Orchid
Overview
While looking through M.A.I.L. for new weaves to try out, I stumbled upon Orchid by sakredchao. This floral weave is a member of the European weave family. If you want to make this weave yourself, I recommend this tutorial by lorraine.
Materials
For the sample piece showcased in this post, I made the rings myself. I used 16 SWG Bright Aluminum wire from The Ring Lord coiled around a 9mm mandrel (for an approximate ID of 9mm) for an approximate AR of 5.5.
Notes
The Orchid weave is not very complex to understand, though starting it can be somewhat of a challenge since its structure takes one to two units to become well-defined. However, once started, it is easy to make. In my opinion, the weave looks good but appears a bit loose, and I expect it may look better if made with a tighter aspect ratio. With its flat and wide structure, it is well-suited for bracelets and chokers. However, since the weave relies on a series of single rings to hold it together, I would not recommend using it as strapping unless it will not be under strain. The weave’s name likely comes from its resemblance to an orchid flower. Balancing its aesthetic appeal against the difficulty of starting and its limited uses, I still recommend learning this weave for those looking to move beyond beginner-level weaves and add a floral touch to their repertoire.
Pictures
Flat
Flat: Angled
Flat: Profile
Vertical
Vertical: Profile
In Process
