European four in one (E4-1)
European four-in-one is one of the easiest base patterns to learn.
Every middle ring passes through four outer rings, which is where the name comes from.
The mail pattern was commonly used across medieval Europe.
Strips of E4-1 are the starting point for several decorative chains:
- Box chain (with or without captive beads)
- Dragonback
I use an aspect ratio of 5.3
Ratios from 4 to 7 are recommended.
A lower ratio gives a tighter, stiffer weave.
A higher ratio is faster, more flexible and leaves larger gaps.
Some tutorials can be found at:
Video Tutorial - VGPianoGuy ,
CGI - Chainmail Joe ,
Variations - Mailleartisans.org.
Base pattern - cgi
Middle rings are displayed in bronze.
Outer rings are displayed in silver.
Thread four closed rings onto one open ring.
Close it to make a single four-in-one unit.
Lay the unit flat on the table.
Fan the four outer rings out into two pairs, one pair to each side.
Add one open middle ring.
All middle rings point in the same direction.
The outer rings point the opposite direction.
Add two closed outer rings onto the middle ring.
Then close the middle ring.
--> You added the second unit.
Repeat the previous two steps to extend the strip:
- Add one open middle ring.
- Add two closed outer rings.
- Close the middle ring.
Build a second strip the same way.
Place both strips onto a table.
Orient the strips in the same direction.
Join two strips by adding middle rings.
Each middle ring connects four rings. Two outer rings from each strip.
Start at one end, continue down the line to close it like a zipper.
Base pattern - pictures
This results in an aspect ratio of 5.3.
Thread four closed rings onto one open ring.
Close it to make a single four-in-one unit.
Lay the unit flat on the table.
Fan the four outer rings out into two pairs, one pair to each side.
Add one open one ring.
Hold the chain up pliers.
Thread two closed rings onto the open ring.
These will be the outer rings.
Close the middle ring.
Repeat the previous two steps to extend the strip:
- Add one open middle ring.
- Add two closed outer rings.
- Close the middle ring.
Add more rings, keep all middle rings pointing in the same direction.
Be carefull when you let go off the chain, end pieces can flip direction.
The outer rings point the opposite direction.
Repeat until the strip is as long as you need.
Two strips can be joined along their edges to form a sheet.