Stainless Steel Beaded Chain Maille Keyring

by Kylie Jones

Category: Chain Maille
Technique(s): Chain Making
Skill Level: Beginner

This key ring is made up of 2 different chain maille patterns. It begins with box chain and moves to a locked bead pattern. You can customize this pattern to suit you with birth stones or alternating colors. The number of beads can be changed to a lucky or meaningful number. I have used a triquetra charm also known as the Trinity Knot which is an ancient Celtic symbol. You could use a charm, a small photo frame or wrapped large bead.

Materials

18g AWG (1mm) Inner Diameter ID 5/32” (4.1mm)

Lesson Quantity: 4.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 4.00 each

18g AWG (1mm) Inner Diameter ID 3/16” (5mm)

Lesson Quantity: 60.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 60.00 each

Amethyst 4mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand

A1-634

Lesson Quantity: 9.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $10.50
Gold Club Price: $7.88

Out of Stock

Blue Crazy Lace Agate 4mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand

A1-31

Lesson Quantity: 9.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $6.30
Gold Club Price: $4.73

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Carnelian 4mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand

A1-750

Lesson Quantity: 9.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $6.30
Gold Club Price: $4.73

Out of Stock

Stainless steel triquetra charm.

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Stainless steel key ring

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

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Tools

Premium 4 1/2 inch Jump Ring Pliers Bent Nose - Pack of 1

G2-108

G2-108
Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
Price: $12.97
Gold Club Price: $9.73

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Instructions

Step 1

Beginning with 2 small rings attach both to the keyring. Now switch to the large rings and with an open ring go through both of the small rings. Add another ring in the same place. Take an open ring and go through both of the 2 rings just added, add another ring in the same place.

Kylie Jones's Stainless Steel Beaded Chain Maille Keyring - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , chain maille key ring

Step 2

Working on the 2 links made with the large rings in the last step, fold the 2 rings from the 2nd link back towards the keyring, one ring each side, so the edges of the rings that were on the right hand side are folded back to the left hand side. With an open ring part the 2 rings from the 1st link and go through the 2 folded back rings. Close the ring. Add another ring in the same place.

Step 3

Add 2 rings to the 2 just added. Repeat the sequence in step 2 to finish the box.

Step 4

Add another box by repeating step 3.

Step 5

Now is the transition to the beaded chain maille. Add 2 rings to the last 2 rings. Begin to fold back the rings from the 2nd link just as before with the box chain but this time only go half way. Now part the 2 rings from the 1st link just wide enough to pop the bead inside, bring the 2 partly folded back rings back into their original position to hold the bead. Now take an open ring and go through the last 2 rings to lock the bead in place. Add another ring in the same place.

Step 6

Continue to repeat step 5 to add beaded links to the chain. This pattern has 9 beaded links.

Step 7

Return to adding box chain links by repeating step 3. This pattern has 3 box links at the end. For the 3rd box link substitute the last 2 rings for small rings and take each one also through the loop on the charm before closing it.

Reviews

Kylie Jones

I am a jewelry designer living on the Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia. I love the challenge of designing jewelry, the mix of creative energy and problem solving. I love chain maille because it is low tech, it makes gorgeous ornamental patterns and textures, and it has a strong link to the past. You can see more of my work at: www.ringsandstones.com.au