Seed Bead Size Guide
Seed Bead Size Guide
Seed beads are small glass beads used in beadweaving, embroidery, and jewelry making. Here's everything you need to know about sizing, from the most popular 11/0 to tiny 15/0s and charlottes.
Japanese Seed Beads (Miyuki & Toho)
Japanese seed beads are known for their consistency — uniform size, smooth holes, and reliable colors. Great for loom work, peyote, and any project where precision matters.
| Size | Diameter | Best For | Needle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/0 | ~2.2mm | Most versatile — peyote, brick, loom, stringing | #10 or #11 |
| 8/0 | ~3.0mm | Chunky jewelry, accent beads, beginners | #10 |
| 15/0 | ~1.5mm | Delicate work, bezels, tiny accents | #12 |
| 6/0 | ~4.0mm | Bold designs, quick projects | #10 |
| 11/0 Delica | 1.6mm × 1.3mm | Peyote, brick stitch, loom — cylinder beads stack perfectly | #11 or #12 |
Seed Bead Shapes
Beyond the classic round, seed beads come in specialty shapes that add texture and dimension to your work.
| Shape | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Round | The classic — donut-shaped, versatile | Everything! The workhorse of beadwork |
| Cylinder (Delica) | Flat ends, large hole, uniform | Peyote, brick stitch, precision work |
| 3 Cut | Three-cut facets, extra sparkle | More shimmer, vintage style |
| Bugle | Long tubes (3mm–6mm) | Fringe, Art Deco designs |
Thread Guide for Seed Beads
Match your thread to your project — strength for jewelry that gets worn, flexibility for pieces that need to drape.
| Thread | Fits Bead Sizes | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireline 6lb | 15/0, 11/0, 8/0 | Most beadweaving | Strong, doesn't stretch, won't fray |
| Fireline 8lb | 11/0, 8/0, 6/0 | Heavier beadwork, multiple passes | Good middle ground between 6lb and 10lb |
| Fireline 10lb | 8/0, 6/0 | Heavy beads, crystals | Extra strength for larger or sharper beads |
| Carded Nylon | Varies by cord size | Pearl knotting, stringing | Attached needle, pre-stretched |
| Micro Cord | 8/0, 6/0 | Strong stringing, durable jewelry | Braided nylon, great for everyday wear |
| MiniMac | 8/0, 6/0 | Micro-macramé, delicate knotting | 0.4mm, waxed polyester |
| SuperMac | 6/0 and larger | Macramé, cord jewelry | 0.8mm, waxed polyester |
Coverage Estimates
Planning a project? Here's roughly how many beads you'll need per inch or square inch.
| Bead Size | Beads per Inch (strung) | Beads per Sq Inch (woven) |
|---|---|---|
| 15/0 | ~24 beads | ~290 beads |
| 11/0 | ~18 beads | ~180 beads |
| 8/0 | ~12 beads | ~85 beads |
| 6/0 | ~10 beads | ~50 beads |
Gram Weight Guide
How far will your beads go? Multiply your gram weight to estimate stringing length.
| Bead Size | Beads per Gram | To Calculate Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 15/0 | ~290 beads | Grams × 12 = ___ inches |
| 11/0 | ~110 beads | Grams × 6 = ___ inches |
| 8/0 | ~38 beads | Grams × 3 = ___ inches |
| 6/0 | ~15 beads | Grams × 1.5 = ___ inches |
The "bigger the number, smaller the bead" rule comes from the old days — the number meant how many beads fit in an inch, measured hole-up (stacked vertically, not side-to-side). So 15/0 is tiny (15 fit in an inch), and 6/0 is chunky (only 6 fit).