Basic Chain Designs

Pre-made chain comes in many designs and link shapes. You can find designer chain in hearts, squares, ovals and rounds, but most chain styles are based on five basic designs.

Figaro: three small circular links, then one larger oval-shaped link. Available in fine (small), medium, large, and diamond cut.

Cable Chain: small jump rings hooked together to make one long length of "chain". Available in ranges of gauge and heaviness. Essentially, this is a basic one-in-one chainmaille design.

Flat Link: same concept as a Cable Chain, but each link has a groove at either end that allow the links to fit into the next so it lays flat.

Long and Short: similar to Figaro, but the large link between the 3 smaller ones is more rectangular in shape than oval. Available in fine (small), medium, large.

Figure Eight: chain in which the links look like the number 8. They can be plain links, slightly decorated links, or even twisted links. Available in extra fine, fine (small), medium, large, and extra heavy. The extra fine is so small that a medium-sized bead can fit on the chain itself!

-- K. Jenkins