Quick Guide to Florist Wire
Choosing the right florist wire can make all the difference in your designs.
From delicate blooms to large statement flowers, our guide helps you match the correct gauge and technique — keeping your arrangements strong, beautiful, and professional.
Need support for roses, orchids, or heavy blooms? We've got you covered.
Explore quick tips on wiring methods like Hairpin, Pierce, Insertion, and more!
FLORIST WIRE
- Florist wire is sold by the gauge.
- The higher the number, the THINNER the wire. A thin wire is easy to manipulate and a thicker wire is sturdier and more difficult to bend.
- Use the thinnest wire possible to maintain the form's integrity while keeping it light.
- Paddle wire is wrapped around a spool or paddle and is ideal for garlands and wreaths.
What gauge should I use?
30 gauge - Inserting into very fine, fairly small leaves
26/28 gauge - Delicate, lightweight flowers and leaves
24 gauge - Small to medium-sized roses, carnations, or other flowers
22 gauge - Medium to large general flower use, similar to 24 gauge, but a little stronger
20 gauge - Larger flowers that require the support of a thicker wire, and to hold their position in a spray
18 gauge - To hold very large, heavier flowers such as a full-blown rose, calla lily, chrysanthemum, etc. and which may be included in a spray of flowers and need to hold their shape
BASIC FLOWER WIRING TECHNIQUES
Hairpin/Hook Method
Best for: Delicate flowers such as orchids, hyacinth florets, and delphinium florets.
Wire Gauge: between 24 -20
Cut the stem of the flower about 1/2" from the head. Bend a length of wire into a hairpin shape. Hairpin: Take the rounded U-shaped form and place it over a petal or stem. Hook: Thread both ends through the center of the flower, piercing either side of the calyx. Keep pulling the wire through so that the curve of the wire is just embedded. Stretch and wind the floral tape tightly over the wire and flower stem.
Pierce Method
Best for: Roses and carnations
Wire Gauge: between 22-18
Cut the stem of the flower about 1/2" from the head. Pierce the calyx with the wire and thread through so that one side is approximately 1/3 of the other. Bend both sides of the wire down to meet the stem (optional – wind the shorter wire around the stem for extra support, however, this can look bulky). Stretch and wind the floral tape tightly over the wire and leaf stem.
Cross Wiring Method
Best for: Flowers with single stems (i.e. roses, carnations, cymbidiums) and heavier flowers (i.e. protea, banksia). Effective for replacing heavy or woody stems.
Wire Gauge: between 22 -16
Cut the stem of the flower about 1/2" from the head. Pierce the calyx with the wire and thread through so that each side of the wire is at equal length. Repeat to make an “X” with the wires piercing the base of the flower. Bend the sides of the wire down to meet the stem (optional – wind wires around the stem for extra support, this may look bulky). Stretch and wind the floral tape tightly over the wire and stem.
Stitch Method
Best for: Foliage such as leather leaf, camellia, and ivy.
Wire Gauge: between 24 -20
Cut the stem of the flower about 1/2" from the leaf. With the underside of the leaf facing you, pierce and thread the wire through either side of the midrib. Bend both sides of the wire down to meet the stem. Stretch and wind the floral tape tightly over the wire and leaf stem.
Insertion Method
Best for: Flowers with sturdy stems such as roses, peonies, gerberas, and carnations. Used as a preventative measure to support long or weak stems.
Wire Gauge: between 22 -18
Pierce the calyx with the wire vertically, just enough so that it is firmly lodged in place. Wind the wire around the stem in a spiral. Optional: Stretch and wind the floral tape over the wire and stem tightly, but leave the section of stem that will be inserted into water or foam untaped.
Cross Piercing Method
Best for: Shortened stems
Wire Gauge: between 22-18
Insert a heavier wire, such as an 18-gauge wire, vertically through a shortened stem, and then pierce or cross-pierce the stem horizontally just beneath the bloom with a thinner gauge wire. Pull the wires down alongside the stem. Stretch and wind the floral tape tightly over the wire and stem.
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Click here to download the Dreisbach Quick Reference Guide - Florist Wire Guide