Learn how to make a chainmail bracelet with these fun and easy DIY tutorials! We’ll show you step-by-step how to create 5 beautiful chainmail designs — each with its own unique look and pattern. Whether you’re new to chainmail or you’ve been linking rings for years, these beginner-friendly instructions make it simple to get started with this classic jewelry craft.
Plus, we’ve included a printable chainmail pattern to help guide you as you go! From bold and edgy to sleek and simple, these chainmail bracelets are the perfect way to add a handmade touch to your accessories. So grab your pliers and jump rings, and let’s dive into this mesmerizing craft!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to keep creating fun, free content.
How to Make Chainmail Bracelets
Materials:
- Free Printable Chainmail Bracelet Patterns (optional)
- Jump rings (4mm, 5mm, 8mm)
- Lobster clasp
Equipment:
- 2 Chain nose pliers (or flat nose; or 1 of each)
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Find what you need:
- Gather your supplies and materials.Each bracelet will require different sizes of jump rings, a lobster clasp, and 2 pairs of chain-nose (or flat-nose) pliers.
Style 1 (Helm or Parallel Weave):
- For this style you’ll need 8mm rings and 5mm rings. Have all your 5mm rings and some of your 8mm rings open beforehand.To begin, use 2 pairs of pliers to open a 5mm jump ring and place a lobster clasp on it. Don’t close the jump ring yet.
- Place two 8mm jump rings on the 5mm jump ring and then close it.
- Add two 5mm rings onto both of the 8mm rings.
- Attach two 8mm jump rings through both the 5mm rings.
- Place an open 8mm ring between the last two 8mm jump rings. Bring it around the two 5mm jump rings and between the previous two 8mm jump rings before closing it.It should be around the 5mm rings and sandwiched between the 2 sets of 8mm rings.
- Repeat the last 4 steps to create the same pattern.
- Continue making this pattern until the bracelet is your desired length. End with a 5mm jump ring — this will be where you connect the clasp to close the bracelet.
- Your chainmail bracelet is complete! Here’s a close look at the pattern.
Style 2 (Barrel Weave Variation):
- For this style you’ll need 8mm rings (plus one 5mm ring to attach the clasp). Open about half your rings.To begin, attach a 5mm ring to a lobster clasp. Then attach two 8mm rings around the 5mm ring.
- Attach four 8mm rings around the last 2 rings
- Connect an 8mm jump ring around the left two jump rings. Then instead of going straight through the next 2 rings, twist it around and go down through them. Close off the ring.
- Repeat the last step with a second 8mm ring.
- Now connect two more 8mm rings through the bottoms of the original 4 rings.
- Repeat the last 4 steps until your bracelet is as long as you need it to be. You can finish the bracelet with another 5mm jump ring if you’d like, to attach to the clasp when closing the bracelet.
- Your chainmail bracelet is complete! Here’s a closeup of what the pattern looks like.
Style 3 (Diamond Pattern Chainmail Weave):
- For this style you’ll need 8mm rings (plus one 4mm ring to attach the clasp). Open all your rings beforehand.To begin, connect a 4mm jump ring to a lobster clasp and then add two 8mm rings to it before closing it off.
- Add four 8mm jump rings around the previous 2.
- Connect an 8mm jump ring to the 2 right jump rings (#3 and #4).
- Add another 8mm ring to the center rings (#2 and #3).
- Then connect an 8mm ring to the left two (#1 and #2).
- Add four more 8mm rings to the last three: one to #3, one connecting #2 and #3, one connecting #1 and #2, and one to #1.
- Then start the pattern over by connecting two jump rings through the bottom of these four.
- Repeat the last steps until the bracelet is as long as you’d like it to be. Finish with the two jump rings, or add another 4mm jump ring to the bottom for connecting the clasp.
- Your chain mail bracelet is complete! Here’s what the pattern should look like.
Style 4 (Box Weave Variation):
- For this style you’ll need 8mm and 5mm jump rings. Open all of your 5mm rings and some of your 8mm rings beforehand.To begin, add an 8mm jump ring to a lobster clasp. Then add two more 8mm jump rings onto the first.
- Set another 8mm ring in-between those two, sandwiching it so that it’s still sticking out a bit.
- Add two 5mm rings through all three jump rings. Pull the 8mm ring out, sliding the 5mm rings to each side.
- Attach two 5mm jump rings to the 8mm ring.
- Then add two 8mm jump rings through the 5mm ones.
- Let go of the 8mm rings, letting one fall to the front and one to the back. Then slide the 5mm jump rings to either side (left and right), using the pliers if necessary.
- Repeat, starting with step 2. Sandwich another 8mm jump ring and connect 5mm rings through all 3.
- Continue following the pattern and repeating until the bracelet is long enough.
- Your chainmaille bracelet is complete! Here’s a closeup of this pattern.
Style 5 (Japanese 12-in-2 Weave):
- For this style you’ll need 8mm and 4mm rings. Have all your rings open beforehand.To begin, add a 4mm jump ring onto a lobster clasp. Before closing it, add two 8mm rings.
- Attach four 4mm jump rings to the 8mm rings.
- Add two 8mm rings to the two 4mm rings on the left. Then add another two 8mm rings to the other 4mm rings (on the right).
- Connect the four 8mm rings together with two more 4mm rings.
- Attach two 4mm jump rings to one 8mm set and two more to the other.
- Continue adding sets of 8mm rings, connecting each set to another with two 4mm rings.
- Repeat this pattern until the bracelet reaches your desired length.Important Note: When making this pattern it may be easier to start with the 2nd set of jump rings down and add eight 4mm rings to it and work out that way. It’s simpler to connect and close the 8mm rings rather than get 4mm rings around the 2 sets. So connect the 8mm rings through the last 4mm rings (above and to the side) and then add 2 more sets of 4mm rings before closing it off.
- Your chainmail bracelet is complete! Here’s a closeup of the pattern.
Enjoy making all the patterns:
- Once you’ve made one chainmail bracelet you’ll definitely want to try all kinds of different designs!
Helpful Tips:
- We used 1mm thick jump rings to make our designs. If you don’t want to use double rings to bulk up the patterns, you can also buy thicker jump rings.
- Use two pairs of pliers for better control. Holding one jump ring steady with one pair, while opening or closing with the other makes the process smoother and helps prevent wrist fatigue.
- Always close your jump rings tightly. A snug, flush closure keeps your bracelet strong and prevents snagging. You can even “wiggle” the ring back and forth slightly to align the ends more precisely.
Get our free printable chainmail bracelet patterns:
The link and photo below will take you to our free printable chainmail jewelry patterns! The PDF file will open in a new window.
Then simply follow along with the template on your device’s screen, or print the pattern in colour on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) printer paper.
>>> Chainmail Bracelet Patterns <<<
What supplies do I need to make chainmail jewelry?
To get started, you’ll need two pairs of flat-nose or chain-nose pliers. These help you grip and manipulate the jump rings.
You’ll also need various sizes of jump rings. Jump rings are small metal circles that open and close, and are used in all kinds of jewelry. You’ll also need a clasp to finish off the bracelet (we like using lobster clasps).
A bead mat or tray is also helpful to keep everything in place while you work.
Can I make chainmail bracelets with coloured jump rings?
Yes! Coloured aluminum jump rings are a great way to add personality to your chainmail jewelry. They’re lightweight, come in tons of vibrant shades, and are easier to open and close than steel.
Just be gentle while opening and closing the coated rings, since excessive twisting can wear down the colour.
How long does it take to make a chain mail bracelet?
It depends on the pattern and your experience level, but most beginners can complete a simple bracelet in about 30 to 60 minutes. More intricate designs may take longer, but the process is very meditative once you get going!
Is it hard for beginners to make a chainmail bracelet?
Not at all! While it might look complex, chainmail (often spelled “chainmaille” in the jewelry community) is surprisingly beginner-friendly — especially when you start with a simple pattern and take it step by step.
The repetitive nature of linking rings can actually be relaxing, and once you get the hang of opening and closing rings smoothly, you’ll be building beautiful pieces in no time. Plus, with our step-by-step photo instructions, video tutorial, and printable patterns, you’re never on your own!
Chainmail bracelets are a satisfying way to turn simple materials into something stunning. Once you’ve mastered the basic weaves, you can start mixing metals, playing with colours, or even creating matching earrings or necklaces. Whether you’re crafting solo or with a group, these patterns are a great way to explore a timeless jewelry technique with a modern twist!
Here’s even more DIY jewelry ideas:
Now available
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
Leave a Reply