ES

Chainmaille (maille weaving)

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Chainmaille (maille weaving)

Chainmaille links separate rings in regular patterns. It began with medieval armor and today is used in bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

Steps of the technique: Calculate, Make the rings, Open and close, Weave, Close the edges, Clean
Summary of the steps

Patterns #

  • European 4-in-1: each ring passes through four; the best known.
  • Byzantine: forms a thick, compact chain.
  • Japanese 12-in-2: a flat, sheet-like pattern.
  • Persian: a mesh with a woven look.

Materials and tools #

Rings of aluminum, steel, copper, brass, silver and even rubber. Two pairs of pliers are needed to open and close each ring with a sideways twist, without pulling it apart.

Aspect ratio #

The ratio between the inside diameter of the ring and the wire thickness. It determines whether a pattern can be woven and how flexible it will be.

Tips #

Close each ring well so it does not open and start with large aluminum rings to practice.

Step by step #

  1. Calculate. Choose the pattern and the aspect ratio.
  2. Make the rings. Coil and cut identical rings.
  3. Open and close. With two pliers, shifting the ends.
  4. Weave. Follow the pattern row by row.
  5. Close the edges. Finish the piece and attach a clasp.
  6. Clean. Polish or tumble.

Tools and materials #

  • Aluminum, steel, copper or silver rings
  • Two pairs of flat pliers
  • Coiling mandrel
  • Pattern diagrams

Common mistakes #

  • Rings too small for the pattern: they will not fit.
  • Badly closed rings that open.
  • Mixing rings of different gauges.
  • Weaving without checking the pattern: errors accumulate.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.