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).