Bead Types
Listing of commonly used bead types in beading craftwork. The most common type bead used in beaded curtains is the Seed Bead.
Seed Beads
Available in an amazing array of colors, finishes, and styles, they are most often used in bead weaving and loomwork. Larger sizes are smaller, with 11/0 being the most common.
"H" (cut beads)
Usually the same size a seed beads, but with 6 sizes. Hexagonal or an irregular cut. The flat surface causes more light to shine from the bead.
Delica beads
A variety of seed bead that is small and square, so that it easily snaps into place in peyote and brick stitch beadwork. Delicas are a cylindrical, squarish, and about size 12/0.
Pony Beads
Larger than seed beads with larger holes, also available in a large range of colors and finishes. Sometimes called size 8/0 seed beads.
Bugle Beads
Sized like seed beads, bugle beads are long tubes (lengths vary).
Roundel
Roundel beads are more donut shaped, with a center hold. They're available in both smooth and faceted form.
Stone Beads
Precious (sapphire, ruby, diamond, emerald) and semiprecious (hematite, amethyst, jade, onyx, etc.) stones are available in chips and in different shapes.
Spacer Beads
Any small bead can be used as a spacer. Spacer beads are often unnoticable (on purpose) but serve an important function in the spacing of a design. Pictured are metal beads.
Other Beads
There are millions of beads of many different sizes, shapes, and materials, such as glass, bone, shell, clay, metal, pearls, seeds, and even paper.