• Seed Bead Refresher

Visit us on Facebook!

Seed Bead Refresher

What do people think of most when beading is mentioned? Perhaps they think of those tiny little beads that they can't imagine stringing. Well, you've got to give it to them that beads can be pretty little, going all the way down to a size 15/0. And why shouldn't they think of them first? Those tiny beads are a staple to the beading world.

Seed beads are round, usually glass beads that come in sizes from 15/0 (the smallest size) to typically no larger than 4/0. They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes from transparent to opaque, from luster to A/B. In this category, we include hex and charlotte cuts, as well, as Delica beads, which are precisely shaped-and-cut beads by the Miyuki Co. Seed beads from size 8/0 and larger are often referred to as E beads.

Seed beads are now coming in larger sizes and unusual shapes. Triangles are triangular cylindrical beads that can be stitched into really neat structural patterns. Squares are another great bead shape for stitching. This shape gave us the original tile look that we can now achieve with Tila beads. Will squares fall by the wayside? Not a chance!

While drops aren't your normal "seed bead," they are sometimes used in place of seed beads in many different techniques and are sold the same way. How are seed beads sold? Most commonly, these days, you'll see seed beads in long, round, plastic tubes sold by the gram. If you are going for a larger quantity of a single color, you might consider buying a hank of seed beads. A hank is usually 10-15 (18-inch) strands of seed beads, looped together and tied in a knot at the top.

To remove the beads, I suggest placing a single jaw of scissors in the bottom of the loop of the strands you wish to cut. Close the scissors just enough that they will stay in place, but not cut through, while you lower the hank into a bendable paper bowl (purchased or make your own) or stiff coffee filter on a beading mat. Once lowered, you can cut the strands and most of the beads will fall gently downward into the bowl. Set your scissors aside and check the cut strands for any leftover beads. You can also check the bowl for any accidental pieces of strings.