Twisted Wire Cross

Judy Larson Materials: 3 feet of 18 gauge square wire 18 gauge half round wire Tools: Flush cutter Round, chain, and flat nose pliers Painters tape Ultra fine point Sharpie marker
Directions: Step 1: Using 18 gauge square wire, straighten and cut two upper side wires at 3 long and two lower side wires at 4 long. Step 2: Using 18 gauge square wire, straighten and cut one center length wire 5 long. If you would like that piece twisted as in the photo, add this length to the wire length in the next step. Step 3: Straighten, cut and twist one 17 piece of 18 gauge square wire. Step 4: Cut the twisted wire using the same measurements as in Step 1 for 2 more upper and lower side wires. Step 5: Mark the center of the four 3 wires and 1 in from one end on the four 4 wires. Step 6: Make a 90 degree bend at the mark on all 8 marked wires. Step 7: Lay all 9 wires out as shown. Push the wires together. Pull the center wire down so it is longer than the bottom wires. Use painters tape as shown to hold the wires together for wrapping.

Step 8: Using half round wire, make 3-4 wraps to show at the center of the cross. Make sure to start and end on the back. The front and back are shown.

Step 9: Remove the painters tape. Measure out from center of the wraps and mark the following distances on the cross: Arms-7/16 Top-5/8 Bottom-1

Step 10: Using half round wire, make 3-4 wraps to show from the marks out, making sure to cover the marks. Make sure to start and end on the back. Step 11: Cut all the outer square wires to a length of 3/8 beyond the last wrap. Step 12: Cut all the outer twisted wires to a length of 5/8. DO NOT CUT THE CENTER WIRE. The trimmed wires on the lower portion of the cross are shown below.

Step 13: Using round nose pliers, curl an outer square wire to the outside of the cross. Step 14: Using round nose pliers, curl the twisted wire until the curl touches the square wire curl.

Step 15: Repeat for all the wires. Do not curl the center wire at this point.

Step 16: Position the tips of round nose pliers on the center wire close to the loops. Make a 45 degree bend in the wire. Wrap the center wire around the largest portion of the round nose pliers jaw. Trim the wire off where it overlaps.

Step 17: Check the wraps on the back of the cross and make sure they are tight and will not snag on clothing.

Now that you have mastered this beautiful easy cross, use 21 gauge square and half round wire to made a more diminutive one. Also, check all the wire crosses on the internet for inspiration.