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So I've been looking at different methods of making Pop Tab Chain Maille on this site. The ones that use wire tend to be rather ugly, and the ones that don't tend to mangle and weaken the tabs.
I've been making tab-maille for a few years now, and thought I'd share my wire weaving method to those who want another option.
I've been making tab-maille for a few years now, and thought I'd share my wire weaving method to those who want another option.
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Signing UpStep 1Ingredients
Things you will need:
1. An idea: What are you going to make? I'm making a vest.
2. A pattern: If you are making clothing, you will want a pattern to follow so that you get things the right shape. For my pattern I am using a vest that I like.
3. Tabs. A lot of tabs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not drink all the pop you will need for this craft! Not only will it cost you a fortune, you'll get very ill, and probably die. >.< Enlist your friends, family, co workers, school, and others to give you their tabs. Be not afraid to jump into recycling bins for tabs. You can buy them in bulk on eBay, even. Some charities collect them. If you offer a dollar or so per pound, you can usually get them. (they sell them to recycling plants for ~$0.48).
To find out how many you will need, you can use this for reference: a 4x4 inch square for me is about 8x10 tabs, when 'closed' (squashed together) or 8x8 when 'open' (spread out). This means that for an area of 2x2 feet I will need ~960 tabs. Always round up to the next hundred, to be safe.
Figure out the area for your project, then figure out how many tabs you will need. Make sure you can get that many. (You don't need them all at once, remember! A few hundred to start with is good though.)
4. Wire. You will need a lot. I use plastic coated 'telephone' wire, simply because I have a lot of it on hand. It is approximately gauge 22 (in American), and approximately .6mm across. It is plastic coated copper wire, and quite flexible. Any wire that you cannot snap by pulling will do.
5. Scissors. To cut the wire
6. Patience. This will take a fair amount.
1. An idea: What are you going to make? I'm making a vest.
2. A pattern: If you are making clothing, you will want a pattern to follow so that you get things the right shape. For my pattern I am using a vest that I like.
3. Tabs. A lot of tabs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not drink all the pop you will need for this craft! Not only will it cost you a fortune, you'll get very ill, and probably die. >.< Enlist your friends, family, co workers, school, and others to give you their tabs. Be not afraid to jump into recycling bins for tabs. You can buy them in bulk on eBay, even. Some charities collect them. If you offer a dollar or so per pound, you can usually get them. (they sell them to recycling plants for ~$0.48).
To find out how many you will need, you can use this for reference: a 4x4 inch square for me is about 8x10 tabs, when 'closed' (squashed together) or 8x8 when 'open' (spread out). This means that for an area of 2x2 feet I will need ~960 tabs. Always round up to the next hundred, to be safe.
Figure out the area for your project, then figure out how many tabs you will need. Make sure you can get that many. (You don't need them all at once, remember! A few hundred to start with is good though.)
4. Wire. You will need a lot. I use plastic coated 'telephone' wire, simply because I have a lot of it on hand. It is approximately gauge 22 (in American), and approximately .6mm across. It is plastic coated copper wire, and quite flexible. Any wire that you cannot snap by pulling will do.
5. Scissors. To cut the wire
6. Patience. This will take a fair amount.
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Now I need to collect more tabs to make a chainmail-bikini :D!
I just find the wire easier to travel with, the stiff end weaves more easily -shrug-
I'm glad you like it, and good luck with the bikini-- I recommend lining it with something, the metal against skin (especially those sensitive bits!) is realyl unpleasant...
I've been looking for a proper Tabistry tutorial for what seems FOREVER (had it sort of figured out but kept starting in the wrong direction apparently for the effect I was looking to achieve) and this is a life saver.
I'm glad you like it~ This method took a little trial and error, but it's been worth it.
I'll try this somewhen this summer