Miyuki Beads – Delica, Seed Beads and Tila for Beading
Miyuki is a Japanese bead manufacturer known for its uniformity, which European and Indian beads rarely match: beads have the same height, the same hole diameter, and the same colour from pack to pack. This is why Miyuki is the standard choice for bead weaving, peyote stitch, and fringe earrings. We stock Delica, seed beads in four sizes, the Tila series, drops, and bugles, as well as thread, needles, and accessories.
How to work with Miyuki beads
Consistent Dimensions: Miyuki beads are cylindrical and uniform – making bead weaving tight and even.
All Four Sizes: Seed beads in 6/0, 8/0, 11/0, and 15/0, plus Delica, Tila, Half Tila, Quarter Tila, drops, and bugles.
1-2 Day Delivery: Stock items are typically packed the same day. Shipping 39 kr. in Denmark – free over 499 kr.
Delica or round seed beads?
Delica beads are cylindrical with thin walls and a large hole. Because the sides are straight, the beads sit tightly next to each other like bricks, making patterns sharp and readable – this is why Delica are used for bead weaving and peyote. The large hole also means you can pass the thread through the same bead multiple times.
Round seed beads have a softer, more organic surface. They are suitable for freeform techniques, fringes, twisted necklaces and bracelets, where a perfectly regular pattern is not the goal.
Thread and needles
For bead weaving, a thin, strong beading thread and a beading needle thin enough to pass through the bead multiple times are used. Choose the needle according to bead size: if you're working with 15/0, the needle should be correspondingly fine. A regular sewing needle is too thick for most seed beads.
Always use a manageable length of thread – around an arm's length. Longer threads fray and tangle, and you'll waste time untangling them.
Surface types and colour fastness
Colour fastness varies by type. Opaque and duracoat are the most resistant, while certain galvanized surfaces can wear off with heavy friction or contact with perfume and hand sanitiser. If a piece of jewellery is to be worn daily, opaque or duracoat is the safest choice.
- Opaque: completely opaque glass, the most robust colour type.
- Transparent: clear glass, allowing light to pass through the bead.
- Matte: acid-treated, dull surface without shine.
- Silver-lined: clear glass with a silver-plated hole, providing extra sparkle.
- Galvanized/duracoat: metallic surface – duracoat is the most durable of the two.
- Ceylon, luster and AB: pearlescent and iridescent surfaces.
Most popular techniques
Peyote stitch is the most common technique for Delica: beads are offset by half a bead per row, forming a dense, brick-like surface. Brick stitch is often used for fringe earrings, where the pattern is built downwards in a triangle. For loom work, a series of warp threads are strung, and beads are laid across them – this creates a grid ideal for wide bracelets.
FAQ
What is the difference between Miyuki Delica and seed beads?
Delica beads are cylindrical with flat sides, thin walls and a large hole, creating sharp patterns in bead weaving. Round seed beads have a more organic shape and are used for freer techniques and jewellery designs.
Which Miyuki size should I choose as a beginner?
11/0 is the most versatile size and a great place to start. If you want quick results, 8/0 is even easier to handle.
How many Miyuki beads are in a gram?
Approximate: around 16 pcs in 6/0, 38 pcs in 8/0, 110 pcs in 11/0, and 250 pcs in 15/0. The number varies slightly with colour and surface type.
What thread should I use for Miyuki beads?
A thin, strong beading thread along with a beading needle that matches the bead size. You can find thread, needles, and accessories in our Miyuki range.
Is the colour of Miyuki beads durable?
It depends on the surface type. Opaque and duracoat are the most hard-wearing, while some galvanised surfaces may wear with heavy friction or contact with perfume and hand sanitiser.