Box Chain Chainmaille Instructions
- Apprentice Project
- Box Chain
- Bracelet
- Chain Weave
- Project
You'll need
- Prerequisite: know Byzantine chain first: free Byzantine instructions or the Byzantine Chain Bracelet Kit (Beginning Weave)
- Box Chain Bracelet Kit: enough 18g rings for 10" of chain, plus an anchor link clasp
- or the Box Chain Bracelet Kitpack: rings only, for refills or if you already have a clasp
- or a Box RD 18g Inchpack for each inch of chain
- Two pairs of smooth-jawed pliers
- Opening and closing rings new to you? Read How to Make Chainmaille Jewelry first (free)
About this project
Box Chain is an Apprentice Project. Project tiers build on weaves you already know: this project contains everything needed to complete it, but it does not teach the weave listed as required experience, which is Byzantine chain. If you need to learn it first, follow our free Byzantine Chainmaille Instructions or get the Byzantine Chain Bracelet Kit from our Beginning Weave kits.
The pattern for box chain is the same as for Byzantine, but with one set of rings absent.
Making your box chain
Step 1. Work out your chain length
Measure your clasp and subtract that measurement from the planned length of your bracelet. This is the length of chain you need to weave.
Step 2. Prepare your rings
Close at least a dozen rings (more if you like) and open the same number before beginning the weave.
Step 3. Start a 2-2-2 chain on the clasp
Begin by making a 2-2-2 chain attached to one end of your clasp, as shown. This gives you something to hold onto while starting the chain. Tuck the clasp into your non-dominant hand.
Step 4. Fold back the last two rings
Fold back the last two rings in your chain as though you’re weaving Byzantine and hold them in position with the fingertips of your non-dominant hand.
Step 5. Lock the fold
With your dominant hand, pick up an open ring with your pliers, scoop two closed rings onto it, then use it to lock the fold into place, just as you do when weaving Byzantine. Put another open ring alongside the one just added and close it.
Step 6. Repeat to length
Repeat steps 4 and 5 until your chain is the right length, gently massaging the chain to loosen it if it begins to feel too snug to weave.
Step 7. Attach the other end of the clasp
Put the last set of locking rings through the other soldered ring on the clasp and you’ve completed your first box chain. Congratulations.
Ring sizes for Box Chain
The bracelet kit uses 18g rings. In the booklet, that size makes box chain with a nice, square profile. These are the sizes we cut for this weave; each inchpack holds all the rings for one inch of chain.
| Wire gauge (AWG) | Mandrel size | Rings per inch | Inchpack |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14g | 6.5mm | about 22 | Box RD 14g Inchpack |
| 16g | 5.25mm | about 26 | Box RD 16g Inchpack |
| 18g | 4.25mm | about 30 | Box RD 18g Inchpack |
| 20g | 3.5mm | about 32 | Box RD 20g Inchpack |
| 22g | 2.75mm | about 41 | Box RD 22g Inchpack |
Sizes are gauge / mandrel size, round wire. The actual inside diameter runs slightly larger than the mandrel because the wire springs back after winding. Inchpacks come in sterling, silver-filled, yellow gold-filled, rose gold-filled and Argentium.
Troubleshooting and tips
- Chain feels too snug to weave: gently massage the chain to loosen it before adding the next rings.
- Lost the rhythm: remember the pattern, 2-2-fold, 2-2-fold.
- Folding feels unfamiliar: it’s the same fold-and-lock move as Byzantine. If Byzantine is new to you, learn it first with our free Byzantine instructions or the Byzantine Chain Bracelet Kit.
- Something to hold: starting the 2-2-2 chain on the clasp gives you a handle; tuck the clasp into your non-dominant hand.
FAQ
What is box chain?
A chainmaille chain whose pattern is the same as Byzantine, but with one set of rings absent. In the kit’s 18g rings it has a nice, square profile.
Do I need to know another weave first?
Yes. Box Chain is an Apprentice Project, and project kits build on weaves you already know. You should know Byzantine chain, which our Byzantine Chain Bracelet Kit (a Beginning Weave kit) teaches from scratch.
How long should I make the chain?
Measure your clasp and subtract that from the planned length of your bracelet. That’s the length of chain to weave.
What’s the pattern to remember?
2-2-fold, 2-2-fold, and so on.
What ring size does the kit use?
18g rings. Other sizes we cut for box chain are listed in the ring chart above.
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