You know what? Chain maille gets very pop now; thousand years ago, it is just a kind of armament used for against possible wounds in wars and fights during the age of cold steel. I bet you get it! Chain mail in past is called armor. In modern society, armor will not appear anymore; even it is seen, it must be used for costume display in museum, gala parade, or clothing property in movie shooting. However, people are swarming to learn how to make chain maille.

Why chain mail became a fashionable thing currently?

I guess the nostalgic complex of human beings works. Or as you believe, it is the vintage antiques which contain kind of mysterious air attract people that much. Whatever the reason is, chain mail is indeed the hottest item nowadays. People compete to design, make and show off their handcrafted chain mail products, such as clothing (vest, bikini, t-shirt), jewelry (necklace belt), or other charms.

I suppose some of you may start to wonder how to make chain maille and does making it difficult. People like me who are blunt in handcrafts can make it firstly, so can you.

Then I’d like to instruct you how to make chain maille, take four in one weave style for example:

How to make chain maille Step 1: pick design and wire you desire

Think about what product you want to make, as a beginner, you’d better make a necklace belt. It is much simpler. In addition, the basic unit of chain mail is metal ring. You need to choose what kind of wire you want to use. I suggest the metal should neither too soft like silver nor hard like steel. So 20 gauged copper wires with 3mm diameter is perfect

How to make chain maille Step 2: prepare the rings as you desire

Estimate how long your belt will be; decide how many rings you need prepare. Wrap wires around mandrel closely and tightly without space between each wire circle. In this way, wire rings will be equally sized; then use diagonal cutter to cut off each ring.

How to make chain maille Step 3: form the four in one style

First, Slide four rings to a fifth ring with ends closed. Lay the five rings horizontally and the fifth ring in middle, two rings up from left to right and two rings down(at bottom)also from left to right. Second, slide two rings into a third ring (we call one plus two rings), and thread the third ring through the “down rings” previously made and close. At last, arrange the latter two rings, making them at bottom from left to right.

How to make chain maille Step 4: finish the belt

Continue to add “one plus two rings” to each two rings at top, bottom, left and right sides. Notice the length and width of the tings connected. Until get the satisfying length, your project is done.

The last scene as picture shows:

You have started to try this project about how to make chain maille? Surely this project is just the beginners’ lesson; chain mail can make more interesting and amazing patterns. But in a word, it is really accessible, no matter the materials or designs. Hope you enjoy the DIY.