How to Make Half Persian 3-in-1 Chainmail Weave
Half Persian is probably my favorite jewelry weave. It's pretty, it doesn't take as many rings as Byzantine (my second favorite weave), and once you've learned the trick of it and gotten some practice under your belt, it's really fairly easy. It's best though if you know some chainmail basics, and already have some practice working with rings. My article article on basic European 4 in 1 weave can be found here: http://www.ehow.com/how_4709514_speed-weave-european-chain-mail.html
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Things You'll Need
- chainmail rings
- two sets of pliers (whatever fits your hand best; I use one set of bent nose and one set of needle nose)
- Patience!
Instructions
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First and foremost you want to start with the right size rings. For my examples I used 16 gauge 1/4" aluminum rings. If you're still new to ring sizes and aspect ratios, here's an article on everything you'd ever need to know on aspect ratios: http://home.comcast.net/~zlosk/maille/aspectratios.html. And here's an awesome chart showing aspect ratios for the various weaves: http://home.comcast.net/~zlosk/maille/artable.html.
I like the 16g 1/4 for half persian because it's a versatile size, and works beautifully for the weave. Aluminum is awesome because it's light as air.
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To get started, hook two closed rings in an open one, and close the open ring. Lay it down like in the picture.
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Here's the trickiest part in the whole weave. Hook another closed ring on an open one. Then hook the open ring through the two closed rings from the first step (but NOT the first open ring).
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Now you probably have the weave known as the Unholy Mess. Don't give up. The Unholy Mess weave shown in the picture here is also completely correct. This is the part that takes the most practice - keeping track of the weave when it's still unstable. Just set it down and flatten it out until it takes the right shape. This will probably take several tries and lots of ring flipping. Remember that the last closed ring that should now be sticking out from the rest needs to sit behind the second closed ring from that first unit.
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That's pretty much it! Hook another closed ring onto an open one, hook the open ring on the last two closed rings (the one you just added, and the second one from the first unit; NOT the previous open ring), and close. Repeat!
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Tips & Warnings
Beginning the weave is trickiest, especially the very first links. Try to hold it between your fingers so that it keeps its shape and you don't have to sort out the Unholy Mess weave. It will be harder to close that first link properly, so if you're comfortable enough to try, only close it enough that it won't let the rings pass through then come back to close it properly after the next set, when the weave is more stable.
Pre-cut rings are mannah from Heaven! They save you time, and save your hands. I get my rings from theringlord.com
My article on how to connect half persian to itself is here: http://www.ehow.com/how_4482131_itself-claspless-half-persian-bracelet.html
