Ask the Experts Crochet Q&A

I would like to know what wire to use for bead crochet.

- Mary

26- through 34-gauge dead-soft wire is best for ease of forming the crochet stitch on the crochet hook as well as for creating a delicate wire-lace look.

Sterling silver wire is ideal for this type of work due to its malleability, as are colored Zebra Wire™, ParaWire™ and Wrapit® wire. These brands bring the option of color for contrasting—or complementing—palettes with your selection of beads.

Thicker wire gauges, such as 22 and 24, are better suited for bangles and cuff bracelets, and for designs with wire frames (with or without added beads). These gauges wear well but are more difficult to weave by hand than the thinner gauges.