Gimp Work/Wire Wrapping Recommended Tools & Supply List
This is a list of tools and supplies that I recommend for creating gimp/wire-wrapped hairwork (hair flowers). The links are just for convenience, I do not receive any compensation. They are more so just to give you an idea of what you’ll need. The techniques I share are those that I have developed and/or incorporated into my practice after much experimentation and trial and error, but I hope that you will experiment and find what works best for you.
I will try to keep this list updated if I find something that works better, as I continue to experiment.
This jewelry pliers set includes the two most important tools you will need - a wire cutter and needle-nose pliers - and offers additional types of pliers that are also helpful. But, if you already have or can only get your hands on a wire cutter and needle-nose pliers, that is enough to get you started.
I recommend a 26-gauge wire to start with. As you become more practiced and experienced with varieties of hair textures, you might find that a thicker or thinner gauge wire is best suited for your project. When it comes to wire, the smaller the gauge, the thicker the wire. (Sorry, I don’t make the rules!) I like using antique brass- or copper-colored wire for an authentic look; however, many colors are available to get creative with.
If you would like to create a wreath with your hairwork, this flexible picture hanging wire is perfect for the base.
This stainless steel knitting needles set includes 14 pairs of needles, 2 - 10 mm - all the sizes you could ever need. But if you are just giving hairwork a try, perhaps you can borrow a set of needles from a knitter friend. A 3 mm needle is a good size for starting out. The metal needles are best for easily sliding the hair off, but it is certainly possible to use something like a round pencil or wooden skewer if that is all you have available.
Mr. Pen 6” heavy-duty clamps are my favorite for clamping my needles to my work table. There are hairwork artists who can do their wire wrapping by holding their needles in their hands, but I have a lot of problems with the tendons in my hands and fingers, so I rely on these great clamps. The PVC-coated tips are important for holding the needles securely. Please do not try to use a metal clamp that does not have PVC-coated tips (or similar) to secure a metal needle, as it could easily slip and cause injury.
Mr. Pen micro binder clips are perfect for securing the small bundles of hair strands you will prepare for wire wrapping. You can likely find similar clips at a $1 store.
These soft loop strips are super handy for collecting and sorting hairs but are not a requirement.
Small, sharp scissors. Embroidery scissors or tiny manicure scissors might work, if you’ve got those. But keep in mind that hair is rough on scissors. If you find that you enjoy hairwork and take up the hobby, I do recommend having designated scissors for hair.
Sewing thread in shades that match the hair you are working with. For practice, any color will work, of course. If you’d like to have a variety of colors on hand, sewing thread is available in “neutral” sets, and hair extensions thread is also available in a range of colors.
Clear nail polish is used for keeping bundles of hair together and sealing off the ends of your work. You can likely find this at a $1 store, or you might already have it on hand.
A rat tail comb is something else you may already have on hand, or can easily find at a $1 store.
You can just tie off your threads, but I prefer to use a dot of this Gorilla Super Glue Pen to make sure they will not unravel. I have used other types of superglue, and any kind will do the trick, but this pen-like dispenser is very convenient. That said, you may find that a gel superglue is more precise and dries faster.
This magnifying glass light is certainly not required for doing hairwork, but it sure comes in handy! It is very possible that you have better eyesight than I do; still, if you decide to take up hairwork, you may want to eventually acquire something like this to reduce eye strain and help maintain the sight you have. I also use this for embroidery and building dolls’ house miniatures, so it has been a great investment for me.
Parchment paper or similar is helpful for lining your surface to prevent sticking while nail polish and glue dry.
Hair, of course! I do not recommend using precious hair when you are first beginning. Hairwork takes practice. While you are still learning, consider using inexpensive hair extensions or horse hair.
You will also need a shallow dish for water.