SEED BEADS Seed beads are small beads that are usually sold by weight or in a bundle of strands called a hank. They come in multiple sizes, numbered on a scale where the larger the number, the smaller the bead. Most modern seed beads are sizes 15/0, 11/0, 8/0, and 6/0. 11/0 and 8/0 are commonly used in kumihimo.

Seed beads also come in multiple shapes, almost all of which can be used in kumihimo. The most common shapes are cylinder or round. Seed beads are usually referenced by their country of origin, with Japan, the Czech Republic, and China being the most common locations beads come from.

It is recommended that seed beads be culled (sorting out oddly shaped, broken, or discolored beads) before using for the most uniform results in braiding.

                Cylinder – Cylinder seed beads have straight sides and large holes, resembling a short tube or a can. They are very uniform in size and shape. Two Japanese brands, Miyuki and Toho, make cylinder beads. Miyuki’s cylinder beads are called Delica. Toho has two lines, Treasures which are similar to Miyuki Delica, and Aiko, which are smaller and more precise.

                 Round – Smaller holes than cylinder beads and work well in braids where their rounded shape help them form a fluid curve. They may be sometimes called rocailles.

Other seed bead shapes you may encounter include: Hex cut (6 sided), Triangles and 3 Cut Round

Follow links to Carolyn Oliver Haushalter’s blog for detailed pictures and seed bead information

https://topcenter.typepad.com/blog/2014/05/size_6_seed_beads.html

https://topcenter.typepad.com/blog/2014/04/size_8_seed_beads.html

https://topcenter.typepad.com/blog/2014/07/size_11_seed_beads.html

https://topcenter.typepad.com/blog/2014/09/size_15_seed_beads.html