Has anyone ever knitted chain mail for a costume?

11 replies

ChippyMinton · 06/06/2014 20:11

It's for a school play. I have found some patterns on Ravelry etc but unsure what to knit with - regular yarn, string, fishing cord? Any advice appreciated, thank you.

OP posts:

purplemeggie · 06/06/2014 21:57

I've not knitted chainmail, but I have knitted silver lace with this stuff and I think it would work.

Dutchoma · 07/06/2014 07:27

I don't know whether she was joking but one of my knitting friends posted a picture on FB of a packet of Brillo pads and asked if anybody could spin it. I asked whether it was for chain mail and she said "No, actually for a silver tiara" . Eventually she said she would use fuse wire, but there was someone who offered to spin it for her. As I say, not at all sure it wasn't a wind-up, but I thought if it was I would share the joke. She is not on MN as far as I know.

CaptWingoBings · 07/06/2014 07:35

You can knit with anything cut into suitable strips with enough perseverance! You could make strips of twisted tin foil and use that. With massive needles so that it doesn't take too long! But there are silver/metallic yarns on the market that would work.

Rideronthestorm · 07/06/2014 07:38

Wear gloves when you knit with anything metallic or your fingers will be ripped to shreds.

Original poster

ChippyMinton · 07/06/2014 08:31

Don't think I'll be using brillo pads lol. Aren't they impregnated with soap?

Hmm, metallic yarn would be lovely but I have to make eight tunics so cost is an issue.

I might buy some string today and see how that goes, then dye them grey...

OP posts:

Dutchoma · 07/06/2014 08:56

No, they were plain scourers.

Gullygirl · 12/06/2014 13:55

James C. Brett twinkle DK is grey with a silver thread, 300 metres a ball,only vabout £3 at deramores.
I wouldn't knit with string, your hands will ache!

Original poster

ChippyMinton · 12/06/2014 16:22

Thanks all.
Just to update, I made one in a silver grey super chunky, and about to start a second in chunky on the same size needles (10mm) to give a more open knit.

OP posts:

sashh · 13/06/2014 08:23

Back in 1973 or thereabouts my cousin (aged 7 or 8) went to a fancy dress party as Joan of Ark.

Less fancy yarn then so my aunt crocheted a chain mail vest in grey and then sprayed it with silver paint, that made it stiffer as well as metallic - but not sure about the safety aspect if a young child chewed on it.

purplemeggie · 13/06/2014 11:51

Post photos, Chippy! x

BlueChampagne · 16/06/2014 15:45

Way back when we used string then sprayed it silver for a school play. And huge needles.

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