Sam's Blog: How to Whittle a Chain out of Wood

How to whittle a chain out of a piece of wood with just a knife and a block of wood. It's a fun project to do and the finished project is a fun piece to show off and could be used for a decoration or even as an elaborate gift wrapping trinket.

Edit Steps

Start with a piece of wood that's relatively square and is already as long as the chain that you wish to carve.
Start with a piece of wood that's relatively square and is already as long as the chain that you wish to carve. Basswood is recommended and you can get this fairly easily at lots of woodworking supply stores.
- You could also use a 2x2 from the lumberyard, but pine splits easier than basswood and this will be frustrating until you're more advanced at the carving work.
- You will also need a sharp wood carving knife or a jack knife.
Cut a notch into the length of the wood on each corner of the wood so that the wood's profile becomes a cross instead of a square.
Cut a notch into the length of the wood on each corner of the wood so that the wood's profile becomes a cross instead of a square.
Draw the desired shape of each link onto the piece of wood using a lead pencil.
Draw the desired shape of each link onto the piece of wood using a lead pencil. The example shown in this tutorial has a variety of shapes. While you can use any shape that you wish, it is suggested that for your first attempt at whittling a wood chain that it is best to select one shape only to ensure consistency and ease of getting used to the whittling. For example, choose all rectangles or all ovals.
Begin to rough out the shapes with the knife, following the lines you've marked.
Begin to rough out the shapes with the knife, following the lines you've marked. Carefully hollow out the insides of the links, freeing the links of the chain as you go.
Refine the shapes of each link, and shape the individual profile of each link.
Refine the shapes of each link, and shape the individual profile of each link. For the tutorial example, the octagon links have an octagonal profile, the diamond shaped links have diamond shaped profiles, the square links have a square profile, while the round links have a round profile. For your first attempt, it is suggested to keep to using just the round profile.
Make use of the chain.
Make use of the chain. You could use the chain as a decoration, a piece of jewelery or perhaps as a baby or pet toy.

Edit Video

Edit Tips

Make sure that your knife is very sharp. It makes it much easier to control.
Use straight grained wood without knots.
Go slowly. Don't expect to be able to cut more than one link a day.
If you become very proficient at doing this, you might be able to make more delicate versions as bracelets.

Edit Warnings

Bandage your wounds when you cut yourself, because chances are, you'll cut yourself at some point. When you do, it's likely because either your knife is getting dull or you are getting tired.
This is a great project for learning to use a pocket knife correctly, but for younger wood workers, adult supervision is recommended.