writing or using a computer, and when the hook faces ‘in’, it can dig into the arm. The next question that I am usually asked about facing the hook ‘out’ is if it won’t catch on clothing. The answer here is; that unless one is wearing something with an extremely loose weave, such as crochet, because the hook is rounded in shape, it most often it just glides over most fabric.
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
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bracelet, eye clasp, hook, opening, points, wrist
Filed under:Daily Wire Jewelry Tips‚ Project Help‚ Technique Tips‚ Wire & Wire Wrapping
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I agree with your thinking, the jewelry should be comfortable and not just beautiful. That’s why I always make sure there are no sharp edges on trimmed wire. A small set of files is handy and a wire rounder (Product ID: G14-19) is a great help.
Folks what Val is referring to, for ease in explanation WS calls a ‘Wire Rounder’, technically it is a ‘Cup Burr’. (For which we have a video tip regarding its use found here: http://wire-sculpture.com/jewelry-making-blog/855/removing-wire-burrs/ )
I’ve made hundreds of bracelets and always make my hook and eye clasp to face in. It’s never bothered me wearing one while typing on a computer etc since the hook is rounded and it clasps just as easy as the other way with one hand. I think it just a matter of choice and there really is no different either way except if your wear a crochet blouse that it could get stuck on. Maybe clasping my designs facing in makes my bracelet different because most artist clasp it facing out.
I’m with the lady that asked Dale to turn the hook inside. I have caught the outside hooks on things in my purse when trying to get something out of the bottom. I have some arthritis in my thumbs and have no problem getting them hooked to the inside. I tell my students what Dale suggests – as the expert and then tell them my preference. They decide which way they want the hook to go. In the ones I sell – I make them to my preference, but for orders I ask them which way they prefer.
LOL…we are all different in our take on this one. Since I spend 8 hours a day on a computer typing away, I want that hook to face the outside. And I make sure that the hook has a slight curve on its tip so that it doesn’t catch on things and any bracelt I have made has never done that. Plus I have never had any problem getting a bracelet off my wrist doing it the way Dale taught me years ago.
Sometimes what is best for you is a good reason to use that technique as long as you do explain the differences when teaching it.