Toga party!!! An easy fibula pin tutorial.

What are fibula pins? These are fibula pins.


They're a very ancient style of fastener, used since Roman times. Just imagine all the famous togas they must have held together!


Many jewelry-making peeps are familiar with these, but some of you may not have heard of them. There are tutorials online, but they can get complex. There are so many ways to make a fibula pin, and not all styles are beginner projects.



So today I thought I'd show you how to make a nifty simple one. I think you'll be excited to see how easy this is! Ready for your fibula pin tutorial? Then let's begin.

Supplies you will need: just craft wire and a few beads. Tools: a wire snipper and round-nose pliers.

Cut a piece of wire, about a foot long. Start by making a teeny loop at one end. (Note for the loop-challenged crafter: this step is optional. You can just go on to the next step if you like!)


Next, make a small bend near the loop, like so:




Then bend the long tail of wire sideways, at right angles to the bent section. Here's how it should look:


Now thread on a few beads.


Almost done! Here comes the spring-loading step, that makes the pin work! Right next to the beads, grab the long tail in your pliers. Start turning a circle...


Keep turning until the circle goes all the way around, then a little bit more - so the long tail comes over the top and sticks out parallel to the length of the pin. Like so:


Now close the pin (hook the long tail into the bent-loop end) and snip off the excess.


It's a good idea to file the sharp end a little smoother - try an emery board or a metal nail file. (Note: if you have skills, you can file the end to a point. I never bother, because I only wear these in loose-weave scarves or knit sweaters.)

Ta-da! You are done!


This is the most basic fibula there is. From this starting point you can change it up with different components, add all kinds of embellishments, for a whole wardrobe of fibula pins.

Fasten to your toga (or, if your toga is at the dry cleaner's, a nice scarf) and wear proudly!


Roman orgy optional.