How to Bind Brass Wire - Detailed Steps Ronghua (Velvet Flowers) Tutorial

In Ronghua making, "brass wire binding" is a critical step that directly affects the success of subsequent processes. This is also the step that stumps the most people. If the brass wire is not properly bound, it is easy to fail when twisting the velvet strip, making it impossible to proceed with the subsequent steps.

This article will systematically introduce the preparation, core techniques, and practical tips for brass wire binding to help improve your success rate.

 

Preparation

1.  Wire Selection: It is essential to use Annealed Brass Wire. Non-annealed brass wire is hard and difficult to twist. You can purchase this wire or learn how to make it yourself on my website.

2.  Increase Friction: Apply magnesium powder or other anti-slip powder to your fingers before operation, which can significantly reduce twisting difficulty.

 

 

Core Techniques for Brass Wire Binding

You can see this detailed video version tutorial on my Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/1d-3CoYi8q8

1.  Secure the Velvet Row: Organize the combed velvet row and secure it on the frame. Do not stretch it too tightly—leave some elasticity. Test it with your fingers; a slight looseness is sufficient. Over-tightening may cause the velvet strip to fall off during subsequent trimming.

2.  Prepare the Brass Wire: Before binding, smooth the brass wire several times from left to right to bring the two strands closer together.

3.  Binding Operation:

• Twist the brass wire with one hand turning inward and the other outward.

• While twisting, apply a horizontal pulling force in left and right directions to straighten the brass wire.
• When the velvet row shows a slight indentation on both sides due to the brass wire embedding, it indicates successful binding.

4.  Removing the Velvet Row: After binding, carefully remove the velvet row. Avoid dragging or twisting it to prevent the threads from shifting. Place it flat on paper.

 

 

Notes for Beginners

1. Segmented Binding Method: To prevent the binding spacing from gradually narrowing, beginners are advised to divide the velvet row into several equal segments and bind them one by one.

2. Tool Assistance: Use small wooden blocks or other tools to assist in twisting the brass wire, as demonstrated in the video.

 

 

Efficiency Improvement Tips

1.  Pre-twist One End: First, twist one end of the brass wire, separate and clamp it onto the velvet row, then twist the other end.

2.  Create a Fold Point: Pinch a fold point at one end of the brass wire with your fingers to make twisting easier.(like it in the picture above)

3.  Electric Tool Assistance: Using an "Electric Eraser and 9-shaped Needle" can greatly improve the efficiency of twisting brass wire. This tool is also available on my website.

• Usage: Take a set of annealed brass wires, align the ends, and spread them out to avoid tangling. Use the tool to twist each wire (simply press the switch lightly). Avoid tangling the wires, and smooth them out after twisting for easy use.

4.  Preliminary Velvet Strip Twisting: The electric tool mentioned above can also be used for preliminary twisting of velvet strips (see the video for details). However, ensure the velvet row is tightly bound beforehand; otherwise, the velvet may shed and scatter.

 

Summary

Successful brass wire binding relies on suitable materials (annealed brass wire), proper tension control, twisting techniques combined with pulling force, and optional efficient tool assistance. Mastering these key points will lay a solid foundation for your subsequent Ronghua making.

 

Wishing you success in your creation!