About Chainmaile

European | Japanese | Decorative | Metals

Since there are in existence all ready a number of good guides to constructing maile, I will not at this time include any
construction information. I will also not go so far as to offer much in the way of the long history of maile. What this
section contains is photos of the various weaves as well as descriptions of the different metals I work with, and some
general information. If you have no experience with chainmaile I suggest you read these pages so that you can better
understand the other sections of Gothic Chains.
European Weaves:

This pattern is called European four in one, or just
four in one. (Abbreviated 4-1)
Sometimes it is referred to a the standard or
international weave. As the later names suggest,
this is the most common weave. It is very versatile,
and forms the basis for, if not all of many designs.
Each ring in this pattern passes through four others.
It works best when there is a small wire gauge to
ring internal diameter (abbreviated ID) which is to say
if the wire is too thin compared to the size of the
ring the weave will not look good. Almost anything
can be made with this pattern.

This weave is called European 6-1 or just 6-1.
Each ring in this pattern passes through 6 others.
This makes it a much denser weave, which both
looks and feels nicer then 4-1. It is good for
jewelry applications, or for designs which are
meant to be opaque. The added cost of having to
use more rings means few large items are made
with 6-1, although it is possible.

As you may have guessed, this pattern is called
8-1. Each ring passes through 8 others. This
makes the 8-1 weave almost totally solid. It is
excellent for jewelry and small projects. It does
not have the same ability to bend and flex as 4-1
and 6-1, so large applications are difficult to make
with 8-1. (Not to mention expensive.) 8-1 is one
of my personal favorite weaves.

Other variants of the European weaves are possible. Although I have never heard of 10-1, there is no reason it would be impossible to make. Some variations on the European weave are King, Bird cage (which is also known as Byzantine), Boxchain, and Persian. Examples of these are found later in the primer.

Notes on Ring Sizes and Wire Gauge
I can produce rings in 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/12 of an inch size. And
gauge wire is available, however I often have in stock only my most used
sizes, 14 gauge and 17 gauge.

That concludes our introduction to maile. With this information you should
now be able to get the most out of Gothic Chains.

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	Since there are in existence all ready a number of good guides to constructing maile, I will not at this time include any construction information. I will also not go so far as to offer much in the way of the long history of maile. What this section contains is photos of the various weaves as well as descriptions of the different metals I work with, and some general information. If you have no experience with chainmaile I suggest you read these pages so that you can better understand the other sections of Gothic Chains. European Weaves:

		This pattern is called European four in one, or just four in one. (Abbreviated 4-1) Sometimes it is referred to a the standard or international weave. As the later names suggest, this is the most common weave. It is very versatile, and forms the basis for, if not all of many designs. Each ring in this pattern passes through four others. It works best when there is a small wire gauge to ring internal diameter (abbreviated ID) which is to say if the wire is too thin compared to the size of the ring the weave will not look good. Almost anything can be made with this pattern.

		This weave is called European 6-1 or just 6-1. Each ring in this pattern passes through 6 others. This makes it a much denser weave, which both looks and feels nicer then 4-1. It is good for jewelry applications, or for designs which are meant to be opaque. The added cost of having to use more rings means few large items are made with 6-1, although it is possible.

		As you may have guessed, this pattern is called 8-1. Each ring passes through 8 others. This makes the 8-1 weave almost totally solid. It is excellent for jewelry and small projects. It does not have the same ability to bend and flex as 4-1 and 6-1, so large applications are difficult to make with 8-1. (Not to mention expensive.) 8-1 is one of my personal favorite weaves.
	Other variants of the European weaves are possible. Although I have never heard of 10-1, there is no reason it would be impossible to make. Some variations on the European weave are King, Bird cage (which is also known as Byzantine), Boxchain, and Persian. Examples of these are found later in the primer.