Braiding is a basic textile technique that involves the use of three or more pieces of wire or narrow sheets of metal. The artist may tie the wires around a nail or a secure point and braid the wires, passing the first wire over the others and taking each wire as it comes first and crossing it over the others until obtaining the desired braid length. The artist uses knots at the beginning or the end of a metal braid or welds the top and bottom of the braid, so that the wires won't untangle.
Weaving is a more complex textile technique. The sculptor prepares several pieces of wire having equal lengths. He may attach these wires to two poles, which hold the wires under tension. The artist interlaces several pieces of wire, which are perpendicular to the wires she prepared initially. The result is a metal piece with the appearance of fabric. The artist may wrap different objects in this woven metal “fabric.”
Knitted wire structures can adorn abstract sculptures or even statues. The artist employs oversized needles to knit with pieces of wire, just like kitting with yarn or wool. The material should be flexible enough so that the knitting is possible. Metal strips are not typically suitable for knitting. Artists often combine this technique with knotting, welding or sewing. Sewing with metal wire is also possible and allows the artist to join two metal sheets. The sculptor creates holes in each metal sheet and uses a large gauge needle to sew the sheets together using wire.
When choosing the materials, the artist must consider malleability. The most suitable materials for textile techniques in metal include gold, silver, pewter and copper, which are soft and flexible. Thin gauge brass sheets are also suitable for textile techniques. Metal sheets should be in a soft state when the artist uses them. If using wire, the artist doesn't require tools, as these materials are easily bendable. However, pliers come in handy to bend the wire and metal sheets.