How to Do the Box Weave in Jewelry Making

Using chain weaves can enhance your jewelry projects.

The Box Chain is a type of chain weave that is a tightly rolled derivative of the European 4-in-1 chain maille pattern. It also shares several characteristics to the Byzantine, or Birdcage, weave. It is often used for masculine chains when creating jewelry as it is more angular and bulky than the delicate Byzantine weave. While the Box Chain appears to be a tight, complex pattern, it can be completely mastered in just a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• 20-14 gauge jump rings
• 2 chain nose pliers

Instructions

1. Take six jump rings and pair them together in groups of two. Link each pair of rings together to create a three-link chain where each section is made up of two rings. Hold the left pair of end rings between your thumb and index finger so your fingers touch through the center of the ring.

2. Fold back the two jump rings on the far right side of the three-link chain so one jump ring touches your index finger and the other jump ring touches your thumb. The middle links of your three-link chain should poke out between the rings you fold back.

3. Part the two middle links. You will see the the edges of the two links you folded back between the spread jump rings. Use your chain pliers to grab the two rings between the parted links and gently pull them between the spread jump rings.

4. Take two new jump rings and attach them through the two rings that have been pulled through the middle links. Loop two more rings through the new double link to create a two-link double chain on the end of your weave.

5. Fold back the newly added jump rings on the far right as in step two. Repeat steps three and four: part the center rings and pull the folded rings through the middle. Take a pair of new jump rings and attach them to the rings pulled through the center. Loop another two rings through the new double link to make another two-link double chain on the end of your weave.

6. Continue to repeat steps two through four. Keep adding, flipping, parting and adding new jump rings as needed to make the length of chain you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Use rings that have low aspect ratios to create a tight box chain.

• Add beads to your jump rings to create fancy chains.

References

• "YouTube": How to Make A Box Chain
• "DC Wire Works": A Collection of Chainmaille Weaves
• "M.A.I.L": Maille Artisans International League: Box Chain 4-1