Things You'll Need:
- 2 good pairs of pliers
- bolt cutters
- wire
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Step 1
Research chainmail patterns and decide on a project.
You may have already completed this step and that's how you arrived at this article. If you haven't already, decide what type of project you'd like to complete. Smaller, jewelry pieces will get finished faster than larger ones, but if you're ambitious, go ahead and start with a hauberk or coif. -
Step 2
Assemble your tools.
You will need at least two good quality pairs of pliers. Your pliers will need to be in scale to match the piece you're working on. If you are making actual chainmail armor, you're probably using 14 gauge wire, so you'll want average sized pliers. If you are doing a jewelry piece, find smaller jewelry pliers at your local hobby supply shop. -
Step 3
Understand metals.
Chainmail is made of metal, traditionally steel. Nowadays there are many options. Jewelry can be made of precious metals like silver, or of lighter metals like aluminum. Armor can be made of hardened or spring steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum (for light costume use only). To add color, bronze or annealed metals or colored aluminum can be mixed in or used as a complete project. -
Step 4
Order premade rings or make your own.
Chainmail is made up of thousands of rings, and you will either need to make them yourself out of your chosen metal, or buy them. If you know this is a hobby you will be engaging in for a while and are willing to put in some more work, you can easily construct a simple "jig" to wind your own rings.
If you are just trying this out or don't want to bother making your own, you can order premade chainmail links or rings online.
Most places which sell premade chainmail links or rings also sell spools of various kinds of metals.
If you would like to work with steel, you can get it very cheaply at a farm supply store, in the form of electric fence wire. This is galvanized steel, usually in 14 gauge, and you can get a large spool of it for $10 to $20 and that will make many, many, many links. -
Step 5
Assemble your chainmail piece.
Once you have your tools and your rings, now it's time to assemble! Some chainmaillers prefer to open a bunch of rings ahead of time, then start weaving them in, then open more, etc. Everyone has their own best method. Methods also vary depending on the complexity of the pattern. Be sure to close each ring very very flush and don't be afraid to throw away a ring that doesn't look right, isn't a full circle, has gotten scarred up by your pliers, etc.
