How To Make Medieval Chainmail

A chainmail is basically a medieval dress made of metal interlocking rings. The use of the chainmail in the medieval times was to spread the force of a sword or an axe over the surface, making the blow less powerful. For that reason, a chainmail was usually worn under the armor. If you want to make your own chainmail, read the instructions below.

The first step consists of choosing a weaving pattern. Here the European four in one model is described, for other patterns, you may need to do a little extra research.

If you want, you can buy ready made rings, or, you can make your own rings from wire. If you want a chainmail with bigger rings, you will also need less of them to make an entire chainmail; for a finer work, small rings are recommended. Also, if you want the chainmail to be durable, check the thickness of the rings, as thicker rings are more prone to last longer.

Making a chainmail is not very complicated. Here is how you must start, if you make your own rings from wire. Use a metal rod to wind the wire around it. If you do not have a metal rod, using a screwdriver shaft or other long and round metal object, will do. Keep one end of the wire with pliers, while you wind it around the metal rod. The result must be an even ring, that does not coil or spool. After making the first ring, cut the ring from the thread of wire. It is recommended to wear protective eye gear, so pieces of metal do not enter your eyes. Here is a tip: cut a little on a diagonal each ring as this will help when closing the ring. Use a hacksaw for this part of the process.

Arrange all the rings so they form a pattern. Two more rings must be linked and to another ring. A loop is now needed, to finalize the pattern.