How to Make a Chainmail Bra

Create a work surface that is within easy reach of your hands. Use a shallow tray to contain the loose rings. Cover the surface with a piece of napped fabric to keep the rings from rolling around. This also makes grasping individual rings with pliers easier.

Wear eye goggles for protection.

Place several rings on your covered surface and practice holding a pair of pliers in each hand to pick them up until you have a comfortable grip. Being able to complete the steps without putting down the pliers will speed the process and help avoid hand fatigue. Grasp a ring, with the opening at the top, with the pliers in your right hand. Grasp the other side of the opening with the pliers in your left hand. Twist one set of pliers away from you and the other toward you slightly, then scoop four rings from your pile. Release the pressure to allow the ring to close, and use slight pressure if needed to close the gap and secure the rings. You will repeat this process, joining one of the rings on this pattern to more rings to create the mesh chainmail.

Determine the width and height of each cup of the bra. Measure under your breasts to determine the total width and divide by two for the bottom width of each cup. Measure from underneath your breast to the top to determine the height of each cup.

Create two triangles for the cups of the bra. Start at the bottom of the cup and work your way up. Make the first row the width determined for each cup. Decrease the beginning and end of every third row by one link to create the triangular shape. Decreasing more often will create an uneven design.

Continue creating rows on the triangle, fitting the cup to your body periodically and adapting the size as you work. Work across the rows to the top to keep the pattern in the same direction for the most comfortable fit.

Create a separate row of chainmail in the width that you need to attach the two triangular bra cups together in the middle. Measure the space in the cleavage area between the two cups, and create a row of chainmail for this measurement. One row of chain is enough for smaller cup sizes, use two or three rows of chainmail for larger cup sizes.

Create straps for the chainmail bra that fit from the bottom side of the triangular cup around to the back. Use a stretchy, no-fray fabric such as lycra or t-shirt cotton. Create two narrow strips and wrap around one of the chains on the bottom corner. Stitch in place. Sew a hook and eye closure to the strap back.

Stitch one long strap that fits from the top of one cup around your neck to the top of the other cup. Alternatively, stitch one strap to the top of each cup and tie at the back of the neck.