Weaving chainmail: history, ways and cut

The chain is created by interweaving the metal rings in a special sequence. Due to the fact that this product distributes the force of impact of a sharp object on a wider area of the body, historically it was used as armor. To date, weaving chain mail - a way to create a carnival costume, decoration or artistic design of the thematic event.

History

Since ancient times, the cherished dream of soldiers of all nations and eras was reliable protection from enemy weapons. It was she who guaranteed victory in the bloody battles. Over time, the soldiers received such armor, one of them was a chain armor, which is the prototype of modern bulletproof vests.

Such metal products were widely distributed both in Asia and in Europe, and all thanks to a simple manufacturing method. For work, only iron was required, a special device that helped draw the wire, and most importantly - patience, because the monotonous work took too much time.

Kolchuga was invented in the I millennium BC. E. However, who was the inventor is unknown. Finds of such items on Scythian burials date back to the 5th century. BC. E., Celtic samples refer to the III century. BC. E. The Roman Empire got acquainted with the armours of the conquest of Gaul, and since then they have been used until the appearance of firearms.

Materials

If we talk about the choice of materials, then it is historically correct to forge the wire independently. The work is very painstaking, in addition, in the past, each ring was riveted for strength.

Today, for the manufacture of chain mail, often use a wire of different sizes or ready-made engraving rings. If we talk about wire, then not everyone will do. Suppose that copper can be handled even with your hands, so the mail will spoil very quickly. Aluminum is also not the best option, because when the rings rub against each other, black dust appears. The best choice is steel wire.

Types of weaving chain mail

There are a lot of different weaves. But in practice, not all are valuable. One of the most valuable are "antiterrorist" (armor plaiting). This classification of weaving implies the arrangement of the rings in such series, in which their slope alternates (for example, even - to the right, odd - to the left).

The simplest armor weaving of chain mail is "4 in 1". In this case, one ring is connected to four others lying around. This method of weaving did not provide sufficient protection, so most often used complicated options: "6 in 1" or "8 in 1". In this case, the protective strength and properties of chain mail increased. But at the same time, the weight, time of manufacture and cost of the product increased. The scheme of weaving the chain mail "4 in 1" is presented below.

Weaving of chain mail "dragon scales"

It is on this method of weaving should be considered in more detail. Because it does not have historical analogues. The process of manufacturing such a product is laborious enough, and it takes a lot of time, but the result looks spectacular and aesthetic, unlike other specimens.

The weaving of chain mail in this case requires the use of rings of two diameters (a smaller ring must pass through a larger one). First, the usual chain is played, where rings of different sizes alternate. After that, large rings are laid over small ones. They need to be fixed with large rings that pass through small ones. Next, in a large ring, involved in the second stage, pass a series of rings of smaller diameter (they need to go through larger rings), etc.

Cutting

There is a large selection of variations. The choice of the appropriate one should be determined by the purpose and requirements for the mail. The whole-assembled variants look good. Their essence lies in the fact that the entire product is assembled from one embedded strip of rings. This method of manufacturing is perfect for creating short sleeveless products. In this case, an excellent fit can be achieved by fitting the product to the figure during operation. However, in this case, sewing sleeves will be problematic.

If in the plans weaving the mail of full size (with sleeves), then it is best to choose the option of assembling the product from individual parts. At the same time on the back and chest the direction of the rows will be perpendicular to the rows on the shoulders and sleeves.

Regardless of what type of weaving and tailoring will be chosen, you should boldly add to the girth of the chest at least 10-15 cm. The product will not sag, but the cases are different: a dense podkolchuzhnik or changing the parameters of the body.

Tips & Warnings

For beginners, weaving the chainmail will be easier and more convenient if the rings hang from the rope, twig or wire.

1. In order to keep the product in shape and the pattern is clearly visible, it is also possible to make a lining.
2. Chain braiding can injure the skin or become entangled in the hair (if it is made to decorate the head). In advance it is necessary to think about polishing rings and lining fabric.
3. Some metals are characterized by an unpleasant odor, can be corroded or colored.
4. The edges of the rings can cut clothes or paint it, under them you need to wear special underwear from dense matter.

To date, weaving chain mail is perfect only for decoration or masquerade, but with a strong impact, the structure of such a product is disrupted, because in ancient times it was made from forged rings, due to which the chain mail was more wear-resistant and tolerant to strong shocks.