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A New Idea for Starting a Chain Maille Weave

by Marilyn Gardiner
Starting some chain maille weaves can be very difficult to keep in order. Here's a great idea for keeping them neat so they don't just become a messy jumble. And this gives you something substantial to grip while you weave!
Instructions
One way to do this is by punching holes is an old credit card or loyalty card for the starting rings. Another is to wrap them in painter’s tape so they don’t move.
While browsing in a craft store, I noticed a package of 10 small squares of flexible plastic canvas (7-count), typically used for needlepoint. It was very inexpensive. I also found Pinterest pages and e-books filled with creative ideas for using them.

I bought a package and started experimenting. First, I cut the 4-inch square into four smaller pieces.

Here's how I started the European 4-in-1 weave using the one-ring-at-a-time method
You'll notice that I used five extra rings to attach the starting row to the canvas, using alternate holes. (There are seven holes per inch.)

The main copper rings are 18 AWG with a 3.5 mm inner diameter. The attaching rings are 4 mm inner diameter.

I initially tried adding the starting row directly to the canvas, but it was too tight.
Marilyn Gardiner's A New Idea for Starting a Chain Maille Weave - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Design, I cut the 4-inch square into four smaller pieces
Next I thought I’d try a round weave: Roundmaille.
There are three connection points for this weave, so I positioned the first two at a corner to take advantage of two edge holes.

Once those were in place, the third point of the triangle was easy to add.

This method could also be used to start Turkish Roundmaille and Inverted Roundmaille.
Marilyn Gardiner's A New Idea for Starting a Chain Maille Weave - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Design, Roundmaille
The third example is an advanced level weave called Oops.
I used 16 AWG rings with a 5 mm inner diameter, and it worked perfectly to add the starting row directly to the canvas no need to skip holes or worry about tight spacing.

I had originally cut the 4-inch squares into four pieces, but now I realize they could be even smaller and still work well.

I plan to keep revisiting the weaves I teach to see if using this canvas can make it easier for students to start new patterns.
Marilyn Gardiner's A New Idea for Starting a Chain Maille Weave - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Design, Chainmaille

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

flexible, plastic canvas intended for needlepoint.
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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  • Category: Chain Maille
  • Technique(s): Design

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