4-in-2 Chain
Overview
Recently, I was thinking about basic weaves, and I noticed that I could not find the 4-in-2 Chain on M.A.I.L. or the Chainmaillers forum. This lack of documentation is likely because this weave is very basic. This weave is basic enough to be considered part of the European, Japanese and Persian weave families. It is essentially a kinged version of the 2-in-1 Chain. Since I could not find a tutorial, I have written and included this one.
Materials
For the sample piece showcased in this post, I made the rings myself. I used 16 SWG Bright Aluminum wire from The Ring Lord coiled around a 6mm mandrel (for an approximate ID of 6mm) for an AR of 3.7.
Tutorial
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Start with 2 rings stacked on top of each other. When done, it should look something like this:
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Add 2 new rings(green in the image/model below) through the rings from the previous step(red in the image/model below). These new rings shouldn’t go through each other. When done, it should look something like this:
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Repeat step 2 until you are happy with the length of your chain.
Notes
The 4-in-2 chain is simple to learn as well as create. Visually, I find it looks plain and straightforward. While primarily incorporated into other weaves, you could also use it as a base for bracelets, necklaces, chokers, or standalone chains. Given its simplicity and role as a foundation for more complex weaves, I recommend learning how to make it.
Pictures
Flat
Flat: Angled
Flat: Profile
Vertical
Vertical: Profile
In Process
