I am a NOOB who wants to make his own chainmail

[Capedrew]

The M.A.I.L. (Maille Artisans International League) is by far the best resource I have found for weaves and beginners. They have a very nice forum but they do ask you search first then ask a question. And they have a HUGE number of tutorials!! M.A.I.L. - Maille Artisans International League - Weave List

 

[Randino]

This is why it's a good idea to wear a padded quilted shirt, called a "gambeson", under your chain mail. A gambeson also absorbs the impact from a blow, which chainmail by itself can't do. I made my gambeson from a large quilted cloth pad used to wrap TVs and computers during moving.

Agreed. If you are going to make chain, it's silly not to make a gambison.
Mine is on the list of costumes I need to make.

And the White Eagle on Blue is from the city of Schweinfurt, Germany.