Chain mail weaving: history, methods and cut

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

Chain mail is created by interlacing metal rings in a special sequence. Due to the fact that this product distributes the force of impact with a sharp object over a wider area of the body, historically it was used as armor. Today, chain mail weaving is a way to create a carnival costume, decoration or decoration for a themed event.

History

Since ancient times, the cherished dream of warriors of all peoples and eras was reliable protection against enemy weapons. It was she who guaranteed victory in bloody battles. Over time, the warriors received such armor, one of them was chain mail, which is the prototype of modern body armor.

Similar metal products were widespread both in Asia and in Europe, and all thanks to a simple manufacturing method. The work required only iron, a special device that helped to pull the wire, and most importantly - patience, because the monotonous work took too muchtime.

Chain was invented in the 1st millennium BC. e. However, who was the inventor is unknown. Findings of such items in Scythian burials date back to the 5th century BC. BC e., Celtic samples belong to the III century. BC e. The Roman Empire was introduced to chain mail during the conquest of Gaul, and has been used ever since until the advent of firearms.

Materials

If we talk about the choice of materials, it is historically correct to forge the wire yourself. The work is very painstaking, in addition, in the past, a rivet was placed on each ring for strength.

Today, for the manufacture of chain mail, ready-made wire of various sizes or ready-made engraving rings are most often used. If we talk about the wire, then not everyone will do. Suppose copper can be processed even by hand, so chain mail will deteriorate very quickly. Aluminum is also not the best option, because when the rings rub against each other, black dust appears. The best choice would be steel wire.

Types of chain mail weaving

There is a wide variety of weaves. But in practice, not all are valuable. One of the most valuable are "counter orders" (shell weaving). This classification of weaves implies the arrangement of rings in such rows in which their slope alternates (for example, even - to the right, odd - to the left).

The simplest armored weaving of chain mail is “4 in 1”. In this case, one ring is connected to four others lying around. This weaving methodprovided sufficient protection, so most often they used complicated options: “6 in 1” or “8 in 1”. In this case, the protective strength and properties of chain mail increased. But at the same time, the weight, manufacturing time and cost of the product increased. The scheme of weaving chain mail "4 in 1" is presented below.

Weaving dragon scale chain mail

It is on this method of weaving that it is worth dwelling in more detail. Because it has no historical analogues. The manufacturing process of such a product is quite laborious, and a lot of time is spent on it, but the result looks impressive and aesthetically pleasing, unlike other examples.

Chain mail weaving in this case requires the use of rings of two diameters (a smaller ring must pass through a larger one). First, a regular chain is woven, where rings of different sizes alternate. After that, large rings are placed on top of small ones. They must be secured with large rings that are threaded through the small ones. Further, a number of rings of smaller diameter are threaded into the large rings involved in the second stage (large rings need to be threaded further into them), etc.

Cut

There is a large selection of cut options. The choice of a suitable one should be determined by the purpose and requirements for chain mail. Whole-piece options look plausible. Their essence lies in the fact that the entire product is assembled from onemortgage strip rings. This manufacturing method is great for creating short sleeveless products. In this case, an excellent fit can be achieved by adjusting the product to the figure during operation. However, in this case, sewing on the sleeves will be problematic.

If you plan to weave full-size chain mail (with sleeves), then it is best to choose the option of assembling the product from separate parts. At the same time, on the back and chest, the direction of the rows will be perpendicular to the rows on the shoulders and sleeves.

Regardless of which weaving method and cut will be chosen, you need to boldly add at least 10-15 cm to the chest girth.

Tips and Warnings

For beginners, weaving chain mail will become easier and more convenient if the rings hang from a rope, twig or wire.

1. In order for the product to keep its shape and the pattern to be clearly visible, you can additionally make a lining.
2. Mail weaving can cut skin or get tangled in hair (if it is made to decorate the head). You should think about polishing the rings and lining fabric in advance.
3. Some metals have an unpleasant odor, corrode or stain the skin.
4. The edges of the rings can cut or stain clothes, and you need to wear special underwear made of dense matter under them.

To date, weaving chain mailperfect only for decoration or a masquerade, but with a strong impact, the structure of such a product will be broken, because in ancient times it was made from forged rings, due to which chain mail was more wear-resistant and tolerant of strong blows.