Perfect Ring Chainmaille Instructions
- Beginning Weaves
- Chain Weave
- Perfect Ring
- Ring
- Vertebrae
- Weave
You'll need
- The Perfect Pair Kit: supplies for a matched pair of Perfect Rings, one in 20g and one in 22g
- or Perfect Ring inchpacks (20–24g) or Vertebrae inchpacks (16–24g) from the ring charts below
- Small rings (ringpack a), medium rings (ringpack b) and large rings (ringpack c)
- Two pairs of smooth-jawed pliers
- Want to know what makes this ring so great? Read The Perfect Ring.
About the Perfect Ring
The Perfect Ring is a Beginning Weave: no prior weave knowledge is needed, and the Perfect Pair Kit is made for people who have never made chainmaille. The rings are small, though, so it can be a bit challenging the first time. Take your time, and if you’re new to opening and closing rings, read our Apprentice Guide: How to Make Chainmaille Jewelry first, so your closures are neat and secure.
Weaving the Perfect Ring
Step 1. Make the sets
Close a bunch of large rings from ringpack (c) and medium rings from ringpack (b) and lay them out one inside the other on your work surface, as shown. We’ll call these rings “sets.”
Step 2. Link two sets
Stack two sets and link them together using two of the small rings from ringpack (a).
Step 3. Slide the small rings
Separate the two small rings and slide them down to the sides.
Step 4. Push up
Use your non-dominant thumb to push the set in front up as far as it will go.
Step 5. Add a set
Stack another set on the one you just pushed up and link those two sets with a pair of small rings. (Shown a bit from the side so you can better see what you’re doing.)
Step 6. Part and push
Again, part the two small rings and slide them down to the sides while pushing the front set up with your thumb.
Step 7. Repeat
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the length of the chain, and it should look something like this.
Joining the ring
To join the chain into a circle, wrap it around your fingertip and overlap the ends so that the stair-step pattern continues from one end to the other. Put a small open ring through the centers of both ends and close it. Add the other small ring and close it.
Congratulations on your brand new Perfect Ring. That’s right… you did that. :)
Ring sizes
Each inchpack holds the small, medium and large rings for one inch of chain.
Perfect Ring
| Wire gauge (AWG) | Small (a) | Medium (b) | Large (c) | Inchpack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20g | 2.625mm | 3.0mm | 4.75mm | Perfect Ring RD 20g Inchpack |
| 22g | 2.0mm | 2.75mm | 4.0mm | Perfect Ring RD 22g Inchpack |
| 24g | 1.625mm | 1.875mm | 2.875mm | Perfect Ring RD 24g Inchpack |
Vertebrae
| Wire gauge (AWG) | Small (a) | Medium (b) | Large (c) | Inchpack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16g | 4.0mm | 5.5mm | 8.0mm | Vertebrae RD 16g Inchpack |
| 18g | 3.0mm | 4.5mm | 6.5mm | Vertebrae RD 18g Inchpack |
| 20g | 2.625mm | 3.0mm | 4.75mm | Vertebrae RD 20g Inchpack |
| 22g | 2.0mm | 2.75mm | 4.0mm | Vertebrae RD 22g Inchpack |
| 24g | 1.625mm | 1.875mm | 2.875mm | Vertebrae RD 24g Inchpack |
Want everything in one box? See our Weave Kits and Project Kits.
FAQ
Do I need to know another weave first?
No. The Perfect Ring is a Beginning Weave. The rings are small, so go slowly the first time.
What is a “set”?
One medium ring (ringpack b) lying inside one large ring (ringpack c).
Which rings link the sets?
Pairs of small rings from ringpack (a).
How do I turn the chain into a ring?
Wrap it around your fingertip, overlap the ends so the stair-step pattern continues, and join the centers of both ends with two small rings.
What sizes does the Perfect Pair Kit make?
A 20g ring that can be made up to size 15 and a more delicate 22g ring up to size 12.
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