Different types of Seed beads

Small glass beads with small holes – that is what I would describe the seed beads as. These beads were once made as an inexpensive replacement for small natural pearls less than 2mm in diameter which were and still is called as seed pearls – that is how they got this name. Today they are widely used in beadwork, bead embroidery, to make jewelry, macrame work, fiber arts.

Another name for seed beads is Rocaille beads.

At one point in the history of mankind, seed beads were used as currency -it was a currency of exchange in Africa, America, and Europe. So you can imagine the importance that was given to seed beads.

Today, for us there are many other options in beads. And people are short of time and beadwork with small beads, despite their beauty, take a lot of time. So seed beads have lost the prominence that they earlier had. But still, the delicacy and intricacy of work that seed beads bring in beadwork is commendable and much appreciated.

Seed beads – different types

Seed beads – different types
Seed beads according to their Finishes
Seed beads according to color
Seed beads according to the size
Seed beads according to where they are made
Which seed beads are considered the best?
What type of needles are used with seed beads?
What are things to be careful of when buying and using seed beads?

Seed beads according to their Finishes

Seed beads can be categorized according to the finishes applied on their surface and also the hole. Here are some of the categories of seed beads as per their finishes.

Lustre finished beads – These beads will have a shiny lustrous finish.

Matt finished beads – This is a finish that does not shine

Metallic finished beads/Galvanised finish – A metallic finish given on the surface of the seed bead.

Aurora Borealis finished seed beads – This gives an iridescent /rainbow shaded effect on the seed bead

Ceylon finished seed beads – This is a pearlescent seed bead (with a pearly luster) . It is usually made on a white bead

French milky finished seed beads – These beads have an hazy opal like milky finish.

Ghost finished seed beads – Irridescent matt finish

Lined hole seed beads – In this, the bead will have a colored or metallic coating in the hole which will stand out against the surface color or transparent look of the seed bead.

Silver lined finished beads – A silver coating is given to the hole ; Gilt lined finished beads – A gold coating is given to the hole

Most branded beads have a coating outside the beads to increase their durability. For eg. Miyuki beads have duracoat® coating.

Seed beads according to color

Opaque beads – Solid color beads

Transparent beads – this is a transparent bead

Translucent beads – somewhere in between opaque and transparent

Seed beads according to the size

Sugar beads – these are tiny seed beads about 1 to 1.5 millimeters thick.

Larger seed beads maybe 3 to 4 mm.

Sizes of seed beads are mentioned in numbers. The number is said to refer to how many beads can be fitted in an inch. The sizes range from 22/0 to 1/0. The numbers are referred to as ‘number ought’ – for eg. 22/0 is mentioned as 22 aught.

8/0 to 15/0 are the most commonly used sizes in seed beads- bigger and smaller numbers are rare in the market. Out of these, 11/0 size seed beads are the most popular. The larger number represents the smaller-sized beads. So a 10/0 is bigger than an 11/0.

The size 5/0 beads are known as e-beads. Size 6/0 beads are known as pony beads. Bigger seed beads are known as crow beads

Though generally rocaille is referred as a general name for a seed bead originally a rocaille is said to be a transparent silver-lined seed bead with a square hole.

Seed beads according to where they are made

Seed beads are all beautiful but some are more beautiful than others due to their consistency and superior quality. Czech, Japanese and Chinese Seed beads are all used by bead crafters and stringers.

Charlottes are faceted seed beads made in the Czech republic in size 13/0. Two cut seed beads are faceted seed beads made in the Czech Republic in other sizes than the 13/0.

Which seed beads are considered the best?

Seed beads made in particular countries are said to be superior to others.
The most famous seed beads are manufactured in Japan. Those made in the Czech republic are also popular. Other countries that manufacture poplar seed beads are China, Italy and France.
Japanese seed beads are considered the best because they are very uniform is size and shape and the end result is exquisite. Japanese Delica beads are very popular for beadweaving projects.
Toho and Miyuki-Shoji are the most popular branded beads made in Japan. They are very much in demand because of their unmistakable quality – uniformity, colorfastness, brilliant colors, etc.

What type of needles are used with seed beads?

A size 12 hand sewing needle or beading needle is used with seed beads – the eye needs to be thin to get through the small holes. A long thin beading needle will pass through the seed beads and will thread many beads at once.

What are things to be careful of when buying and using seed beads?

There are many problems with regualr seed beads – Some beads may fade, some may look different from each, some may have uneven and sometimes cut holes, some will wear off their finishes with some use. The most common problem with low-quality seed beads is that the sizes may not be uniform. This can result in the design becoming out of proportion. Even subtle size differences can make your beadwork look bad.
You will have to check that all the beads are of uniform size. If your bunch of seed beads (hanks) is not all of the same sizes you should pick similar sized ones for a particular area of the design to maintain the proportion; or buy the best quality one.