Every adventurer needs somewhere to keep their dice between sessions, and once you’ve seen a chainmaille dice bag on the table, a cloth pouch never looks quite the same again. If you’ve never bought one before, you probably have questions: Which metal should I pick? How many dice will it hold? Will it scratch my favorite set? I’ve been weaving chainmaille dice bags since 2014, and these are the questions I hear most at conventions.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right one and be the envy of the table at your next gaming session.
Why choose a chainmaille dice bag?
A chainmaille dice bag is woven ring by ring, the same way armour was made for centuries from a variety of metals. That gives it a few big advantages over fabric:
- It’s built to last. Chainmaille is designed to take a beating, so your bag can survive years of being tossed in a backpack on game night.
- It looks the part. Nothing says “adventurer” like pulling your dice out of a bag of armour.
- Every bag is one of a kind. Because each one is handmade, no two are exactly alike — from simple classic steel to colourful inlaid designs.
Choosing your metal
The metal you pick changes how your bag looks, feels and ages. Here are the main options I work with (for a deeper dive, see my Maker’s Guide to Chain Maille Materials).
Stainless steel — the classic
316L stainless steel is the workhorse of chainmaille: durable, rust- and tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic and with a satisfying weight in the hand. If you want that timeless medieval look, steel is the way to go. Browse steel dice bags.
Anodized aluminum — Colour and patterns
Anodized aluminum is lightweight and comes in vibrant, lasting colours. It’s what makes patterned and inlaid designs possible — think spiders, fireballs, trees, plaid and more. See large colourful bags or small colourful bags.
Copper — warm and old-world
Copper has a rich, warm glow and develops a natural patina over time. Some people love that aged look; if you prefer it bright, a little copper polish brings back the shine. Explore copper dice bags.
Scale maille — the dragon-hide look
Scale maille bags are covered in overlapping metal scales that shimmer like dragon hide. They’re eye-catching, a little heavier and a real conversation starter at the table. Check out scale maille dice bags.
Small or large? Sizes and how many dice fit
My standard steel and anodized aluminum bags come in two sizes:
- Small: about 3.5″ wide × 5″ long — holds roughly 30 polyhedral dice (around four standard 7-dice sets).
- Large: about 4.5″ wide × 6.5″ long — holds roughly 90 polyhedral dice, perfect for collectors or the player who brings dice for the whole party.
Scale maille and specialty bags vary, so check each listing for its size.
Will a chainmaille bag scratch my dice?
This is the number one question I get — and a fair one. Cheap machine-cut rings can leave sharp burrs that scuff dice. I use high-quality saw-cut rings with smooth, flat ends, tumble them to polish away rough spots, and my steel and anodized aluminum bags have a soft velvet liner so your dice only ever touch fabric. Your favourite set is safe.
Ring size and weave: what affects durability
Most of my bags use a tight European 4-in-1 weave with standard 16-gauge rings, which hold their shape and protect your dice. Some delicate pieces use thinner “micro maille” rings (18-gauge or finer) for extra detail — they’re beautiful, but they won’t take quite as much abuse as standard rings, so treat them a little more gently.
Closures and everyday use
Every steel and aluminum bag closes with a durable paracord drawstring, a metal cord lock and metal cord ends, so it stays shut in your bag and opens easily at the table.
Caring for your bag
Chainmaille is low-maintenance. Stainless steel and anodized aluminum just need a rinse in warm water with mild dish soap, then let them dry. Copper will slowly develop its patina; use copper polish if you want it bright again, and avoid abrasive scrubbers. More tips are in the FAQ. And if a ring ever breaks, I repair reasonable damage for free — you just cover shipping.
Want something one of a kind?
If you have a design in mind — your party’s colours, a character symbol, a pattern you love — I can forge it for you. Custom dice bags are priced at the regular bag price plus a CA$25 design fee and typically ship within 7 business days after you approve the final design. Start on the Forge-to-Order page.
Quick checklist before you buy
- Metal: steel for classic, aluminum for colour, copper for warmth, scale for drama.
- Size: small (~30 dice) or large (~90 dice).
- Lining: look for a soft liner to protect your dice.
- Rings: saw-cut, polished rings won’t scratch.
- Shipping: CA$10 in Canada (CA$4 per extra item), CA$45 to the US, or free local pickup — see Shipping Information.
Ready to armour your dice? Browse all chainmaille dice bags and find the one that fits your adventure.
