Embedded Files
Kit Components
Kit Components
Split rings (160 grams)
16" of black cording
Spring-loaded cord lock
Overview
Overview
These instructions will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a chainmail dice bag... from steel!
The rings are made from 16-gauge steel wire which can be found at most hardware stores. The wire is turned on a 3/8" steel mandrel to form a coil, then the rings are cut using heavy duty, straight-cut aviation snips.
The style of chainmail used in this project is called 'European 4 in 1' as each ring in the standard pattern is connected to four other rings.
A unit in this pattern consists of 4 rings connected to a single ring.
When units are joined together, they form a chain.
When chains are stitched together, they form a sheet.
Estimated Completion Time: 1.5-3 hours
IMPORTANT NOTE: I've updated this process to take a ring-by-ring approach to forming the chains rather than the unit-by-unit approach. If you'd like to follow the previous process, you can download the guide here.
Step 1: Make an 8-unit chain
Step 1: Make an 8-unit chain
Materials:
Split rings (47x)
Close 4 rings.
Insert a split ring through all four closed rings and close the ring.
Close the ring by gently, but firmly grabbing two halves of the split ring with pliers. Gently bend the ends of the split back and forth while forcing the ends together.
This forms a 4-in-1 unit.
Ensure that the unit is laying flat on the table with all four outer rings facing in the same direction.
Orient the unit so the rings are laying left-to-right.
Add a single split ring to two of the outer rings maintaining the orientation of the rings.
Add two split rings to the ring added in the previous step.
Repeat the process of adding rings until you have an 8-unit chain.
An 8-unit chain consists of 47 total rings with 16 rings on each side (32 rings) and 15 middle rings.
Step 2: Reduce the Chain
Step 2: Reduce the Chain
Materials:
8-unit chain (from Step 1)
Split rings (8x)
Lay the 8-unit chain on a flat surface and ensure that all the rings on one side are facing the same direction.
Add a split ring to every pair of rings on one side of the chain.
Step 3: Form a Disc
Step 3: Form a Disc
Materials:
8-unit chain, reduced (from Step 2)
Split rings (1x)
Lay the 8-unit chain on a flat surface and position all 8 rings from the reduced side so they are oriented in the same direction.
Add all 8 rings on the reduced side to a single ring.
Step 4: Close the Disc
Step 4: Close the Disc
Materials:
8-unit disc (from Step 3)
Split rings (1x)
Lay the 8-unit disc on a flat surface and position the two ends so they are properly overlapping.
Connect the two ends with the split ring so that the split ring is attached to all four rings.
Step 5: Expand the Disc
Step 5: Expand the Disc
Materials:
8-unit disc (from Step 4)
Split rings (8x)
Add a single ring between every other ring in the outer row of the 8-unit disc.
Step 6: Make a 12-unit Chain
Step 6: Make a 12-unit Chain
Materials:
Split rings (71x)
Repeat the process from Step 1 to make a 12-unit chain.
Step 7: Make a 12-unit Sheet
Step 7: Make a 12-unit Sheet
Materials:
Split rings (94x)
Add a ring to every pair of rings.
Continue until you have 7 rows of rings (two 12-unit chains)
Alternatively, join two 12-unit chains as follows:
Lay two 12-unit chains on a flat surface with one positioned directly 'above' (next to) another.
Ensure that the middle row of rings (and consequently the edge row of rings) of each chain are facing the same direction.
Connect two rings from each chain with a single ring (follow the 4-in-1 pattern).
Repeat this process for each pair of rings, stitching the chains together like a zipper.
Step 8: Attach the Sheet
Step 8: Attach the Sheet
Materials:
Expanded disc (from Step 5)
Sheet (from Step 7)
Split rings (23x)
Lay the disc and sheet on a flat surface ensuring that the edge rings are facing the same direction.
Connect two rings from the disc and sheet with a single ring (follow the 4-in-1 pattern).
Repeat this process for each pair of rings, stiching the disc and sheet together like a zipper.
As the sheet becomes more fully attached to the disc, it will be more difficult to align the rings. Go slowly to be sure you don't skip any rings!
Step 9: Stitch up the Bag
Step 9: Stitch up the Bag
Materials:
Unclosed bag (from Step 8)
Split rings (4x)
Hold your hand inside the bag so the two flaps of the sheet are hanging in front. Alternatively, use a folded piece of paper inserted into the bag to make a flat surface under the two flaps of the bag.
Align the flaps so the rings on the end of the sheet are close to overlapping.
Connect the two pairs of end rings from each row in the sheet.
Step 10: Add Cinch Rings
Step 10: Add Cinch Rings
Materials:
Closed bag (from Step 9)
Split rings (8x)
Connect every 3 rings on the last row of rings with a single ring.
Step 11: Add the Drawstring
Step 11: Add the Drawstring
Materials:
Completed bag (from Step 10)
Cording
Cord lock
Feed one end of the cord through one hole in the cord lock.
Take the other end of the cord and feed it through 4 cinch rings.
Continue feeding the cord through the other 4 cinch rings.
Feed the cord through the second hold in the cord lock.
Align the ends of the cord and make a square knot close to the ends of the cord.
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