Tip for when starting to learn the Art of Chainmaille

So, you’ve decided to dive into the magical world of chainmaille? Welcome, fellow adventurer! Whether your goal is to craft delicate jewelry or epic fantasy-inspired adornments, learning chainmaille can be as rewarding as it is addicting (seriously—you’ll want all the shiny rings).

 

Here are some of my favorite tips to help you start strong:

 

1. Begin with the Basics (Yes, Really!)

I know it’s tempting to jump straight into dragonscale or some complicated wizard-level weave, but trust me—mastering the fundamentals first will save you a world of frustration later.

Start with weaves like 2-in-1 and European 4-in-1. These teach you how to place your rings correctly, spot patterns, and build muscle memory. Think of them as your training sword before you pick up the enchanted blade.

 

2. Practice Your Jump Ring Closures

Here’s where the real magic happens. Clean, seamless closures can take your work from “cool” to “how-did-you-make-that?!”

Take your time, check your alignment, and get comfortable with your pliers. I even made a video showing how I open and close jump rings. Check it out here:

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HP-Lef9ixQ

 

And speaking of tools...

 

3. Use Tools You Actually Love

The right tools make all the difference. My personal favorite pliers are comfy in the hand and grip beautifully, perfect for long crafting sessions without the hand cramps.

You can find them here (yes, it's an affiliate link, so I may earn a small shiny coin):

https://amzn.to/3Te4jcn

 

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Start Over

Sometimes a weave just doesn’t click the first (or fifth!) time. That’s totally normal. Undoing your rings and trying again is part of the journey, like forging the perfect spell, sometimes it takes a few tries to get the magic right.

 

5. Ask for Help, Join a Community

Chainmaille artists are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet! Whether it’s on YouTube, Reddit, or in one of the groups I hang out in, we love to cheer each other on. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your progress!

 

Whether you're just beginning your chainmaille quest or brushing up on your basics, remember this: every chainmaille master started right where you are. Holding a pair of pliers and wondering how in the world all these little rings fit together.

 

And if you ever need a guide on your journey, I’m always here with tips, tutorials, and plenty of sparkle.

 

Happy weaving!