This DIY fidget ring is attractive and useful at the same time. When you are bored in class or in meetings, you can subtly play with this piece of jewelry on your finger without calling attention to yourself! The beads on this fidget ring are designed to rotate to keep your fingers entertained. I also hope that this fidget ring will offer a healthier alternative to “nervous habits” like nail biting!
The materials and tools that you will need to make this fidget ring are:
- Stainless steel wire (size: 20 gauge (0.8 mm));
- Seed beads, with a hole big enough to allow the wire to pass through them (I used 4 beads with a diameter of approximately 3.3 mm or aught size 6)*;
- 1 pair of wire cutters;
- 1 pair of needle nose pliers, I used bent chain nose pliers;
- 1 ring mandrel or a cylinder with a diameter that matches the size of your ring finger; and
- 1 strong rubber band.
*For those of you interested in the history of seed beads as well as their rather complicated size systems, here is an informative link.
Let’s begin!
1. Determine the size of the ring that you will make.
In the photo, I’m using a ring mandrel, but you can also use a marker or anything cylindrical with the same diameter as your ring finger.
If using a mandrel, wrap a rubber band around it right next to your ring size. This is not necessary when using a cylinder.
2. Tightly wrap the wire three times around the ring mandrel, right next to the rubber band, so that the diameter of the coils of wire matchs your ring size.
3. Cut off the wire so that the two ends are aligned at either side of the coiled wire, as shown in the photo.
The two coils of wire in the middle will become the ring.
4a. With a pair of needle nose pliers, bend 1 cm (3/8″) of one of the loose ends to form a right angle.
4b. Adjust the bent segment so that it is UNDER the coils.
5a. With the same pair of pliers, bend the short segment upward right next to the coiled wire, and wrap it tightly over the coiled wire.
5b. Continue to tightly wrap the segment around the coils one more time.
After making sure that it is tightly wound, as shown in the framed area (which is zoomed up in the second image), cut off the excess wire so that its end rests on top of the coiled wire (marked with a black line in the closed-up image).
(Note: The cut should be on the outside of the ring, so that the cut end will not be in contact with your skin when you put the ring on.)
6. Unbend the other loose end to form a right angle at the tight coils that you made in the previous step.
7. Slide four beads onto the loose wire.
8. Bend the loose end of the wire at a right angle right next to the last bead.
9. Bend the loose end with the beads down so the beads lie flat against the ring.
Then, start to wrap the loose end tightly around the ring.
10. Wrap the wire all the way around the ring.
11. After making sure that the wrap that you made in the previous step is very tight (if not, press it down with the pliers), cut off the extra wire so that the end of the coil is on the outside of the ring.
12. If you wish to keep the wires at the bottom of the ring together, you can wrap another short segment of wire there, as shown on the left.
Your fidget ring is now finished!
If you are a restless type who wants to keep your hands busy when you need to remain still, you may also be interested in learning about the benefits of doodling:
If you are interested in making accessories, you may also be interested in:
