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By: Nancy LT Hamilton

Last updated: 03/16/26, 11/2/20, 4/10/20, 6/21/19, 11/25/17

There are many videos available on my YouTube Channel – currently almost 130 of them! (as of June 21, 2019).  Check out my channel and spend a day, a week, or a month learning something new!

The Patterns

 Sister Hook Clasp

• Adjustable Ring Shank Pattern
• Basic Bail Patterns
• Cuff Patterns
• DIY Bench Pin
• End Caps – Crimp style.  Aka:  Fold-over Crimps
• Fancy Bail Patterns
• Fold-over Bail Pattern
• The Locking Loop Clasp Pattern
• Multi-Petaled Flower Pattern
• Sister Hook Clasp – A strong, solderless clasp
• Split Card Setting – Elegant stone setting

Split card setting

• Pin Back or Brooch Back Patterns – Jewelry Making
• Saddle Ring Patterns – includes a video of how I designed the ring pattern and instructions
• Whale’s Tail Pendant Pattern
• Wire Clasp Patterns

Check out my Projects Page too!

Information on attaching and adjusting patterns

• I cut close to the patterns to be able to see the metal beneath them.  This allows for more efficient use of the metal and creates less waste.

  In the image on the left, I can wiggle the pattern into tight spots, whereas with the pattern on the right, I cannot see where the metal lies beneath it.

• I glue my patterns to the metal.  First, I sand the area with 400g wet-dry sandpaper. This removes dirt and gives the glue a little “tooth” to hold on to.  I either print my patterns on   Avery Shipping Labels (full sheets) or use a glue stick to attach the pattern.  Wait 10-15 minutes for the glue to dry.
• After sawing, I soak the pattern and metal in water (for the glue-stick method), or, with the Avery method, I try to pry off the label.  If stuck, I soak off the paper and either use a green scrubby (Scotch-Brite Heavy-Duty Scouring Pads    ) and soapy water, or employ a little “Goo Gone“.

Gluing Metal Sheets Together

You can save yourself a ton of work by gluing your metal sheets together.  This method allows you to saw and finish once, since the pieces are attached.

•  I use Cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) for this process. I sand the two sides that will be facing each other, with 400 or 600 grit wet-dry sandpaper first, and then wipe off the metal dust.  Next, clamp them together with small metal spring clamps.    Adding a tooth to the metal helps the glue to hold.  Warning:  the glue sets FAST!  You will probably only be able to place it once, so aim well!

TIP:  Spread the glue with a toothpick that has had one end pounded flat.  These make great disposable brushes!

• To separate the metal sheets after sawing and sanding, I use my torch to burn off the superglue and release the bond.  There are NASTY FUMES produced, so you need great ventilation – if you can smell it, it’s not working!

TIP: While the metal is glued together, you can sand the edges after sawing so the pieces come out exactly the same.  Great for matching halves and cleaning up two sets of edges at once!  Booyah!

• Another way to remove the superglue is to soak the pieces in Acetone.  Once again, VENTILATION, gloves, masks, goggles!

***See my video and webpage on Ventilation. Please.

• The patterns can be resized using photo-editing software such as Photoshop, Canva or Pixlr Editor.  Please see my webpage: Photo Editing Software for some of the programs available – some even free!

Project Videos

• Beginning Jewelry Projects: Making and Soldering a Pendant
• Beginning Jewelry Projects:  Making and Soldering a Pearl Ring
• How to Make a Domed Ring:  Parts One, Two, and Three
• How to Make a Metal Cuff Bracelet: Parts One and Two
• How to Make a Ring: Parts One, Two, and Three
• How to Make Chain:  The Fly-Eye and Loop-in-loop Chains.
• Making a Solderless Bead: Part One and Part Two.
• Stone Setting: Creating a Frame Setting for Cabochons: Parts One, Two, and Three
• See my videos:  Creating Patterns for Jewelry Design. How to Make Metal Flowers – Part 1 and How to Make Metal Flowers – Part 2.
• See my videos:  Brooches and Pin Backs Part One and Brooches and Pin Backs Part Two.

• Related Videos

  • Wire-Working, Intermediate Shapes – Bails, and Links
  • Soldering Jewelry: How to Solder Settings, Bails, and Wire
  • Two Bails and a Clasp
  •  Creating Patterns For Jewelry Design
  • Check out my videos that talk about clasps: How to make a hook and eye clasp, part one of 4. Two Bails and a Clasp.
  • New Videos 3/2026:  How to Make the Toggle,  Locking Loop, and Wire Safety Clasps and The Focal Point Wire Clasp.

Enjoy.