Chainmaille layout tool and methods of making chainmaille using a layout tool

A method of making a chainmaille using a layout tool having a substrate, comprising:

• providing a substrate having a plurality of cuts, each one passing through a common point, each of the cuts having a length corresponding to a diameter of a ring, the ring having a wire diameter;
• inserting a first closed ring having the wire diameter into a first of the cuts;
• inserting a second open ring having the wire diameter through the first closed ring and into a second of the cuts adjacent to the first of the cuts and then closing the second open ring;
• and
• inserting a third open ring having the wire diameter through the first closed ring and through the second closed ring and into a third of the cuts adjacent to the second of the cuts and then closing the third open ring.

A method of making chainmaille using a layout tool having a substrate, comprising:

• providing a substrate having a plurality of cuts or slots formed through a top surface thereof, adjacent pairs of the cuts forming a generally v-shaped pattern along a length of the top surface, wherein each of the pairs of the cuts are spaced apart, have a length, and form an angle that provides a straight line path that intersects at least four of the cuts configured to receive rings to form a chainmaille;
• inserting a plurality of closed rings into at least some of the cuts such that one of the closed rings is inserted into each of the at least some of the cuts;
• and
• inserting at least one open ring along the straight line path through two adjacent pairs of the plurality of closed rings arranged in the v-shaped pattern and then closing the open ring.