Inlays

This page details how to do an inlay in chainmail.

The key to doing an inlay is the planning. Here are the steps to follow.

(1) Count the number of rings horizontally and vertically in the area to which you wish to add an inlay. If you are doing a large inlay in the middle of a shirt, for example, take into account your neck hole and slits, if any, at the crotch. Your inlay should avoid these areas as it will be distorted.

(2) Print a copy of the symbol that you wish to add as an inlay. You may have to darken lines either before you print, using image editing software, or with a sharpie after you print.

(3) Print a copy of your hex grid to which you will be transferring your inlay. Clearly mark off the portion of the grid that corresponds to the size you calculated in step (1). You may have to shrink/enlarge your grid or your symbol print. Multiple sizes of grid are included below.

(4) If you have a lightbox, use it to position your symbol under your grid. Otherwise, try to use thin (cheap) paper for your grid print so that you can see the symbol underneath. Securely tape the symbol and the grid paper together.

(5) Inspect the symbol relative to the grid spacing. If there are areas of the symbol that should have gaps, but where the grid is not fine enough to catch the detail, you may have to do some artistic modification in that area so that the symbol is still discernable in the finished product.

To be added: -Material Choice -Grid Tips -Design Help -Examples