What do seed bead sizes mean?

Seed beads are sized by a numbering system where a higher number means a smaller bead: size 6 is quite large and obvious, while size 15 is tiny. Size 11 is the most commonly used for general beadwork, sitting at about 2.2 mm in diameter. The system is an old one and the exact sizes vary slightly between manufacturers.

What are seed beads made from?

Most seed beads are made from glass, either ordinary glass or the higher-quality soda-lime glass used by Japanese manufacturers. They come in transparent, opaque, lustre, metallic, matte and aurora borealis finishes, and some specialty versions use crystal glass.

What jewellery is made with seed beads?

Seed beads are used in woven bracelets and cuffs, beaded earrings, necklaces, intricate embroidered designs and Native American beadwork. The Miyuki Delica in particular is popular for precise loom and off-loom weaving because its square profile lets the beads sit flush against each other.

What is a seed bead?

By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026

Definition

Seed beads are tiny glass beads mass-produced by drawing molten glass into a long thin tube and then slicing it into small, evenly spaced pieces. The slices are then tumbled or fire-polished to smooth their edges. They come in a huge range of colours, finishes and sizes, and their small, uniform shape makes them ideal for weaving, embroidery, stringing and peyote stitch beadwork. Japanese brands like Miyuki and Toho are particularly well regarded for consistency and colour range, and their Delica range is known for its exceptionally precise cylindrical shape.

Frequently asked questions

What do seed bead sizes mean?: Seed beads are sized by a numbering system where a higher number means a smaller bead: size 6 is quite large and obvious, while size 15 is tiny. Size 11 is the most commonly used for general beadwork, sitting at about 2.2 mm in diameter. The system is an old one and the exact sizes vary slightly between manufacturers.
What are seed beads made from?: Most seed beads are made from glass, either ordinary glass or the higher-quality soda-lime glass used by Japanese manufacturers. They come in transparent, opaque, lustre, metallic, matte and aurora borealis finishes, and some specialty versions use crystal glass.
What jewellery is made with seed beads?: Seed beads are used in woven bracelets and cuffs, beaded earrings, necklaces, intricate embroidered designs and Native American beadwork. The Miyuki Delica in particular is popular for precise loom and off-loom weaving because its square profile lets the beads sit flush against each other.

Designing a ring

Talk through seed bead with us

Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.

Contact the studio