Stitching With Wire

[JC Javelle]

I picked up some 26-gauge jewellery wire and attempted a small stitching project. It didn't really go to well, mostly due to the rigidity of the wire. The wire wasn't difficult to bend, but once bent, unbending it was not an option. If the wire becomes kinked or develops an unfortunate bend, it isn't coming out and can look pretty horrible.

To be honest, I have only made one attempt and probably did not exercise additional care in handling the write while sewing. With extra care it may be possible to effectively stitch with wire and perhaps the results will justify the extra effort. I have a couple of small projects coming up and I'll give it another try.

If I can complete the stitching using the wire, I'll post the results.

If you are sewing through more than one layer, you might consider using multiple strands and sewing the wire in short intervals.

I asked my husband, whom is a machinist and welder, what he thought wouldn't kink, and he suggested MIG welding wire (strongest, anti-kinking wire he can think of, supposed to be pretty too). I am trying to look up sizes, but most manufacturers have from .045" to .023". I am trying to see if I can find it any smaller than .023" which is about a 23 gauge. But so far I am having no luck.

Jessica

Additional note: Aluminum wire is likely to soft and will break, so hands up between low allow steel and carbon steel wire. Stainless steel is also available but is much less flexible than carbon steel. One day next week I will ask for a short piece from my husband when his shop is open so I can play with it and see if it may be a good idea or not.

Jessica

Edited November 26, 2011 by JC Javelle

[Moongara]

I only use wire when stitching leather. 28, 30 and 32 copper (either color coated or bare) are the most reliable I have found, though 26 gauge copper is also a viable option. 28 gauge brass, 30 and 32 gauge stainless steel are also good options. 

[PigasusStudio]

On 6/4/2018 at 4:57 PM, Moongara said:

I only use wire when stitching leather. 28, 30 and 32 copper (either color coated or bare) are the most reliable I have found, though 26 gauge copper is also a viable option. 28 gauge brass, 30 and 32 gauge stainless steel are also good options. 

Interesting look, thanks for sharing! :0)

[Smartee]

I haven't tried stitching with wire yet but I know when I make gumpaste flowers for cakes I use wire as thin as 33g and as thick as 18 - 20g.  When getting a kink in the thinner wires I used one of my plastic or wood modeling tools to "roll" the kink out.  Usually worked very well for this.

JC Javelle ~ I also used to be a welder - stick, MIG, TIG, gas -  I've used some TIG wire that would be thin enough but I've never seen/used any MIG wire that thin.  We always TIG welded all of the real thin stuff.

Something else to use my flower wire for

 

[Canoeswamp1911]

I have used 18 gauge copper wire in place of thread when I make business card holders. It takes about 5’ of wire. One can avoid kinks by handling the wire gently and tightening each stitch slowly. 

I’m not sure how long it takes the wire to start tarnishing ... I’ve given away the few I’ve made so far. I also use #4 copper rivets on the on the corners of the holder. 

I’m going to attempt to use 16 gauge to see if it fills the punched holes a little better than the 18 gauge wire.

I’ll post pictures the next time I make a holder. 

Edited August 3, 2019 by Canoeswamp1911
Clarity

[bullmoosepaddles]

@Canoeswamp1911 Thank you. I would appreciate seeing the pictures of your work.