Box chain
Making simple chain mail is easy and can be learned quickly.
The box-chain builds on a single strip of E4-1 to make simple jewellery.
Looser ratios allow inserting captive beads.
Using a different ratio for the middle and the side results in a flat chain.
The same pattern can also be made by weaving the rings in a Byzantine style.
The following example uses 1.5mm wire and a flat design.
Thick wire with small ratio makes it strong and flat chain doesn't roll around while being worn.
Some tutorials can be found at:
Base pattern - cgi
The example 3D-Model is available here.
Middle rings are displayed in bronze.
Outer rings are displayed in silver.
Prepare by making a strip of E4-1.
It helps to pre-close the small rings
75 big rings for the middle.
150 small rings for the sides
Extend the E4-1 by adding One big middle ring and two small side rings.
Make sure that the middle rings all point in the same direction.
See Base Pattern for more detailed information.
Keep in mind that the Box-chain will be shorter than E4-1.
Make it 1.5 times as long if you do not know how much it shriks.
It is also easyer to extend and connect E4-1 than the finished box-chain.
E4-1 lays flat on the ground.
Push the sides up before connectin the top row.
It can help to hold the chain like a pen in one hand and use the other to thread in rings.
Thread in top rings. Each connecting four sideds.
They will make a V-Shape with the bottom ring, not paralel.
The Weave will get stable after a few units.
Check the fit after the first dozen units. It should lay flat and consistent.
Base pattern - pictures
The following chain has 75 units and a length of 450mm.
It requires the following:
- 150 Rings with AR 3.7 e.g. 5.5mm ID 1.5mm wire.
- 150 Rings with AR 4.7 e.g. 7.0mm ID 1.5mm wire.
Prepare E4-1. It helps to pre-close the small rings
75 big rings for the middle.
150 small rings for the sides.
Repeatedly add E4-1 units.
See Base Pattern for more detailed information.
Repeat until you have the E4-1.
Please note, that it will get shorter.
Optionally connet one end to a coupling or bigger ring.
I used a bayonet coupling for this example.
Fold up the sides and add a big ring.
The ring connects 4 small rings.
Both big and small rings will make a V-shape.
Add a second big ring.
Make sure, that it is not parralel to the bottom ring.
Check the stiffnes and alignment after completing a few units.
Loose weaves can roll around on the skin.
Tight weaves can get stiff.
Repeat until shortly before the end.
Connecting and extending E4-1 is easier than working with completed box-chains.