I’ve been working through the Stark book – my bible. I’d like
to make a necklace using the side weave double (chain 13) but in
a wider width. The book calls for 18g wrapped on a 9/16 dowel
and yields a chain that’s about 1/2" wide. Any suggestions on
how to change the wire gauge and dowel diameter to make the
finished chain wider?
Alternatively, does anyone have any pattern suggestions for a
wider necklace, say 1", other than the ones in Stark’s book that
require soldering loop in loop chains together?
I suggest that you do some experimenting using differant gauges
of copper wire, soldering the links insted of fusing. A source
for various large gauge copper is a friendly electrition that is
working on a commercial or industrial project. There are usually
wire scraps from a few inches to 2 feet long left over on
projects. If you don’t take advantage of the electrition’s good
nature, the scraps may be free.
rita, i am also into chain making. i have thestark book also.in
order to make the chain larger you need to work on a percentage
basis. if you go to a 16 gauge that is a26% increase from 18
gauge. therefore yo must make the dowel 26% larger. with help from
some tables and my trusty hp , it was calculated that 11/16 would
be the size dowel you would need. if you cant find 11/16 inch use
3/4 and you should be fine. let me know how it turns out. sb