Floral Wire - Gauges, Length, and Project Ideas

Floral wire is flexible aluminum wire generally used in floral design. It is often coated with a thin layer of colored paint (usually a shade of green) to help it blend in with foliage, but can also be found in silver or white.  Floral wire is measured in thickness, or gauge.  The lower the gauge, the thicker (and less pliable) it will be.  Cut lengths of floral wire are also called wire stem.

Types of Floral Wire

Floral wire is packaged in a spool of wire measured by feet, or in pre-cut pieces called stem wire. The lower the gauge of the floral wire, the thicker and less flexible it will be. (Example 16 Ga is heavier than 32 Ga).

Lengths

• 18"
• 7"

• Spools (paddles) are either sold by weight (usually ¼ pound) or length (measured in feet)

Gauges of Floral Wire (abbreviated as Ga or G)

• 16
• 18
• 20
• 22
• 24
• 26
• 28
• 32

Popular Manufacturers of Floral Wire

• Panacea
• FloraCraft
• Fibre-Craft

Uses for Floral Wire

• Strengthen stems of heavy-headed flowers, like Gerbera daisies
• Attach floral embellishments such as birdhouses or butterflies
• Hold foam in place
• Splice stems
• Attach flower parts to stems
• Making and decorating gumpaste flowers (and other cake décor)
• Secure greenery to a wreath or centerpiece
• Secure bouquets and nosegays
• Bow-making
• Scrapbook embellishments

 

Check out Think Crafts for more craft projects with floral wire.