Basic Oriental 6-in-1 Maille
This weave is great for circles,
triangles, or other odd shapes.
(even works for squares with two
sides having uneven edges)
Example was created using 3/16" & 3/8"
14ga (0.080") Gal. Steel. rings.
(Note: it is not necessary to use two different
sized rings...I just think it adds
more contrast and a better effect.
1. Start with six closed rings around one.
(we'll call this ring 1 since we are making a
circle here)
2. Add another closed ring with 5 closed around it through in of the outside rings fron step 1.
(to start ring 2)
3. Add another closed ring with 4 closed around it to the main rings in steps 1 and 2 as pictured.
(continuing ring 2)
4. Continue all the way around ring 1...Note the last main link in ring 2 will pick up an outside ring from the first added to start ring 2.
(for lack of decent words to explain it...take a look at the picture)
5. To start a third ring the process starts over....
6. Here we have completed rings 1 through 4...
7. By adding rings to rows instead of in the circular fashion you can create triangles or any other shape desired.
Continue until you reach the desired shape/size...or until you go crazy.
A final note - 14ga Gal. Steel 3/16" ID rings was the smallest ring I could use to join the larger rings, 1/4" rings did not allow for
enough working room nor free movement of the mail, it became rather stiff and very difficult to work with
(as if those small rings from such a heavy wire wasn't enough!)