Ask the Experts Wire Gauge Q&A

What gauge of metal wire should I use for making a beaded Christmas tree with size 11/0 seed beads? The wire needs to be strong enough to support the weight of many glass seed beads, plus miniature ornaments of metal and glass, but it also needs to be narrow enough to fit through the seed bead holes. Thanks for your help!

- Tess

A 22-gauge wire will fit well inside your size 11/0 seed beads. Zebra Wire™, a color-coated copper wire, is a good choice for this project because it comes in many different colors. Be careful as you bend and twist the wires against each other, because although the seed beads will be solid against the wire, they are glass and can break.