Page 13      Making Loops in Jewelry Wire Jewelry Making Technique

The modified figure 8 connector is an important connector used to connect two loops without changing the orientation of the two components (as would occur if a regular figure 8 were used.)  This component is important in connecting earring bodies to ear wires and on connecting two closed loops to one-another.  The modified figure 8 connector appears as shown above-right.  Instructions for making this connector begin below. 

Step 1:  Select a piece of wire at least 1 1/2 inches long.  Using your round nose pliers, make a "P" loop in the end of the wire.  See page 2 for instructions on how to make a "P" loop. 

Step 2:  Convert this "P" loop to an eye loop.  See page 6 for directions on how to convert a "P" loop to an eye loop. 

Step 3:  Grasp the eye loop with your bent chain nose pliers and bend the wire tail about 90 degrees in the plane perpendicular to the loop that you just made.  When completed the wire should appear as shown at right. 

Step 4:  Using your round nose pliers grasp the wire tail near the 90 degree bend and make a loop in the wire.  This will probably be a two step process as you will probably need to release your grip on the wire and re-grip so that you can complete the loop without your pliers getting in the way.  When completed the wire should appear as shown at left. 

Step 5:  Cut the excess wire with your flush cutter. 

Step 6:  Close the final loop and you have a completed modified figure 8 connector. 

An alternative approach to making a modified figure 8 connector involves making a regular figure 8 connector and grasping each loop in a different pair of bent chain nose pliers.  Once you are holding both loops tightly then twist one of the loops so that it ends up perpendicular to the other.