• Classy • Crafty • Quirky • (Classy Jewelry, Quirky Crafts)
Chainmail Weaves
Here is a preliminary list of some of the most popular basic chainmail weaves. List includes level of expertise recommended, the AR (Aspect Ratio) recommended. It also contains links to great tutorials for each of the chainmail weaves.
Tip:
Good idea to use different coloured rings when first learning new chainmail weaves. It makes the learning process much easier.
This is one of my favourite crosses. Was used in Rosary for Mom.
Though it looks a bit complex, it is not very hard to make at all.
Wire Wrap Cross
This is not a full tutorial on how to make a beaded cross in Right Angle Weave (RAW). Rather it is an overview with brief descriptions which is meant to provide avenues of possibilities. It does have enough description to provide technique ideas and how to guide on making a beaded cross.
This handmade cross is done in RAW (Right Angle Weave). I have used light blue 4mm bicone crystals. Once the RAW beaded cross is done, then the seed beads are sewn in a “X” structure over the surface of the cross.
Create Strength and Rigidity
Instead of using beading thread, I have used thin wire (0.25mm gauge) to do the RAW as well as to sew the seed beads with. This gives more strength and rigidity to the overall cross. I then finished off with a simple beaded bail, using the same thin wire.
RAW Beaded Cross
I was constantly running out of crosses once I started making my own rosaries. So I thought figure out how to make some of my own handmade crosses (in 2011). Here is a succinct how-to on making some chainmail crosses.
I used Byzantine weave to first create the chainmail cross. I am not sure if I should still call it the Byzantine Weave as I modified it by making it a tight Byzantine weave. It then has more solidity and rigidity. (For more information, see B. ChainMail Cross below).
This loop and bead clasp tutorial is an easy way to give your jewelry piece a customized, unique and matching finish. This technique is especially ideal if you have used decorative knotting in your piece.
You can refer to the basic how to tie the reef knot or the beaded jewelry with square knots for a refresher on knotting techniques for jewelry making.
Customized loop and bead clasp
This Loop and Bead Clasp tutorial comes in two parts: the Bead Clasp at one end, and the Loop at the other end.
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Fun tutorial on how to easily use reef or square knots in a simple beaded jewelry piece. Follow along and have fun.
If you need to, have a quick refresher on how to tie a square knot (aka reef knot). You will get the hang of it very easily and then everything that follows here will be so much easier as well.
Desired Finished Beaded Jewelry with Band of Reef Knots
Reef Knot Beaded Jewelry
Reef or Squre Knot
A square knot is also commonly known as a reef knot. Knowing how to tie a reef knot comes in really handy for jewelry making and related crafty business! Both for its functionality and for its decorative appeal.
The square or reef knot is a very simple knot to learn. It adds charm and decorative appeal and is commonly used in macrame and creating artistic pieces of jewelry.
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