Seed Beads

Seed beads are very small beads that can be used in a variety of ways. They are most commonly used in bead weaving looming and bead embroidery, but can also make great accents in stringing projects.

Seed beads are usually rounded in shape. Seed bead sizes are measured like so: 15/0, 11/0, 8/0, 6/0, 3/0. The origins of these sizes are hazy. Some think these measurements used to represent how many seed beads can fit in an inch, while some believe they related to the size of the rods or mandrels once used in forming the beads.

Today, actual sizes can vary based on the manufacturer of the bead, as well as surface coatings or finishes applied to the beads. Just remember that the higher the number in the measurement, the smaller the seed bead will be.