Welcome to the world of chainmail! My name is Spider, and I’ll be your host for this adventure. There is a huge amount of information available, which can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. Don’t try to absorb it all at once — just get your chainmailling feet wet with some good foundation weaves, and take it one ring at a time.
Happy chainmailling!
-Spider
Easy Start
One click to start making chainmail! This bundle contains the default list of goodies that I recommend to beginners. If you’d like to pick-and-choose a bit more, just scroll down the page.- My first DVD – teaches seven basic chainmail weaves
- Two pairs of pliers – one flat-nose, one chain-nose
- Brass jump rings in the correct sizes for all seven weaves (but no clasps)
DVD Instructions
For a beginner, printed chainmail instructions can be intimidating. It’s hard to get a sense of how the rings move together to make the pattern, and how to manage the pliers. Far easier is to see someone making it while you watch and imitate. My first DVD is a great introduction to chainmail. It teaches seven weaves, plus a Tips & Tricks section to help you develop good habits right from the start. Once you work through the weaves on this DVD, you’ll have a great understanding of the basics of chainmail. There is a second DVD, with somewhat trickier weaves. I recommend coming back for that one after you feel comfortable with the material on the first DVD.Pliers
You’ll need two pairs of pliers for chainmail. These economy ergo pliers are a student favorite, both for their ease of use and for their nicely low price. If you’re brand-new to chainmail, I recommend that you get one each of chain-nose and flat-nose, so you can discover which you prefer. If you know for certain that you’ll want to work only in small rings, then two chain-nose might be better. Similarly, if you’re only interested in big chains, then get two flat-nose. There are plenty of options for pliers, but these economy ergo pliers are a great place to start.Jump Rings
And, of course, you need jump rings to make your chains. Different weaves call for different ring sizes, but for now don’t worry about which sizes to get. The first student kit contains all the rings you’ll need to try out all seven weaves. This student kit is available in jewelry brass and copper.I usually recommend brass because of how it feels in your pliers. It more closely mimics the feeling of working with sterling silver — copper is more cooperative, but doesn’t “click” the same way. This is a small difference, and it’s certainly not “wrong” to start with copper. If you prefer the look of copper? Use it. But if you have no opinion? Go for brass.