The Art of Creating Chainmail

by Judy Ellis

Today we are taking a look at a very old style of metalworking called Chainmail. It's history dates back to around the 2nd Century BC and has recently been making comeback in the jewelry world.

This necklace was created by instructor Marilyn Gardiner. It's called Dragonscale.

Judy Ellis's The Art of Creating Chainmail - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, , Dragonscale chainmail

What is Chainmail?

Chainmail (also chainmaille, chain mail, maille, or mail) links rings in repeating weave patterns.

Historically, it served as armor. Its design spread force from edged weapons like swords or axes across wider areas.

Today, it's popular for costumes, reenactments, jewelry, belts, and decorative pieces.

How to get started making chainmail: (just the basics)

1. Choose a weave and a pattern that you like: I've put a few below for you to see how different they can be.You can see more examples of weaves and patterns thoughout the internet.

Judy Ellis's The Art of Creating Chainmail - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, , Chainmail weave

2. Choose a design you like: If you are just beginning, start with something fairly small and simple until you get the hang of it.

3. Choose your material. Decide whether you will make your own rings from wire or purchase pre-cut and sized jump rings.

You can make your own jump rings from wire, but if you are just a beginner, it might be easier to start with pre-cut rings until you get the hang of it.

4. Choose your tools: You'll need pliers for the rings, as well as a metal rod to wind the wire for the rings around.

Match your pliers to your material.

The pliers you would use on heavy gauge stainless steel will not be the same pliers you use on fine gauge silver.

5. Wind and Cut your wire or open your jump rings: If using your own wire to make jump rings - make sure you wind it firmly around a metal rod and not a wood dowel as the force can easily break the rod.

6. Using Pre-made Jump Rings. Choose a size and gauge suited to your purpose and consider the material and finish.

Do you want color? Light weight? Corrosion resistance? Jewelry or armor? Do you want to buy pre-cut rings or make your own? If you make your own rings, you will also need the following to make your rings.

7. Begin creating a pattern by connecting jump rings in your desired pattern. You can find several instructional books on making Chainmail HERE.

The basics from a beginner:

The other day, Debbie, one of our customer service specialists at WireJewelry.com, stopped by to show me the beautiful chainmail jewelry she's been creating for her son's upcoming wedding.

I was so impressed that I asked her to share a few beginner tips and photos of her finished pieces.

I think you'll enjoy hearing about her experience and seeing the stunning results!

"As a new chain mailler, I've become completely obsessed! It's amazing to watch a container of tiny rings transform into a beautiful, intricate piece of jewelry. One of the most important things I've learned is that the right pliers make all the difference."

"I've found that two narrow flat-nose pliers work well, but I really love using a combination of narrow Baby Wubber flat-nose pliers and bent-nose pliers.

The bent-nose style gives me better control when positioning the rings."

"My recent projects were for my son's wedding and his soon-to-be wife's bridal party.

Each of the bridesmaids will wear matching bracelets made from a pattern I purchased from Marilyn Gardner."

Judy Ellis's The Art of Creating Chainmail - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, , Chainmail bracelets

"My necklace and earring set, shown here, is also for the wedding.

It was inspired by a special bell that symbolizes the four seasons of life."

"I found the pattern for the chainmaille necklace in one of the Jewelry Design books we carry at WireJewelry.com.

Each of these books includes wonderful projects and clear instructions on technique!"

Judy Ellis's The Art of Creating Chainmail - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, , Silver chainmail necklace

Judy Ellis's The Art of Creating Chainmail - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, , Silver chainmail earrings

Weave up close:

Judy Ellis's The Art of Creating Chainmail - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, , Chainmail closeup

"I also wanted to share my copper practice pieces as well.

I am enjoying wearing them, as I love the look and feel of copper, especially in a chain maille piece."

Judy Ellis's The Art of Creating Chainmail - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, , Copper chainmail necklace

Judy Ellis's The Art of Creating Chainmail - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, , Copper chainmail bracelet

Weave up close:

Many Thanks!

I'd like to thank Debbie and congratulate her on her latest projects as well as her sons up coming wedding and If you happen to talk to Debbie in our Customer Service department, congratulate her on her beautiful pieces!

If you'd like to get started making your very own chainmail - CLICK HERE for one of Marilyn Gardiners beginning patterns.

For a quick tip on openeing all those jump rings for your project visit "WORKING WITH JUMP RINGS" by Rebecca Rudaski.

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