a welding electrode wire coil and a method of making the same comprises embedding the inner end of the electrode wire between adhesively bonded convolutions of a wound core made of paper to secure the wire end thereto . the coil is completed by winding the wire about the core and then lacing a cord about the core and the coiled wire thereon in a diamond stitch lacing pattern to retain the coiled wire on the core prior to use . the lacing is provided with a slip knot to facilitate its release relative to the coiled wire and core .