Seed beads, also known as Rocailles, are small uniform beads used widely in bead weaving and embroidery, and they differ from faceted styles like other Preciosa beads in both shape and sizing. In this guide we explain what seed beads are, how they compare to other beads, and how the seed bead sizing system works. We are also proud to introduce the long-awaited Ornela seed bead range from Preciosa.
Many of you have been asking about Preciosa Seed Beads over the past few months, and the Ornela range includes several colours across the most popular sizes.
Popular Choice For Beading & Embroidery
Preciosa Seed Beads are a popular choice for bead weaving and embroidery that uses a lot of stitching, such as beaded cuffs and collars or sections of embroidery on clothing. They are made of coloured glass and often come with a silver coating inside the bead hole, which helps the colour shimmer in the light. Unlike bicone beads, seed beads are not multi-faceted but smooth, which makes them feel softer against the skin. Famous names for seed beads include Japanese Miyuki and Toho, which include differently shaped beads such as Delica, Bugle, Magatamas and Tila. The Preciosa Seed Beads on our website have both a round profile and a round hole, and come from the historical Bohemian Crystal Valley region of the Czech Republic, where centuries of Bohemian glassmaking heritage have produced beads since the 18th century.
What Size Do I Need?
A common question is "what size seed beads do I need?" This is understandable, because the sizing system for seed beads is different to other styles of bead. Bicones and round beads are measured in millimetres, however seed beads use numbers to represent sizes. The smaller the number, the larger the bead; popular sizes typically range between 6 and 16, though they can go bigger and a lot smaller.
The way the size system works for Preciosa seed beads is that all sizes are in relation to the original bead size zero. A size 10 bead is 10 times smaller than a size 0 bead, shown as "10/0" or simply "size 10" on the packet.
The common sizes in our Preciosa Ornela collection are:
- Size 6, approximately 4.1mm across with a 0.9mm hole, shown as 6/0. Sold in bags of 20g (approximately 266 beads) and 100g (approximately 1330 beads).
- Size 8, approximately 2.9mm across with a 0.9mm hole, shown as 8/0. Sold in bags of 20g (approximately 840 beads) and 100g (approximately 4200 beads).
- Size 10, approximately 2.3mm across with a 0.8mm hole, shown as 10/0. Sold in bags of 20g (approximately 1820 beads) and 100g (approximately 9100 beads).
FAQs
What are seed beads (Rocailles)?
Seed beads (Rocailles) are small uniform glass beads used for bead weaving and embroidery, typically 2mm to 4mm across with a round profile and a round hole. Unlike faceted crystal beads they have a smooth surface, making them softer against skin. Preciosa Ornela seed beads come from the Bohemian Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic, with centuries of glassmaking heritage going back to the 18th century.
How does seed bead sizing work?
Seed bead sizing uses an inverted scale measured in relation to size zero โ the smaller the number, the larger the bead. Size 10/0 means 10 times smaller than size 0. Common sizes: 6/0 (4.1mm) for chunky beadwork; 8/0 (2.9mm) for general beadwork; 10/0 (2.3mm) for fine work; 11/0 (2.2mm) is the universal bead weaving standard; 15/0 (1.5mm) for delicate detail work.
What size seed beads should I use?
For beginners, size 8/0 (2.9mm) is the easiest to handle and ideal for first projects. Size 11/0 is the universal bead weaving standard used in most pattern books and tutorials. Size 6/0 suits chunky bracelets and embroidery accents. Size 15/0 is for delicate detail work and small-scale beadwork. Match the seed bead size to the design technique โ patterns usually specify the size required.
How many seed beads are in a bag?
Preciosa Ornela seed bead bag counts (approximate): Size 6/0 โ 20g bag = 266 beads; 100g bag = 1,330 beads. Size 8/0 โ 20g bag = 840 beads; 100g bag = 4,200 beads. Size 10/0 โ 20g bag = 1,820 beads; 100g bag = 9,100 beads. Smaller seed beads pack more densely per gram, so the same weight contains many more beads as the size number increases.
What is the difference between seed beads and bicone beads?
Seed beads are small uniform glass beads with a smooth round profile and a hole running through the middle โ ideal for bead weaving and embroidery. Bicone beads are larger faceted crystal beads (3mm-8mm) shaped like two cones joined at the base, designed to sparkle from cut facets โ ideal for stringing and jewellery making. Use seed beads for weaving; use bicones for sparkle.
What thread should I use with seed beads?
Fireline braided beading thread (6lb test, 0.15mm) is the universal seed bead weaving choice โ strong enough for multiple passes through size 11/0 beads. Nymo nylon thread is the traditional choice for bead embroidery (50+ colours, condition with beeswax). Wildfire is an alternative to Fireline with a softer hand. Use a size 11 or 12 beading needle for size 11/0 seed beads.
Where can I buy Preciosa seed beads?
Bluestreak Crystals is a Preciosa Authorised Partner stocking the full Preciosa Ornela seed bead range in 6/0, 8/0 and 10/0 sizes across a wide colour palette, with same or next working day dispatch on the majority of orders. Browse the complete Preciosa seed beads collection or the wider Preciosa beads range for bicones, rounds, pearls and faceted beads.
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