Small Seed Beads | Beads for DIY Jewelry

How to choose your small seed beads?

Seed beads are among the most popular DIY jewelry supplies due to their versatility, low cost, and immense choice of colors. They can be used to create simple bracelets as well as much more technical designs.

The size of seed beads is generally expressed as a numbering (6/0, 8/0, 11/0, 15/0...). The higher the number, the smaller the bead. 11/0 seed beads are among the most popular sizes for delicate jewelry and weaving.

Not all seed beads have the same level of regularity. Classic seed beads are perfect for colorful bracelets, summer jewelry, phone charms, and fantasy creations. For weaving that requires great precision, designers often turn to Miyuki Delica and weaving beads.

Finishes also play an important role: transparent, opaque, iridescent, metallic, matte, galvanized, or dyed in the mass. Some finishes are more resistant to UV, friction, and time than others.

Seed beads combine easily with Heishi beads, alphabet beads, natural stones, glass beads, and charms to create unique jewelry suitable for all styles.

To complete your creations, discover our DIY jewelry beads, our jewelry threads, our personalized jewelry suppliesas well as our tips for getting started in DIY jewelry making.

FAQs

What size seed beads should I choose to make a bracelet?

8/0 and 11/0 seed beads are the most commonly used for bracelets. 8/0 beads allow you to quickly create a colorful and easy-to-thread bracelet, while 11/0 beads offer a finer and more delicate finish. For children's creations or phone jewelry, 6/0 and 8/0 seed beads are often preferred.

Which rockery finishes are most durable over time?

Miyuki Japanese seed beads that are dyed-through and opaque, as well as certain finishes, generally have better color fastness. Galvanized, metallic, or surface-colored finishes may be more susceptible to friction, perspiration, or prolonged sun exposure, depending on the manufacturer.

Can seed beads be mixed with other types of beads?

Yes. Seed beads are very often combined with Heishi beads, alphabet beads, glass beads, natural stones such as aventurine, agate, amazonite, or sodalite, as well as metal charms. They can be used to create color gradients, decorative separations, or custom patterns.