2-in-2-in 1 Chain

One of the most fun things about making chainmaille is experimenting with different weaves. While I don’t believe this weave is “original”, I have not seen instructions for it in my research. I think it looks flowery and dainty, but the weave is strong and feels very comfortable on the wrist.

Number of rings below is for a 6 7/8 inch bracelet (not including clasp), which fits my average sized wrist perfectly.

Materials
18g wire OR
18g 7.5mm rings (22)
18g 3.5mm rings (91)
16g wire (for clasp)

If you are cutting your own rings, cut 22 7.5mm rings and 91 3.5 rings from 18g wire. Tumble for 30 minutes to one hour to remove burs and to clean.

Step 1

Begin by closing four 3.5mm rings and add to two open 3.5mm rings. Close the open rings. Arrange in a 2-in-2-in-2 pattern. Tie a twist tie or scrap wire to two end rings. This is your “starting” point. Add two additional 3.5mm rings to the last set of rings. You now have a 2-in-2 chain of four.

Step 2

Weave one 7.5mm ring through the second set (two rings) and fourth set (two rings) of 3.5mm rings.

Step 3

Add two 3.5mm rings to the fourth set of rings.

Step 4

Add two more 3.5mm rings to the fifth set of rings.

Step 5

Add two more 3.5mm rings to the sixth set of rings.

Step 6

 Weave one 7.5mm ring through the fourth set (two rings) and sixth set (two rings) of 3.5mm rings.

Repeat Steps 3-6 until your chain is approximately one-half to one inch less than the desired length of your bracelet. When you are ready to finish the bracelet, make a clasp using the 16g wire — I recommend an S clasp, a Swan clasp, or a modified Swan (using an open spiral like the one in my bracelet.) Add an additional single 3.5mm ring at the end opposite the clasp to hook into.

Tumble to harden and shine the wire.

– L. Kvigne