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Miyuki Japanese Seed Beads

Japanese glass seed beads made by Miyuki: precision Delica cylinders, including hex cut Delicas, and Miyuki round seed beads. Japanese seed beads are known for consistent size and shape, which makes them a favorite for loomwork, peyote and other counted patterns.

Delicas come in 15/0, 11/0, 10/0 and 8/0 and sit flat and tile-like in beadwork. Miyuki rounds behave more like Czech rocailles, though Czech and Japanese 11/0s read slightly different in size. Swatch before swapping one family for another in a pattern.

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Miyuki Japanese Seed Beads

Good to know

  • Miyuki Delicas are precision glass cylinder seed beads made in Japan by Miyuki.
  • Delicas come in four sizes: 15/0 (DBS), 11/0 (DB), 10/0 (DBM) and 8/0 (DBL).
  • Thin walls and big holes: an 11/0 Delica is 1.6 mm across with a hole of about 0.8 mm.
  • Miyuki round seed beads are Miyuki's rocailles; an 11/0 is about 1.95–2.05 mm across.
  • Miyuki and Toho round seed beads are close enough in size to mix freely.
  • Delicas and Czech round seed beads aren't interchangeable at the same size; swatch before substituting.
  • Duracoat finishes are more durable than standard galvanized, but not permanent.

Questions & answers

Are Delica beads the same as regular 11/0 seed beads?

No. Miyuki Delicas are precision cylinders with large holes that make flat, tile-like beadwork, while round seed beads like Preciosa rocailles are rounder and sit differently. They aren't interchangeable at the same size, so swatch before substituting one for the other in a pattern.

Can I mix Czech and Japanese seed beads of the same size?

Czech and Japanese 11/0s read as slightly different sizes, so mix them only when you want that effect. Miyuki and Toho round seed beads are close enough in size to mix freely.

What sizes do Miyuki Delica beads come in?

Delicas come in four sizes: 15/0 (DBS), 11/0 (DB), 10/0 (DBM) and 8/0 (DBL). The DB, DBM and DBL sizes share color numbers, so DBM-1 is the same color as DB-1.

What thread size should I use with my seed beads?

As a general guide for nylon threads like Nymo: D or F for 6/0 and 8/0, O, B or D for 11/0, and A, OO or O for 15/0. The rule of thumb is to use the thickest thread that still lets you make every pass your pattern needs.

Are Duracoat Delicas permanent?

Duracoat is Miyuki's more durable version of galvanized and plated finishes, and it wears better than standard galvanized. It's not permanent, though, so expect some wear on rings and bracelets that rub.

Ages 16+. Not intended for use by children. Contains small parts that can be a choking hazard.

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