How to Start a Byzantine Chainmaille Weave
Sue Ripsch, chain mail artist and teacher, demonstrates how to start a Byzantine weave with jump rings to create beautiful chainmaille jewelry.
Instructions
Step 1
Loop a 12-inch length of wire through two jump rings, creating double jump rings. Twist the wire ends closed to ensure the double jump rings won't slide off.
Tip: The length of wire allows you to hold the beginning of the chain while it is short.
Step 2
Pass one jump ring through the previous set of jump rings then close. Repeat to attach a second jump ring creating a 2-2 chain.
Step 3
Attach double jump rings to the previous set of double jump rings, creating a 2-2-2 chain.
Step 4
Flip the entire chain over so that the wire is now at the bottom of the chain.
Spread the third pair of double jump rings apart, allowing each ring to lie flat against one side.
Turn the chain 1/4 turn and spread the second pair of double jump rings (added in Step 2) apart.
Tip: The two jump rings that are spread apart resemble bunny ears.
Step 5
Attach a pair of double jump rings to the center of the third pair of double jump rings (added in Step 3), creating a fourth pair of double jump rings. This is the first set of jump rings in the next set 2-2-2 chain length.
Step 6
Repeat Steps 2 - 5 to the desired length.
Untwist and release the wire.
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