How to make Chainmail

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make chainmail, including pictures and illustrations: 

Materials Needed: 

• Metal Wire: Typically 14-18 gauge steel wire for armor, or 22-24 gauge for jewelry. 

• Dowel Rod: To wrap the wire around and create rings. 

• Wire Cutters: To cut the wire into rings. 

• Needle Nose Pliers: To bend and shape the rings. 

• Safety Gloves: To protect your hands. 

Steps to Make Chainmail: 

1. Wrap the Wire 

Wrap the wire tightly around the dowel rod to create a long coil. This will form the basis of your rings. 

2. Cut the Rings 

Use wire cutters to snip the coil into individual rings. Each ring will become a part of your chainmail. 

3. Open the Rings 

Use needle nose pliers to bend the rings open slightly. This will allow you to connect them to other rings. 

4. Start Weaving 

Begin weaving the rings together using a basic pattern like the European 4-in-1 weave. Thread four rings through one ring, and continue this pattern to create a sheet of chainmail. 

5. Close the Rings 

Use pliers to close the rings securely, ensuring they hold tightly together. 

Basic Weave: European 4-in-1 

1. Thread Four Rings 

Take four rings and thread them through one central ring. 

2. Add More Rings 

Continue adding rings in the same pattern, threading four rings through each new ring added. 

3. Expand the Sheet 

Keep expanding the sheet by adding more rings and following the pattern.