The word "chainmaille" does not usually conjure up images of jewelry. Instead, it draws to mind medieval knights and their armor. However, chainmaille jewelry is a type that is gaining in popularity, and if you want a unique look, you can easily learn to make it for yourself.
Whether it is making up a necklace or a whole shirt, chainmaille itself is primarily made up of small interlocked metal rings. Therefore, if you will be creating jewelry from it, you will first need to obtain enough of these rings to complete your project. After deciding on the size and wire thickness that you want to use, you must choose whether you will purchase your rings already made or make them yourself.
Making your own rings is the best option if you have a specific pattern in mind that requires a particular type that you may not be able to find readily. You will need a metal rod with a diameter that matches that of the rings you want, and also enough metal wire to construct a sufficient number of rings. Once you have these materials, start by winding the wire tightly around the rod until you have enough coils to make your rings.
Once you have enough coils to make your rings, slide it off carefully and snip each coil into an individual ring, using wire cutters. Take care to cut each one in the same spot so that the finished rings are exactly the same size, or you may have difficulty working with them, and your finished product may look uneven. When all the rings have been cut, open them slightly with a pair of pliers to make the next step possible.
From here, you will be weaving the rings together. However, there is not just one way in which this can be done, so you must decide which type of chainmaille you want to end up with. Looking at images of finished weaves can be helpful, as you will then be able to picture how particular ones will fit the type of jewelry that you are aiming for.
No matter which type of weave you choose, you will be interlocking the rings together in different ways. Some weaves are better for making larger pieces, while some form longer strips that are better for things like bracelets and necklaces. Consider your goal carefully when making the decision.
The chainmaille itself is the most important part of this process, but you can also include additional bits. Ribbons and gemstones are popular here, but you can get as creative as you like. Depending on the piece, you may also need fasteners, clasps, or pins to make it into a finished product.
You can create a stylish, fantastic wardrobe enhancement easily if you learn to make chainmaille jewelry. Everyone who sees your work will want to know where you got it. When they find out that you made it yourself, do not be surprised if they ask you to make a piece for them as well!
Whether it is making up a necklace or a whole shirt, chainmaille itself is primarily made up of small interlocked metal rings. Therefore, if you will be creating jewelry from it, you will first need to obtain enough of these rings to complete your project. After deciding on the size and wire thickness that you want to use, you must choose whether you will purchase your rings already made or make them yourself.
Making your own rings is the best option if you have a specific pattern in mind that requires a particular type that you may not be able to find readily. You will need a metal rod with a diameter that matches that of the rings you want, and also enough metal wire to construct a sufficient number of rings. Once you have these materials, start by winding the wire tightly around the rod until you have enough coils to make your rings.
Once you have enough coils to make your rings, slide it off carefully and snip each coil into an individual ring, using wire cutters. Take care to cut each one in the same spot so that the finished rings are exactly the same size, or you may have difficulty working with them, and your finished product may look uneven. When all the rings have been cut, open them slightly with a pair of pliers to make the next step possible.
From here, you will be weaving the rings together. However, there is not just one way in which this can be done, so you must decide which type of chainmaille you want to end up with. Looking at images of finished weaves can be helpful, as you will then be able to picture how particular ones will fit the type of jewelry that you are aiming for.
No matter which type of weave you choose, you will be interlocking the rings together in different ways. Some weaves are better for making larger pieces, while some form longer strips that are better for things like bracelets and necklaces. Consider your goal carefully when making the decision.
The chainmaille itself is the most important part of this process, but you can also include additional bits. Ribbons and gemstones are popular here, but you can get as creative as you like. Depending on the piece, you may also need fasteners, clasps, or pins to make it into a finished product.
You can create a stylish, fantastic wardrobe enhancement easily if you learn to make chainmaille jewelry. Everyone who sees your work will want to know where you got it. When they find out that you made it yourself, do not be surprised if they ask you to make a piece for them as well!
