How to Make a Chain (Tutorial) – and Four Ways to Use It

by Rena Klingenberg. © 2003-Present Rena Klingenberg. All Rights Reserved

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

In this tutorial I’ll show you how to make a chain – and four ideas for using it.

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

This chain design is both strong and elegant. And I like creating it in two different metal colors.

Chain Earrings from How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

When I get into the rhythm of making a chain, I find it a meditative, soothing activity.

Supplies:

  • Large jump rings – 10mm size.
    (I’m using jump rings in antiqued silver color.)
  • Small jump rings – 5mm.
    (I’m using jump rings in antiqued brass color.)
  • Flat nose pliers.
  • Chain nose pliers.

How to Make This Chain

This tutorial involves a lot of jump ring work.

If you’re new to using jump rings, see my quick tip, How to Open and Close a Jump Ring.

We’ll start by making the chain, and then we’ll explore four different inspirations for using it.

These are the two types of jump rings I used for creating this chain:

Jump ring sizes for How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Start your chain by setting out one of your large (10mm) jump rings, and three of your small (5mm) jump rings:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Use your flat nose and chain nose pliers to twist open your large jump ring:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Keeping all 3 small jump rings shut, string each of the 3 small jump rings onto your opened large jump ring:

Making a Chain for How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Then use your flat nose and chain nose pliers to twist the large jump ring shut again:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Now set out another large jump ring, and twist it open:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

String the newly opened large jump ring through the 3 small jump rings that are attached to the first large jump ring:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Set out 3 more small jump rings:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

String the three new small jump rings onto the opened jump ring:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Twist the large jump ring shut:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Set out another large jump ring, and twist it open:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

String the opened large jump ring through the last three small jump rings:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Set out 3 new small jump rings:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

String the three new small jump rings onto the opened jump ring:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Twist the large jump ring shut.

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Set out a new large jump ring, and twist it open.

String the opened large jump ring through the last three small jump rings:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Set out 3 new small jump rings:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

String the three new small jump rings onto the opened jump ring:

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Twist the large jump ring shut.

How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

You can make your chain as long as you wish, continuing on with this same sequence of adding large and small jump rings.

Four Inspirations for Using this Chain

Here are four quick projects I like for using this particular chain style.

Inspiration #1
Chain Earrings

Make two short lengths of chain, each about 30mm (1.18″) long:

Making chain earrings - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Choose a pair of earwires and a pair of dangles, plus any extra jump rings you’ll need for attaching them to the chains:

Making chain earrings - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Attach the earwires and dangles to the two short lengths of chain – and here are the finished earrings:

Making chain earrings - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Inspiration #2
Key Chain with Swivel Hook

Make a length of chain about 304mm (12″) long.

You’ll need a swivel hook clasp for one end of the chain, and a key ring for the other end of the chain:

Making a Key Chain with Swivel Hook - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Use a small jump ring to attach the swivel hook clasp to one end of the chain:

Making a Key Chain with Swivel Hook - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

At the remaining end of the chain, use a small jump ring to attach the key ring:

Making a Key Chain with Swivel Hook - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

The finished key chain looks like this:

Making a Key Chain with Swivel Hook - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Inspiration #3
Charm Bracelet

Make a bracelet-length piece of chain.

You’ll also need a clasp of your choice, and charms to attach to the bracelet.

And set out small jump rings for attaching the clasp and charms:

Making a Chain Charm Bracelet - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Use a jump ring to attach the clasp to one end of the chain.

Use jump rings to attach the charms to the bracelet chain.

The finished charm bracelet looks something like this:

Making a Chain Charm Bracelet - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Inspiration #4
Pendant on a Chain

Make a chain in your preferred necklace length.

Choose a pendant and a jump ring:

Making a Pendant Necklace - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Use the jump ring to attach the pendant to the chain.

This chain style works well with all kinds of pendant styles, from Victorian:

Making a Pendant Necklace - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

. . . to ruggedly earthy:

Making a Pendant Necklace - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

Now it’s your turn – how will you use this versatile, flexible chain?

Make this Versatile Chain - How to Make a Chain Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg

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