Scale mail dice bag

A dragon scale dice bag is a small pouch covered in overlapping metal or plastic scales. The term covers several different objects, so identify the construction before comparing prices or instructions. Here is what the options are and how to plan one.

Three constructions

Scales on a fabric or leather liner. Scales are sewn or riveted to a pouch made of cloth or leather. The fabric holds the contents and the scales are decoration. This is the simplest to make and the best for dice, because nothing catches.

Scales linked by rings. Scales are joined to each other with jump rings through holes in each scale, forming a flexible scale-mail fabric that is shaped into a bag, usually with a lining. This is what most people mean when they say scale mail, and it is the build the scale mail calculator plans.

Mixed. Rings link scales and the bag has a liner behind. It combines both. It is heavier and takes longer.

Scale sizes

Scales come in several sizes. The three common ones, with typical ring specs:

Large scales cover area quickly and look bold. Small scales give a finer, more fish-like surface, but need many more scales and rings.

How many for a typical bag

A 4 by 5 inch bag, with a flat width of 4 inches, a body 5 inches high, and a rounded base, has a covered area of about 45 square inches by the calculator's reckoning. For large scales that comes out to 94 scales and about 245 rings with a margin for edges. Check the exact numbers for your own size in the calculator. Pack sizes of 100 scales are common, so one pack of large scales is enough for this size.

How the rings work

Each scale has one or two holes near its top. A ring passes through a scale and links to the scale above, so rows hang like roof tiles. The ring count is about two per scale, plus extra for edges. See aspect ratio for ring sizes, and use rings that suit the scale's hole.

Materials

Aluminum scales are light and available in many anodised colours. Stainless steel scales are heavier and do not tarnish. Plastic scales are lighter still, and come in colours that are hard to get in metal. See aluminum versus polycarbonate scales for the trade-offs.

Build order

1. Plan the pattern on paper, with the shape of the bag laid flat.
2. Build the scale mail fabric as a flat panel, row by row.
3. Shape and join the sides, adding a base.
4. Line the bag with leather or cloth. Dice hit the scales and chime, and a liner stops that.
5. Add a drawstring or a clasp.

A leather lining also protects your dice from scratches.

Buying materials

Scales and rings are sold in packs. Buy a little more than the calculator says, since a few will fail or end up under edges. You can find aluminum scale mail scales and matching jump rings in many colours. Links go to Amazon and earn a commission; see the affiliate disclosure.