# Chainmaille (maille weaving)

> Chainmaille interlocks metal rings in patterns such as European 4-in-1, Byzantine or Japanese; materials, tools and calculating the aspect ratio.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/chainmaille/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-05
- Updated: 2026-07-06
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/malla-de-anillos-chainmaille/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/malla-steps.en.svg "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

- [Handmade chains](https://www.711grados.com/en/handmade-chains/)
- [Jewelry pliers and tweezers: types and uses](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-pliers-and-tweezers/)
- [Aluminum](https://www.711grados.com/en/aluminum/)