How to Make a Chain Mail Tunic
Chain mail is one of the easiest types of armor to make. A good way to start is with a simple tunic, which is mostly a basic tube shape. Once you become an expert, there are also plenty of more complex styles of chain mail armor to make.
Instructions
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1
Take your measurements, including waist, chest at the widest part, shoulder to waist and collarbone to waist. If you're adding sleeves, measure neck to elbow (or wherever you want the sleeve to end) and bicep circumference.
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Figure out the amounts you need. Multiply the chest circumference by the total length, times two. This will give you the area you'll need to cover with your mail. A vendor of mail supplies can tell you how many ounces of rings or wire you'll need.
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3
Gather the materials and tools. If you're making your rings out of wire, you'll need wire cutters; for metal links or washers, you'll need two pairs of pliers.
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4
Weave your links. A good weave to start with is the four-in-one, in which you hook each ring to four others around it. Other patterns are heavier but provide more coverage.
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5
Make and attach sleeves and trim. You can make a simple cap sleeve by weaving a diagonal section of four-in-one and attaching it to the arm of the tunic. For the more ambitious, you can add elbow-length sleeves.
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Assemble or acquire a liner. Chain mail tends to pinch, so make sure you have something to wear under it. A leather tunic is a good choice for protection, but it adds weight and can be very warm to wear.
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Tips & Warnings
If you choose the rings-and-pliers method of weaving chain mail, prepare to take plenty of breaks to give your wrists and hands a rest. You can develop severe pains, especially in your stronger hand, if you overdo it.
