How to Make a Chain (Tutorial) – and Four Ways to Use It
by Rena Klingenberg. © 2003-Present Rena Klingenberg. All Rights Reserved
In this tutorial I’ll show you how to make a chain – and four ideas for using it.
This chain design is both strong and elegant. And I like creating it in two different metal colors.
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:
Start your chain by setting out one of your large (10mm) jump rings, and three of your small (5mm) jump rings:
Use your flat nose and chain nose pliers to twist open your large jump ring:
Keeping all 3 small jump rings shut, string each of the 3 small jump rings onto your opened large jump ring:
Then use your flat nose and chain nose pliers to twist the large jump ring shut again:
Now set out another large jump ring, and twist it open:
String the newly opened large jump ring through the 3 small jump rings that are attached to the first large jump ring:
Set out 3 more small jump rings:
String the three new small jump rings onto the opened jump ring:
Twist the large jump ring shut:
Set out another large jump ring, and twist it open:
String the opened large jump ring through the last three small jump rings:
Set out 3 new small jump rings:
String the three new small jump rings onto the opened jump ring:
Twist the large jump ring shut.
Set out a new large jump ring, and twist it open.
String the opened large jump ring through the last three small jump rings:
Set out 3 new small jump rings:
String the three new small jump rings onto the opened jump ring:
Twist the large jump ring shut.
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:
Choose a pair of earwires and a pair of dangles, plus any extra jump rings you’ll need for attaching them to the chains:
Attach the earwires and dangles to the two short lengths of chain – and here are the finished earrings:
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:
Use a small jump ring to attach the swivel hook clasp to one end of the chain:
At the remaining end of the chain, use a small jump ring to attach the key ring:
The finished key chain looks like this:
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:
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:
Inspiration #4
Pendant on a Chain
Make a chain in your preferred necklace length.
Choose a pendant and a jump ring:
Use the jump ring to attach the pendant to the chain.
This chain style works well with all kinds of pendant styles, from Victorian:
. . . to ruggedly earthy:
Now it’s your turn – how will you use this versatile, flexible chain?