DIY Adorable Pendant with Modified Sumac Weave: Easy Wire Wrapping Tutorial

Updated at: 19/05/2025

Ever wished you could craft stunning, unique jewelry without needing years of experience? Then get ready to be charmed! This tutorial will guide you through creating an adorable pendant using a modified sumac weave technique, a surprisingly simple wire wrapping method perfect for beginners. We'll transform humble wire into a captivating piece that's perfect for adding a touch of handmade elegance to your style or gifting to a loved one. This technique offers a beautiful, textured finish that elevates the overall design, allowing for considerable creative freedom in colour and bead choices.

Forget complicated knotting and intricate patterns; this modified sumac weave is incredibly intuitive and surprisingly quick to master. You'll be amazed at how easily you can create a professional-looking pendant from basic materials. Ready to get started and transform simple wire into a gorgeous piece of jewelry? Let's dive into the step-by-step process below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 20 gauge wire
  • 28 gauge round wire
  • 12mm round cabochon
  • Chain nose pliers
  • Round nose pliers
  • Flush cutters
  • Ruler
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use wire cutters designed for jewelry making; attempting to cut wire with other tools can lead to injury.
  • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying wire fragments during cutting and wrapping.
  • Be mindful of sharp wire ends after cutting. Use pliers to gently bend them inwards to prevent accidental scratches or pokes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Base Wires

    • Arrange three 20-gauge wires parallel to each other.
    Arrange three 20-gauge wires parallel to each other.
    Prepare Base Wires

  2. Initial Sumac Weave

    • Begin the modified sumac weave using 28-gauge wire, wrapping it around the base wires.
    • Weave the 28-gauge wire around the base wires five times using the modified sumac weave pattern.
    • Compress the weave and wrap the weaving wire around the bottom base wire three more times to secure it. Trim excess wire.
    Compress the weave and wrap the weaving wire around the bottom base wire three more times to secure it. Trim excess wire.Compress the weave and wrap the weaving wire around the bottom base wire three more times to secure it. Trim excess wire.Compress the weave and wrap the weaving wire around the bottom base wire three more times to secure it. Trim excess wire.
    Initial Sumac Weave

  3. Form the Pendant Frame

    • Coil the weaving wire around the middle base wire for about 3/4 of an inch on each side.
    • Use your fingers to gently wrap the coiled wire around the cabochon to create a frame.
    • Bend the wires straight up and parallel to each other at the point where the coil ends.
    Bend the wires straight up and parallel to each other at the point where the coil ends.Bend the wires straight up and parallel to each other at the point where the coil ends.Bend the wires straight up and parallel to each other at the point where the coil ends.
    Form the Pendant Frame

  4. Secure the Frame (Right Side)

    • Wrap the weaving wire around the back base wire on the right side three times.
    • Wrap the weaving wire around all wires three times to bind them together.
    Wrap the weaving wire around all wires three times to bind them together.Wrap the weaving wire around all wires three times to bind them together.
    Secure the Frame (Right Side)

  5. Second Sumac Weave

    • Create another modified sumac weave using the front two wires, wrapping for about 3/4 inch to an inch.
    • Complete the sumac weave, wrapping around the bottom base wire three times. Trim excess wire.
    Complete the sumac weave, wrapping around the bottom base wire three times. Trim excess wire.Complete the sumac weave, wrapping around the bottom base wire three times. Trim excess wire.
    Second Sumac Weave

  6. Attach Bail and Secure Base Wires

    • Pull apart the wires, bending the bail portion over the top. Direct the remaining base wires through the frame to secure it.
    • Curve the bottom base wire on the right side and secure it to the frame.
    • Create another coil around the base wire, slide it down and secure it to the frame.
    • Secure the remaining base wires to the frame.
    Secure the remaining base wires to the frame.Secure the remaining base wires to the frame.Secure the remaining base wires to the frame.Secure the remaining base wires to the frame.
    Attach Bail and Secure Base Wires

  7. Stone Setting

    • Bend the front of the frame to create prongs for the stone.
    • Insert the stone, ensuring sufficient surface area.
    Insert the stone, ensuring sufficient surface area.Insert the stone, ensuring sufficient surface area.
    Stone Setting

Read more: DIY Tiered Tassel Earrings: A Quick & Easy Jewelry Tutorial

Tips

  • Take your time, especially when creating the frame around the stone.
  • Use a dowel if wrapping the wire around the stone is difficult.
  • Ensure wires are parallel and neatly arranged for a clean finish.
  • A pull-and-twist method is a efficient way to trim excess wire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Wire Wrapping

Reason: Inconsistent tension while wrapping the wire can lead to a lopsided or uneven pendant.
Solution: Maintain consistent tension throughout the wrapping process, using a steady hand and even pressure.

2. Loose or Weak Knots

Reason: Poorly tied knots can cause the pendant to come undone or the components to fall apart over time.
Solution: Use secure knotting techniques and double-check the tightness of each knot before proceeding.

3. Incorrect Wire Gauge Selection

Reason: Using a wire gauge that is too thin or too thick can make the pendant either flimsy or too bulky and difficult to work with.
Solution: Choose a wire gauge appropriate for the size and weight of the components and your desired pendant size.

FAQs

What type of wire is best for this modified sumac weave pendant?
For beginners, I recommend using 20-22 gauge craft wire. It's easy to work with and holds its shape well. You can experiment with different colours and even metallic finishes once you're comfortable with the technique.