How to tie picture frame wire

Here at SohoFrames we see quite a lot of DIY wire work on the back of picture frames that arrive in our workshop either for repair or replacement. We thought we would show everyone the correct way to securely attach wire to a picture frame D-ring hanging in 10 easy steps!

There are different kinds of picture wire that can be sourced on-line and also from us of course. The two kinds are raw brass or steel wire, which are made from strands twisted together into a thickness of 1 or 2mm. The ends are sharp when cut so easy to prick yourself. Better is plastic-wrapped wire though this is difficult to find in small quantities. This is the kind of picture wire we use. It comes in various thicknesses, is easy to work with and so make a neat looking job. We are happy to supply this wire in any length, anything from a few cm to entire reels (which usually have approx 100m of wire on them). There is also cord, but we do not use this product.

Always use the correct strength of wire to safely hold the weight of the picture frame! The hangings, both on the frame as well as the wall hangings should also be correctly fitted / installed.

And please remember: we often fit hangings on our frames that require 2 wall fixings. This is because they do not stress the picture frame, particularly on larger frames, they allow the frame to sit closer to the wall with minimal lean and are more secure. We tend only to wire smaller picture frames.

Okay, let’s see how to attach the wire to a hanging.

Step 1. Turn the frame over. Attach the hangings. Then cut a length of wire wider than the picture frame by approx 10cm on each side, so long enough to work with. Too short and things get fiddly and it is difficult to make look neat.

Step 2. Working with the top of the frame in front of you. Feed the end of the wire downwards through the hanging and pull the end towards you. This type of hanging is called a D-ring.

Step 4. Bring the standing end of the wire back under the D-ring.

Step 5. Now pull tight so the knot looks nice and compact and neat. The standing end of the wire should be in line with the main wire.

Step 6. Bring the standing end back over the D-ring, keeping it close to the previous loop, and then slip the standing end under the main part of the wire.

Step 7. Pull the standing end tight against the D-ring, and feed it under the main part of the wire and back over the top as shown.

Step 8. Wind the standing end of the wire around the main wire and again pull tight so the coils are touching each other.

Step 9. Continue winding the standing end of the wire around the main wire for 6 or 8 turns, pulling it tight each time you go round.

Step 10. Cut the excess as close to the main wire as possible to make it look neat. If you don’t have cutters you can just continue wrapping the wire.

And that’s all there is to it! Of course, if you’re ever stuck or need advice you can always contact us. Or bring your frame in and we will either show you or do it for you, usually while you wait.

We are only a click away! It doesn’t matter where you got your frame, we will be delighted to assist you.