Chain mail is created by interlacing metal rings in a special sequence. Due to the fact that this product distributes the force of impact with a sharp object to a wider area of the body, historically it was used as armor. Today, chain-link weaving is a way to create a carnival costume, decorate or decorate a theme event.
History
Since ancient times, the cherished dream of warriors of all nations and eras has been reliable protection from enemy weapons. It was she who guaranteed victory in bloody battles. Over time, warriors received such armor, one of them was chain mail, which is a prototype of modern body armor.
Such metal products were widespread both in Asia and in Europe, all thanks to a simple manufacturing method. All that was needed was iron, a special device that helped to draw the wire, and most importantly, patience, because the monotonous work took too much time.
Chain mail was invented in the 1st millennium BC. e. However, who was the inventor is unknown. Finds of such products in Scythian burials date back to the V century. BC e., Celtic samples belong to the III century. BC e. The Roman Empire became acquainted with chain mail during the conquest of Gaul, since then they were used until the appearance of firearms.
Materials
If we talk about the choice of materials, it is historically correct to forge the wire yourself. The work is very painstaking, in addition, in the past, a rivet was placed on each ring for strength.
Today, for the manufacture of chain mail, they often use finished wire of various sizes or already finished engraving rings. If we talk about wire, then not everyone will do. Suppose copper can even be processed by hand, so the chain mail will deteriorate very quickly. Aluminum is also not the best option, since black dust appears when the rings rub against each other. The best choice would be steel wire.
Types of weaving chain mail
There are a large variety of weaving. But in practice, not everyone is valuable. One of the most valuable are the "back-and-forth" (armored weaving). This classification of weaving implies the arrangement of rings in rows in which their slope alternates (for example, even - to the right, odd - to the left).
The simplest shell armor 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, therefore, 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, manufacturing time and cost of the product increased. The scheme of weaving chain mail “4 in 1” is presented below.
Chainmail weaving "dragon scales"
It is on this method of weaving that is worth dwelling in more detail. Since it has no historical analogues. The manufacturing process of such a product is rather laborious, and a large amount of time is spent on it, however, the result looks impressive and aesthetically pleasing, unlike other copies.
Weaving chain mail in this case requires the use of rings of two diameters (a smaller ring should go through a larger one). First, an ordinary chain is woven, where rings of different sizes alternate. After that, large rings are laid on top of the small ones. They need to be fixed with large rings that pass through the small ones. Then a series of rings of a smaller diameter are threaded into the large rings involved in the second stage (larger rings must be inserted into them further), etc.
Cut
There is a wide selection of cut options. The choice of the appropriate one should be determined by the purpose and requirements for chain mail. Solid-looking options look prudent. Their essence is that the whole product is assembled from one embedded band of rings. This manufacturing method is great for creating short sleeveless products. In this case, a perfect fit can be achieved by fitting the product to the figure during operation. However, in this case, it will be problematic to sew sleeves.
If the plans are weaving chain mail full format (with sleeves), then it is best to choose the option of assembling the product from separate 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 which method of weaving and tailoring are chosen, it is necessary to safely add at least 10-15 cm to the girth of the chest. The product will not sag, but there are different cases: a dense sublingual or changing body parameters.
Tips & Warnings
For beginning masters, weaving chain mail will become simpler and more convenient if the rings hang from a rope, twig or wire.
- In order for the product to keep its shape, and the pattern is clearly visible, an additional lining can be made.
- Chain weaving can injure the skin or become tangled in the hair (if it is made to decorate the head). Consider polishing rings and lining in advance.
- Some metals have an unpleasant odor and may corrode or stain the skin.
- The edges of the rings can cut clothes or dye them, under them you need to wear special underwear made of dense fabric.
Today, chain-link weaving is perfect only for decoration or masquerade, but with a strong impact, the structure of such a product will be violated, because in ancient times it was made of forged rings, due to which chain-mail was more wear-resistant and tolerant of strong impacts.