Table of Contents
When it comes to beadwork, the size of the bead can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project. Seed beads are among the most popular types used in jewellery making and come in various sizes. Understanding the different sizes of seed beads is necessary as it can affect your design’s final appearance and texture. In this piece, we’ll explain seed beads and explore the sizes available to help you make informed decisions in your beadwork.
What are seed beads?
Seed beads are small, cylindrical beads often used in jewellery making, embroidery, and other crafts. They are named “seed beads” because of their small size, similar to the size of seeds. Seed beads are typically made of glass but can also be made of plastic, metal, or other materials. They come in mixed colours, finishes, and shapes, such as round, square, and hexagonal. These beads are popular for their versatility and often add intricate detail and texture to beading projects. If you’re wondering where to get them, there are different sizes of seed beads at Bluestreak that you can get for your next project.
Types of seed beads by Size
Seed beads come in different sizes, each offering unique characteristics and best suited for different types of beadwork or jewellery-making projects. Understanding the different sizes and their uses can help you choose the right beads for your next project.
6/0 seed beads: These are larger than many other seed bead sizes and are sometimes called “E-beads.” They measure about 4mm in diameter and are often used for creating bold designs or adding texture to beadwork.
8/0 seed beads: These are smaller than 6/0 seed beads, measuring approximately 2.5mm in diameter. They are commonly used to create bead weaving patterns, such as peyote or brick stitch.
11/0 seed beads: These are some of the most commonly used seed beads. They measure 2.2mm in diameter and are ideal for creating intricate designs and detailed beadwork. 11/0 seed beads are often used in bead weaving stitches like herringbone stitches or right-angle weaves.
12/0 seed beads: These are slightly smaller than 11/0 seed beads, measuring approximately 1.9mm in diameter. They are ideal for creating delicate designs and detailed beadwork. They are often used in peyote, brick, or bead embroidery.
13/0 seed beads: These are even smaller than 12/0 seed beads, measuring 1.6-1.8mm in diameter. 13/0 seed beads are often used for detailed beadwork and intricate patterns.
15/0 seed beads: These are the smallest seed beads, measuring approximately 1.5mm in diameter. They are ideal for creating detailed beadwork and adding fine accents to larger designs. They are often used in bead embroidery or for adding intricate details to beaded jewellery.
Common seed bead finishes
Seed bead finishes refer to the different surface treatments or coatings applied to the beads to give them a particular look or texture. Here are some of the most common seed bead finishes:
Opaque
These seed beads have a solid, non-transparent colour and do not allow light to pass through them. This means they do not allow light to pass through them, creating a solid and non-transparent appearance. Because they do not allow any light to pass through them, opaque seed beads can also create depth and texture in beadwork by providing contrasting colours or shades to other beads.
Translucent
Compared to opaque, translucent seed beads have a semi-transparent or slightly see-through appearance, allowing some light to pass through them. Translucent seed beads are also useful for creating depth and dimension in beadwork. By layering translucent seed beads over other types of seed beads, such as opaque or metallic, you can create a multi-dimensional effect that gives the design a sense of depth and texture.
Transparent
Totally different from opaque and translucent are transparent beads. These seed beads are completely see-through, allowing light to pass through them easily. Transparent seed beads are often made of glass or crystal and have a shiny, glass-like appearance that adds sparkle and shine to beadwork projects. Transparent seed beads are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, making them a versatile option for many different types of beadwork.
Matte
Matte finish seed beads are a type of seed bead with a non-shiny, frosted appearance. This finish is achieved by using an acid wash or sandblasting process to create a matte texture on the surface of the beads. Additionally, matte seed beads can provide a softer, more organic feel to designs, which can be especially effective when creating nature-inspired designs or beadwork with a more natural or rustic look. They are one of the easiest to work with.
AB (Aurora Borealis)
This finish is a type of iridescent coating that adds a rainbow-like effect to the surface of the beads. It gives the beads a colourful shimmer that changes depending on the angle of light. It is a popular choice for adding dimension and sparkle to beadwork projects.
Image Credit: Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash