persian chain project
Full Persian Chain
Also known as the Foxtail chain, is one of the root patterns in chain making.
Difficulty
Level: Intermediate
Time to Complete: 2-3 hours
Final Length: Customizable  
Materials Needed
Jump rings (see below)
2 pairs of pliers
Awl
Clasp of your choice
Ring Size Options:
AR 5.5
14ga 8.5mm ID
16ga 7.0mm ID
18ga 5.5mm ID- 24 per inch
20ga 4.5mm ID

STEP 1: Materials

The Full Persian is a easy chain to make, but is a challenge to teach and share in print. We hope to do a good job here. With an A.R. of 5.5 you can use any size jump ring at that AR ID value or larger. If you want to use 18ga, choose an I.D. of 5.5mm or larger. The smallest I.D. per gauge are shown above.

This pattern repeats every four rings. It may help to open groups of four jump rings for your convenience.

persian chain step 1

STEP 2: The Starter - Make a Handle

Close two jump rings and secure them with a piece of scrap wire.

persian chain step 2

STEP 3: Add a New Jump Ring

Open a new jump ring and attach it to the two rings above.

persian chain step 3

STEP 4: Add New Ring

Open a new jump ring and attach it to the two above. You should have a 2 in 2 chain.

persian chain step 4

STEP 5: Add a second handle

Using a piece of scrap make a handle by attaching it to the bottom two jump rings.

persian chain step 5

STEP 6: The Fold

Bring the two wire handles together like you are closing a book. Twist the two wire handles together to form a single handle.

persian chain step 6

STEP 7: Split and Add

Split the jump rings that appear to be outside the group. Open a new jump ring and add it the two jump rings that appear to be inside the group.

persian chain step 7

STEP 8: Add a New Jump Ring

As you did in Step 7, open a new ring and attach it two both inner rings. It should sit right next to the ring you just added.

Review Pair C should be attached to pair A, as they split pair B

persian chain step 8

STEP 9: Look for the V - Add a New Ring

Grasp the handles and chain as shown. Open a new jump ring and insert it thru the two middle jump rings that form a upside down V. Don't close the ring just yet.

persian chain step 9

STEP 10: Close inside C

Before you close the jump ring, allow it to go inside pair of rings at then end. Then close the ring.

persian chain step 10

STEP 11: Check the V

If you did this step correctly the new ring should be inside the last pair and an upside-down V pattern will emerge.

persian chain step 11

STEP 12: Check it Again

It is still a little unorganized at this point. You should have one ring on the front, get ready to add the other ring.

persian chain step 12

STEP 13: Flip it Over

Go back to Step 9 and repeat.

Flip the chain over and add a new ring on the other side. Insert the new ring thru the rings that form the “V” and close together inside C.

persian chain step 13

STEP 14: Pattern Starts Again

Look for the very last two rings on the chain. Open a new jump ring, separate the last two rings, attach two rings to the inside pair

persian chain step 14

STEP 15: Repeat 9-14

Repeat steps 9 thru 14. Your chain should keep the V or chevron pattern. To add a clasp, use a smaller jump ring to link the clasp to the chain.

persian chain step 15