Free Pattern: Japanese Takara Chain Maille Necklace

by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com

Wire Jewelry Pattern for May 25th, 2017

Japanese Takara Chain Maille Necklace

by Marilyn Gardiner

This chain mail necklace is composed of 5 triangular segments that are linked together with extra-large rings to form the centre focus. Then we add 2 side chains and connect them with a clasp.  Each triangular segment has 12 large rings two layers of 6 rings. Every large ring is joined to each of its neighbors with 2 small rings.

Materials:

• 18 gauge AWG sterling silver jump rings 5mm ID  (Pattern Quantity – 120 Pieces)
• 20 gauge 2.75mm sterling jump rings (Pattern Quantity – 179 Pieces)
• 16 gauge 7mm sterling jump rings (Pattern Quantity – 7 Pieces)
• 16 gauge 6mm sterling jump rings (Pattern Quantity – 1 Piece)
• 5 small beads (Pattern Quantity – 5 Pieces)
• Sterling Lobster Clasp (Pattern Quantity – 1 Piece)
• 2″ Sterling Headpins (Pattern Quantity – 5 Pieces)

Tools:

• 90 Degree Bent Nose Pliers (Pattern Quantity – 2 Pieces, Product ID: G2-66)
• 5 inch Plato Slim Flush Cutters for Wire Working or Beading – Pack of 1 (Pattern Quantity – 1 Piece, Product ID: G35-3)

Directions:

Step 1: Row 1: Close 22 small rings and open 12 large rings. Hold large ring #1 with your pliers and add 6 small closed rings. Close the ring.
Tip: It is helpful to tie a piece of wire around Ring #1 to mark the top left side of the triangle. This will show you how to orient your work after each large ring is added.

 

Step 2: Hold large ring #2 with your pliers. Add 6 small rings, and 2 small rings from Ring #1. Close the ring. Lay the rings down with #1 on the left.

Step 3: Hold large ring #3 with your pliers. Add 4 small rings, and 2 small rings from ring #2. Lay the rings down with ring #1 on the left. This is row 1 completed.

Step 4: Row 2: Hold large ring #4 with your pliers. Add 4 small rings, and 2 small rings from ring #1, and 2 small rings from ring #2. Set the rings down with #1 on the left. Notice the loose rings on rings #1 & 2 that hang on each side at the top of ring #4

Step 5: Hold large ring #5 with your pliers. Add 2 small rings and  2 small rings from ring #4, 2 small rings from ring #2 and 2 small rings from ring #3. Lay the rings down with #1 on the left. This is row 2 completed.

Step 6: Row 3: Hold large ring #6 with your pliers. Add 2 small rings from ring #4 and 2 small rings from ring #5. Lay the rings down with #1 on the left. This is row 3 the bottom of the triangle.

Step 7:  Add the Second Layer: Insert one large ring on top of each of the large rings in the first layer, starting at the top left. Maneuver each ring carefully so that you pass through all of the small rings.

Step 8: Repeat the Steps 1-7 to make a total of 5 triangle segments.

Step 9: Open 4 extra large rings. There are 2 loose rings at the top edges of each triangle. Use the extra large rings to join 2 segments by picking up a pair of  small rings from each segment. Join all 5 segments. See the necklace photo.

Step 10: The side chains will be built on both sides of the center section just completed.
The project makes a 17” necklace: 7” for the front, 1” for the clasp, and 9” for the sides (4.5” each side). Each side has 15 pairs of large rings. You can make it shorter or longer by trying it on a few times as you near completion—just be sure you make the side chains equal in length.

Close a supply of small rings. Open a supply of large rings. Open 2 extra-large rings.

1. Insert an extra large ring through the 2 small end rings of the center section, add 2 more small rings and close the ring.

2. Hold a large ring with your pliers, add the 2 small rings from the previous step, and add 2 more small rings. Close the ring.

Repeat Step 2 until you’ve used 15 large rings (or fewer if you want a shorter necklace. When you have the length you want, go back and add the second layer of large rings—just as you did when you made the triangles. Repeat steps 1-2 to make the other side chain.

 

Step 11: A lobster clasp comes with a ring through it—open that ring, add the 2 small rings at the end of a side chain, and close the ring.
Open the 6 mm ring and add it to the end of the other side chain.

Step 12: Set out your beads and headpins. I used sterling Bali beads. Place each bead on a headpin and use your round nose pliers to make a wrapped loop.
(If you need a refresher, see the Big Bad Pearl Necklace pattern for instructions.)

Use a small jump ring to attach the headpin loop to the bottom pair of rings of each triangle. Your necklace is complete!

Tip: Remember that you can add or lengthen the side chains to adjust the length of the necklace.

Happy Wrapping!

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One Comment

1. 

   Rose M Harris

   May 25, 2017 at 6:49 am

   That is just beautiful” Thanks for sharing”