Open Round Chain Maille - This chain has an Aspect Ratio of 4.0. This means the smallest Inside Diameter for this project in 18ga is 4.0mm ID. You can go larger inside diameter. The project as shown uses (150) 18ga 4.0mm ID Jump rings.
This project uses the following size jump rings.
STEP 1: The Starter The easiest way to assemble this chain is to make a starter. You need a dowel (3/16" diameter) a piece of masking tape and (3) 18ga 4.0mm ID Jump Rings. Close the three jump rings. |
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STEP 2: Stick 'Em Press the 3 closed jump rings into the sticky side of the masking tape. Make sure at least half of the jump ring is visible above the tape. |
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STEP 3: The Roll Attach the dowel to the edge of the tape. Make the end of the dowel equal with the tape, and roll the dowel so that the tape and jump rings are packed inside. |
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STEP 4: Looks Like This... Press the tape firmly against the dowel and jump rings to secure them. Your finished starter should allow you to add jump rings to the starter jump rings. |
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STEP 5: The Triangle The jump rings on the starter should form a triangle. You will be adding new jump rings, one each, the the corners of the triangle where the jump rings meet. |
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STEP 6: Starter Complete Optional: Hang the starter from your work lamp or third hand to give you access to the chain. |
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STEP 7: Pair #1 - first new ring Locate the point where two rings on the starter are touching. Open a jump ring and attach it to that pair. |
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STEP 8: Pair #2 - second new ring Rotate the work to the next point where two rings from the starter touch. Add a new jump ring. |
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STEP 9: Pair #3 - last new ring Turn your work and find the point where the rings from the starter touch and add a new jump ring. Row Complete! |
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STEP 10: Add a new row - new ring #1 You are going to repeat the steps 7, 8 & 9. But lets continue following the chain to reinforce what it should look like |
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STEP 11: Then ring #2, then ring #3 Find the point the the rings touch and add a new ring. Each row requires 3 new rings. Note: The first several rows can be tricky. Make sure that your new ring only connect two rings and does not grab the previous row. |
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STEP 12: Continue the Chain As you chain progresses in length, it will stabilize and you will no longer need the dowel. I find it easier to keep track of the chain by making small piles of three rings. |
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STEP 13: Add the clasp |
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