This is a design tutorial by Judy Larson which first appeared on The Beading Gem's Journal - www.beadinggem.com. Check out the site for free tutorials, featured designers, inspirations and so much more.

1. Twisted Wire Cross
Judy Larson
Materials:
3 feet of 18 gauge square wire
18 gauge half round wire
Tools:
Flush cutter
Round, chain, and flat nose pliers
Painters tape
Ultra fine point Sharpie marker
Directions:
Step 1: Using 18 gauge square wire, straighten and cut two upper side wires at 3” long and two lower side
wires at 4” long.
Step 2: Using 18 gauge square wire, straighten and cut one center length wire 5” long. If you would like that
piece twisted as in the photo, add this length to the wire length in the
next step.
Step 3: Straighten, cut and twist one 17” piece of 18 gauge square
wire.
Step 4: Cut the twisted wire using the same measurements as in Step
1 for 2 more upper and lower side wires.
Step 5: Mark the center of the four 3” wires and 1
½” in from one end on the four 4” wires.
Step 6: Make a 90 degree bend at the mark on all
8 marked wires.
Step 7: Lay all 9 wires out as shown. Push the wires together. Pull the center wire down so it is ¼” longer
than the bottom wires. Use painters tape as shown to hold the wires together for wrapping.

2. Step 8: Using half round wire, make 3-4
wraps to show at the center of the cross.
Make sure to start and end on the back. The
front and back are shown.
Step 9: Remove the painters tape. Measure out from center
of the wraps and mark the following distances on the cross:
Arms-7/16” Top-5/8” Bottom-1¼”
Step 10: Using half round wire, make 3-4 wraps to show from the
marks out, making sure to cover the marks. Make sure to start and
end on the back.
Step 11: Cut all the outer square wires to a length of 3/8” beyond
the last wrap.
Step 12: Cut all the outer twisted wires to a length of 5/8”. DO
NOT CUT THE CENTER WIRE.
The trimmed wires on the lower portion of the cross are shown
below.
Step 13: Using round nose pliers, curl an outer square wire to the outside of the cross.
Step 14: Using round nose pliers, curl the twisted wire until the curl touches the square wire curl.

3. Step 15: Repeat for all the wires. Do not curl the center
wire at this point.
Step 16: Position the tips of round nose
pliers on the center wire close to the
loops. Make a 45 degree bend in the
wire. Wrap the center wire around the
largest portion of the round nose pliers
jaw. Trim the wire off where it overlaps.
Step 17: Check the wraps on the back of the cross and make sure they are tight and will not snag
on clothing.
Now that you have mastered this beautiful easy
cross, use 21 gauge square and half round wire to
made a more diminutive one. Also, check all the wire
crosses on the internet for inspiration.