Volume 2 - How to Weave European (Euro) 4-in-1

If you are new to chain mailing and have never done it before, please read through Volume 1 - Introduction to Chainmail on the parts of rings, how to use them, the tools to use, and how to open and close rings. It also contains links to where you can purchase a wide variety of rings and tools.

Euro 4-in-1 works well in a 4 AR but is workable between 3.2 and 5. Suggested rings sizes are 3/16"-18swg, 1/4"-16swg , and 5/16"-16swg.

It's best to use this weave as a starting point to learn how to chain mail. It contains all the basics steps needed along with being a simple weave for beginners. Other weaves can be difficult to start and often discourage beginners. As long as you follow the instructions with the rings laid out as shown, you should have little difficulty picking up European 4-in-1. If you take the three-row group created from the Starter rows (1-3) steps and extend it out to necklace length, you've just created a simple choker necklace.

4-in-1 means that every link in the pattern goes through four other links. If the link you're adding goes through two links on the existing pattern, then it must also go through two new links - one link through a total of four others. If the link you're adding goes through three links on the existing pattern, then it must also go through one new link - again, one link through four others.

There are many variations of the Euro pattern. For example, Euro 6-in-1; every link in the pattern goes through six others. This produces a denser weave than the Euro 4-in-1. Or Kingsmaile which is European 4-in-1 but each ring is doubled. Depending on the AR (aspect ratio) of the rings used, items have been made from Euro 12-in-1.

The colors of the rings used below are shown for clarity of instructions. Typically your mail will be all one color depending upon the metal you use. The silver rings are highlighted when another ring needs to be woven through it or for clarity's sake.

Step 1 Starter rows 1, 2, and 3

The first three rows are typically woven differently from the rest. The method shown here, in my opinion, is a fast and easy way to get started.

1. Place an open ring, the silver colored ring, through four closed rings and close the open ring.
2. Arrange the five-ring pattern shown below with the silver ring pointing to the left.
3. Place an open ring through two closed rings. Place the open ring of the set through the two closed rings from the previous step, now colored silver. Close the open ring.
4. Repeat step 3 to make the pattern to the desired length.

These first three rows should be as long as the finished piece will be long. Additional rings can be added later but it's much harder t weave down on the finished piece than to weave across from the beginning.

Comments

[Lordinquisitor]

how do you get the rings in the 3d model in the correct positions. I have been trying to do chainmail in blender and geting the angle of the rings without going into another ring is near impossible. do you physics or something.

[jbb3141]

I used POV-Ray for Windows 3.6 and created groups of two rings flat, then titled them at an angle until it looked correct then moved addition rings in distinct "units" away from the first until the weave looked correct. I can send you the script if you wish.

[kooljon]

Wow, very interesting.

[freakyqwerty]

Wow looks good! Keep up the good work!

[jbb3141]

Thanks much! I think I'll do an instructables project next making a chainmail pouch using this weave.