This is a tutorial on how to make a chainmail coif. A coif is a headpiece. I show you the components of it and how to put it together.

In this tutorial I don't show you how to make actual chainmail in the 4 in 1 pattern. I do have a tutorial on how to do that right here: How to make chainmail

VIDEO: I also have a video tutorial. It is at the bottom of this page.

And some useful tips: I got some really useful tips from a web visitor (Ivan) when it comes to making a coif and making chainmail in general. If you are making chainmail you should check them out on this page here: Chainmail and coif making tips

Here is a look at the completed coif

The Coif is made up of three different pieces that we can build separately then put together.

The two rectangular pieces are easy and almost self explanatory. The round pizza pie piece which is the skull cap takes a little bit more effort and I willl walk you through that piece step by step.

First let's take a look at the two rectangular pieces. The large one is the skirt that goes around the back of the head and covers both ears. The small one is the chin piece. These are made up of simple 4 in 1 link sets.

The Direction of the 4 in1 stitching: The pattern should go horizontal. This is important because it makes a difference in how the chainmail will sit and flex when you are wearing it.

The Large rectangle is 21 4-in-1's in length. And it is 6 4-n-1's in height. It is composed of a total of 126 4-in-1's stitched together.

The small rectangle is 9 4-in-1's in length and 3 4-in-1's in height for a total of 27 4-in-1's.

Note that these numbers are just a rough guideline and how I made my coif. You will probably have to adjust the sizes according to your head and whether or not you want to wear some padding under it.

OK! Now to make the skull cap rounded section. This is the part I call the Pizza. And it is composed of six different pizza slices that you stitch together.

This is the skullcap section.

It is made up of six pizza slices stitched together. I will show you how to make these pizza slices.

This is the pizza slice that we make. You need to make six of these. And the number and orientation of the links is important. There are nine links along the bottom and there are nine links along each side toward the top.

I did this by laying out chains of four in ones. The next picture will show this. And the gold rings are the rings that I used to attach the chains together. Just so you can see it clearly.

This is how I started. Connect together three rows of four in one chains to rougly shape a pyramid.

Now I have removed rings from the left side so the first side of the pyramid is in shape. All we have to do now is remove the excess links on the right side and the pyramid is done.

Ok, lets stitch these six pizza slices together

Chainmail Joe Bright Aluminum 1 Pound Chainmail Jump Rings, 18SWG 1/4"ID

You are looking at one pound of quality Bright Aluminum jump rings for making outstanding jewelery or mail armor. These rings are saw cut by an extremely precise jewelers saw (0.008" thick) to make perfect closings for your projects. They are made of Aluminum Alloy 5356, which has 5% Magnesium and makes for a much brighter finish than regular aluminum and doesn't oxidize(no blackness ruboff). They have been cleaned and polished and are ready to use!

I also have a video tutorial that shows you how to make this chainmail coif:

Can you make this chainmail coif? You sure can. Here is one made by Robert and it came out great!!

He also made a chainmail cross which is pretty darn cool

Battle Ready Armor Chain Mail Coif

Battle ready 4-in-1 Interlocking steel rings are linked together for a strong, sword-proof armor coif. Each steel ring is 12mm in diameter and constructed of 8 AWG carbon-infused stainless steel alloy. Each ring has been forged by authentic metal smiths to produce this genuine Medieval Armor Coif. It covers the head (top and back), the neck, and the upper chest area. It protects the body from swords, spears, knives, impact weapons, and projectiles, while still providing full and equal coverage. Measures 18 3/4' overall. Face opening measures 9". Fits adults.

Techniques Of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century (Medieval & Renaissance)

Few historical icons can match the evocative power of the medieval suit of armour, and this epic new book is a complete course in the tools and techniques of the modern armourer's art. Through more than 1,000 detailed photos and clear instruction, Brian Price presents a working handbook for aspiring and active armourers who want to develop their skills in the production of medieval armour in the style of the 14th century. The book is divided into four sections: a sweeping history of armour and its production from its medieval roots to its modern revival; a practical introduction to all the tools and supplies necessary to equip a modern workshop; a thorough review of key techniques; and a series of actual courses in constructing armoured defenses for the head, body, arm, hand and leg. Taking the reader through the construction of an authentic medieval harness from conception to completion, Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction is a vital addition to the libraries of serious craftsmen, historians, collectors and researchers.