Armour Weaves

These are maille weaves that would be used to make fabric-like sheets for use in armour.

European 4 in 1.

This is the type of maille used historically throughout Europe and the Middle East.  The name of the weave comes from the fact that each ring in the maille, with the exception of the rings at the edges of the fabric, passes through four other rings.  In the example above, the red ring in the centre of the figure connects to two rings in the row above it, indicated in blue, and a second pair of rings in the row below it.  In other words, the one ring has four other rings in it.
 
 

European 6 in 1

This is a variation on the European 4 in 1.  Instead of each ring being connected to four other rings, the 6 in 1 connects each ring to six other rings.  As indicated by the figure above, the centre ring, in red, passes through three rings in the row above it, and three more rings in the row below.  This creates a much denser pattern than the one created by the 4 in 1 weave.
 
 

European 8 in 1

Yet another variation of the standard European weave.  This extremely dense version connects each ring to eight others (4 in the row above, and 4 in the row below).  This weave is very time consuming to construct, and lacks the flexibility of 4 in 1.  It also tends to be heavier.
 
 

European 10 in 1, 12 in 1, 14 in 1, et cetera,...

These weaves are all possible, but if you really want to try them, all I can say is, “Get a life!”
 

King’s Maille (European 8 in 2)

Also known as European 8 in 2, this weave is constructed in exactly the same manner as European 4 in 1, but with the number of rings doubled.
 
 

Emperor’s Maille (European 12 in 2)

Emperor’s is based on European 6 in 1, but with the number of rings doubled.
 
 

Corduroy

An interesting 4 in 1 variant.
 
 

Japanese Hex Maille

In this weave, each ring that lays flat has six rings connected to it.  This creates an array of triangles and hexagons.
 
 

Dragon Scale

This weave uses a combination of small and large rings to create an overlapping pattern that resembles dragon scales.
 

These are weaves that would be used for decorative items, such as jewelery.

Spiral

A very pretty decorative weave.  It must be anchored on both ends, or the spiral will unravel.
 
 

Box Chain

An interesting chain weave with pairs of rings moving in opposite directions
 
 

Bird Cage (Byzantine)

This weave goes by a number of names, including Byzantine, fool’s dillemma, and idiot’s delight.  It is similar to the box chain, but with a reversing pattern.
 
 

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An Illustrated List of Weaves