The European family of weaves is a group of weaves derived from the European 4 in 1 weave, which was used to make armour during the European middle ages.
The Japanese family of weaves are based on the weaves that were used in Japanese armour in the middle ages. Specifically, the Japanese 6 in 1 and 4 in 1 weaves were used to connect small plates together, which provided flexibility between the plate sections.
The Persian family of weaves is based on a "stacked" orientation of rings. This is similar to the European family, except that Persian ring connections involve Around the Eye as well as Through the Eye connections. Many Persian weaves have both left- and right-handed versions. Note that the name is misleading, as there is no historical evidence that the Persian weaves were ever used in Persia.
The Spiral family of weaves includes weaves in which the rings are linked in a helical fashion.
The Captive/Orbital weave family is comprised of weaves that are primarily differentiated by the use of rings that are trapped (captive) within other rings or ring connections, or orbit them.
The Hybrid weaves family comprises of weaves which do not fit into any of the standard families, or those which fit into more than one.