A European 6-in-1 Cuff
Challenge yourself to create this chain maille cuff to add a classic look to a tailored wardrobe.
This heavy European 6-in-1 cuff is an intermediate project. Made with the smallest aspect ratio for this weave, this dense piece will be a challenge to all intermediate chain maille artists.
The Artist
Tania McLean
Tania McLean runs Maille Queen, the UK’s number 1 resource for chain maille. She runs beginner, intermediate and master classes throughout the year.
Tools & Materials
Note all ring measurements are inside diameter.
- 14g/7.0mm rings
- 1 x clasp
- 8-10 x 16g/3.0mm rings if using toggle clasp
- 2 pair of flat nose pliers or 1 x flat nose and 1 x bent chain nose
- Soft working mat
Step 1
To start, close approximately two-thirds of the rings and open the other third. Pick up an open ring and scoop onto it six closed rings. Close the open ring. The open rings will become the centre line of the piece.
Step 2
Arrange the rings on the end of your finger as per the diagram, with three rings each side of the centre ring.
Step 3
Pick up two closed rings on one open ring. This open ring should link through four of the side rings from the previous step. Down through rings 1 and 2 and up through rings 3 and 4. Close the open ring.
Step 4
Re-arrange the piece so that there are now four rings on each side of the middle rings. The diagram shows the three new rings added in the previous step.
Step 5
Continue with step three until you have reached the desired length.
Step 6
Stabilise each end of the weave by adding an open ring only through the last two side rings at each end. Do not have any closed rings on this open stabilising ring.
Step 7
Attach the ring side of your toggle clasp to the stabilising ring at one end of the cuff. Depending on the attachment type of the clasp you have chosen, you may also need to use a small joining ring. The diagram shows the clasp attached directly to the stabilising ring.
Step 8
If you are using a toggle clasp to finish your piece, you will need to add an extender to the bar side of your clasp. This can be a simple single chain as the one in the diagram.
Step 9
Attach the bar end of the clasp to the other end of the bracelet by linking one weave ring through the last two side rings at the end of the cuff, and also through the last ring of the extender.
how to wear your new jewellery
This classic beauty is a timeless piece that can be made in copper, bronze, silver or gold metal jumprings. Team your chain maille bracelet with tailored accessories and work on a tone on tone, metallic colour scheme. Jackets, skirts and trousers should be tailored and well cut to reflect your seamless, elegant style. Remember the golden rule ladies, 'less is more' when making a statement with quality jewellery.
Summer/Spring 09 Inspiration
Timeless Beauty
Link Lampwork Beads
to Your Stash of Chains
Tania's tips
- You can change the look of the cuff by adjusting the size of rings, using 16 gauge or 18 gauge wire will give a much more delicate piece.
- If you want to keep the same density, make sure when lowering the wire gauge you adjust the ring size according to the correct aspect ratio of 4.3 - 4.5.
- To make a less dense cuff, use a larger ring size.
- For an explanation of aspect ratio, see the Tips and Techniques section at www.maillequeen.co.uk
Resources
Jumprings, clasps and pliers are readily available from most jewellery stockists. Rings for this project are available from Maille Queen website www.maillequeen.co.uk