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Tank Treads Chain Maille Jewelry
In this intermediate level virtual chain maille course, students will learn the Tank Treads weave. This weave produces a flat, dense band that is appropriate for bracelets, rings, belts and watch bands. It resembles Elfweave on the front and Interwovenn weave on the back. Its structure allows it to fully flex in only 1 direction. Students will learn how to construct a chain, and how to join the ends of the chain to form rings. Students will receive a detailed color handout documenting each step of the process so that they can reference this weaving technique at any time after the course.
It is assumed that all students who enroll are proficient weavers, know the difference between Through-the-Eye and Around-the-Eye connections, and understand gauge, inner/outer diameter and aspect ratio.
Students who enroll in this class must know how to construct European 4-in-1 (a quick refresher will be provided) and should be comfortable working with complex patterns and weaving with very small jump rings.
Meet the instructor
Jewelry designer and author, Karen Karon, has been weaving maille for well over a decade. She teaches chain maille and scale maille classes and workshops at Metalwerx School for Jewelry and Metal Arts, at local venues, and also provides private chain maille/scale maille instruction. In addition, Karen is a certified PMC (Precious Metal Clay) artisan. Karen has written articles for Art Jewelry, Bead Style, Bead&Button and Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazines and is the author of Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop and Advanced Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop, both published by Interweave.
See Karen’s work on her website (karenkaron.com) or visit her on Facebook and Instagram.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.
The Tank Treads weave is made using 2 jump ring sizes. Students can choose the jump rings and findings that are appropriate for the project they wish to make. Karen Karon has made projects using the options listed below:
If a student wishes to use a size/metal other than what is listed, they should use Aspect Ratio as a guide for sizing and will have to estimate quantity.
The ideal aspect ratio recommended by M.A.I.L. for the Tank Treads Weave is 4.2 for the small jump rings and 5.2 for the large jump rings.
Note 1: RPI = Rings Per Inch, AR = Aspect Ratio
Note 2: It is a good idea to have a small amount of extra jump rings in case of marring or loss.
Note 3: It could take as long as 3 weeks for some jump rings to arrive, so plan your supply order to ensure timely delivery of supplies.
Hand tools:
- 2 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x vision magnification if needed - optional (Rio Grande)
- 1 x bead mat - optional (Fire Mountain Gems)
Students may email Karen at [email protected] if they have specific ordering questions.
18g Jump Rings and Findings (recommended for bracelets):
Metal | Item | Description | AR | RPI | Qty* | Link |
Option 1 | Jump Rings, small | Anodized Aluminum, Round, 18swg, 3/16" id | 4.2 | 27 | 216.00 | |
Anodized Aluminum | Jump Rings, large | Anodized Aluminum, Round, 18swg, 1/4" id | 5.5 | 5 | 40.00 | |
| Jump Rings to attach clasp | Anodized Aluminum, Round, 20awg, 1/8" id | 4.4 | - | 8.00 | |
| 2-strand Tube Slide Clasp | 16.5mmx6mm, Stainless Steel |
|
| 1.00 | |
Option 2 | Jump Rings, small | Sterling Silver, Round, 18awg, 4.25mm id | 4.17 | 28 | 224.00 | |
Sterling Silver | Jump Rings, large | Sterling Silver, Round, 18awg, 6.0mm id | 5.88 | 6 | 48.00 | |
| Jump Rings to attach clasp | Sterling Silver, Round, 20awg, 3.5mm id | 4.32 | - | 8.00 | |
| 2-strand Tube Slide Clasp | 10.5mmx16mm, Sterling Silver |
|
| 1.00 |
*Quatities listed make approx 8" of chain.
20-22g Jump Rings (recommended for finger rings):
Metal | Item | Description | AR | RPI | Qty* | Link |
Option 1 | Jump Rings, small | Sterling Silver, Round, 22awg, 2.625mm id | 4.1 | 45 | 120.00 | |
Sterling Silver | Jump Rings, large | Sterling Silver, Round, 22awg, 3.50mm id | 5.47 | 9 | 24.00 | |
Option 2 | Jump Rings, small | Black Glass Titanium (Grade 2), Round, 20awg, 1/8" id | 4.4 | 40 | 105.00 | |
Black Glass Titanium | Jump Rings, large | Black Glass Titanium (Grade 2), Round, 20awg, 5/32" id | 5.55 | 8 | 21.00 |
*Quantities listed make a ring, approx size 9.