Japanese Patterns - Japanese 1 in 2 Chain (Kusari)

Return to Japanese Patterns | Return to Chainmail Patterns Home

Japanese 1 into 2 Chain (Kusari)

Base Pattern

This Japanese Chain is actually the most simple of all chains, where every link is connected to 2 others,

While very simple, this chain is the base for just about all Japanese patterns, so it is important to understand how to efficiently make large quantities of it.

It is important to note that in Japanese patterns the links alternate between sitting horizontally and vertically. In authentic Japanese Mail patterns, the vertical links would be oval-shaped. If you wish to emulate these authentic patterns, make sure that all the gold coloured links in the following Japanese Patterns are oval-shaped.

Steps 3 and 4 are identical to help you get a feel for this pattern.

The ratio of links for this pattern is 1 Closed Link to 1 Opened Link.

Starting Japanese 1 into 2 Chain (Kusari)

Step 1	Place an open link through two closed links. Close the open link.

Step 2 Layout	Lay the first three links out as in the illustration.

Step 3 Adding to the chain	Place an open link through a closed link. Place the open link through the link coloured copper in the illustration. Close the open link.

Step 4 Continuing	Place an open link through a closed link. Place the open link through the link coloured copper in the illustration. Close the open link. Repeat this step to make longer chains.

Finished Japanese 1 into 2 Chain

Return to Japanese Patterns | Return to Chainmail Patterns Home

Interactive Photo Map | History of Chainmail | Dylon's Journal

The Art of Chainmail: Volume I | Chain Mail Jewelry: The Book | Chainmail Patterns

Enjoyed the Site! Get the Book! The Art of Chainmail by Dylon Whyte