The Wire & Cord Techniques We Use
The Wire & Cord Techniques We Use
We love using different techniques when we work with wire and cord. For example, we wire-wrap our single beads yet link the grouped ones.
Wire & Cord Techniques: Linking, Wrapping, Knotting
Wire Techniques: Classic Linking
Handmade to Last
We bend sturdy wire into rounded shapes that hold the beads in place, checking beads for quality as we work. These rosaries are both reliable and unique.
The machine-made alternative can come unhooked. The poorer wire quality used in machines does not hold its shape as well as the sturdy wire we use for our handmade loops.
The Artisan Difference
In addition to the usual way to make these rosaries, we add an extra feature. We specialize in wire-wrapping the Our Father beads. We do this because it makes them stand apart from the rest. Click to shop for rosaries with classic links.
Wire Techniques: Wire-Wrapping
The Wire-Wrapped Difference
Archeological evidence of wire wrapping is as early as ancient Egyptian times. Tombs of ancient Pharaohs contain items with wire-wrapped detailing. In recent years, artisans have re-purposed this ancient skill to make rosaries.
The extra turns in the wire help it hold its original shape. As a result, the rosary is sturdy because it will not bend or come unhooked. Because of their enduring quality, wire-wrapped rosaries can last for generations.
Why is it Stronger?
This method differs from basic looping. The wire wrapped around the core strand passes through the beads. While it looks unique, its structure gives the rosary more strength. Wrapping secures caps, beads, and other components in place. As a result, this type of rosary can support heavier beads. When wrapped by hand with sturdy wire, this technique adds heirloom quality to any rosary.
Kinking?
However, it will kink at times as a result of its structure. The rosary can seem stuck or bent. Generally, shaking it gently or lifting and turning the section will fix this.
Easier to Handle
An unexpected benefit is the extra space between the beads. The space created by the wrapped loops on each of the beads makes them easier to grasp during prayer. Even a rosary with smaller beads is easy to manage. Click to shop for wire-wrapped rosaries.
Wire Techniques: Cage-Wrapping
A Swirl of Wire
This type of wrapping is unique because it gives the rosary extra detail. The gentle swirl of wire adds accents to the beads.
Decorative & Unique
There are many forms of cage-wrapping, but we prefer the one shown in the photo. Above all, we like its decorative way of securing the beads. Click to shop for cage-wrapped rosaries.
Cord Techniques: Barrel Knotting
How is Handmade Better?
Handmade cord rosaries are built to last. Artisans wrap durable cord or Paracord into knots that are the optimal size for the bead holes. Cut ends are secured with heat-sealing.
What are Barrel Knots?
Barrel knots are different from other types of knots. We wrap stacked rows of cord around the anchor strand that passes through the beads. It looks like a neat, tall stack instead of a messy, round ball. This method secures the beads.
Spacing the Knots
Our handmade cord rosaries have enough thumb space to slide the beads during prayer. The added advantage is that the rosary will bend to fit into a pocket. These handy little rosaries are easy to carry for a rosary walk. Some mass-produced cord rosaries have snug knots, resulting in a stiff rosary that won’t bend to fit into a pocket.
We choose the optimal cord size for the bead holes. It is small enough for the beads to slide yet large enough for the knot to secure the sections. I repaired a mass-produced rosary where the knots had little benefit because the beads slid over them. The rosary was a group of mixed-up beads without structural integrity.
Finishing the Cut Ends
Since frayed ends are a weak spot, we seal them. This melted end keeps it from unraveling because it is too large to slide into the knot. As a result, the rosary will no longer come apart at the cut ends. Click to shop for cord rosaries.
How are Paracord Rosaries Different?
Paracord is thicker than other cords. It has inner cords secured with a woven outer layer, making it feel more padded than other cords. Its width makes different rosary designs possible. It has a smooth, woven texture. Cords with a twisted structure have a tight, textured feel.
While a 550 Paracord Rosary is the strongest available, others only appear stronger. Our fishing net twine has an 84-pound strength, while 95 Paracord has a 95-pound strength. However, not all Paracord is the same. American-made Paracord has a nylon base, while its overseas counterpart is polyester.
Click to shop for our handmade Paracord rosaries.
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CREDITS
The LOGO image of Our Lady of Grace is original artwork by Martin Lariviere in 2009. We have the artist’s permission (my son). It is our exclusive trademark logo image.
A beautifully photographed sky by Donald Tong inspired the website’s colour scheme. Cropped portions of it are the background for the footer Bible verse. He shared it as a free download on pexels.com.
Raphael painted The Sistine Madonna circa (1513-1514). We made circular cut-outs from the original image.
Our information is from general knowledge, experience, and shared internet resources. We’d like you to use it as a starting point for your research to verify facts and build a reference list.
IN REVIEW
Handmade rosaries are built to last. Artisans bend sturdy wire or wrap durable cord to secure the beads.
WIRE: Classic Linking, Wire Wrapping, and Cage Wrapping
CORD: Barrel Knotting