Even if you’re new to the world of beading, you will likely have come across the term ‘seed beads’. Seed beads are one of the most popular types of beads and come in a range of styles and variations.
Two of the most popular types of seed beads are Japanese seed beads, and Czech
seed beads. In this blog we will discuss the differences between the
two, and when is best to use one type over the other. When it comes to
selecting seed beads for your work, there are many different types and
variations available to choose from. It is not always easy to figure out which seed beads are the best
option for your beading project. After all, choosing the appropriate seed beads
can have a big impact on how your finished project will look in the end.
What are Seed Beads?
Seed
beads are small glass beads that get their name due to looking quite a
bit like plant seeds. They come in a range of colours, sizes, and shapes and
are commonly used for jewellery making, embroidery, and loom
bead weaving.
There are two main types of seed beads: Japanese Seed Beads and Czech Seed Beads. See images below for a
visual comparison of Miyuki vs Czech beads:
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| Japanese Miyuki Seed Beads | Czech Seed Beads |
Japanese Seed Beads
Manufactured in glass factories in Japan, these beads are
known for their high quality and uniformity in shape, size, and colour. There
are several well-known manufacturers that produce seed beads in Japan, such as
Toho, Matsuno, and Miyuki, with the latter being one of the most popular
choices.
Japanese Miyuki
seed beads are generally more uniform in shape than the Czech seed beads. They have
a round doughnut shape and are a little more square, taller, and have a
slightly larger opening than the Czech seed beads.
Japanese Cylinder Seed Beads
Miyuki also manufactures one of the most popular Japanese seed beads types known as Miyuki
Delica beads. These very high-quality seed beads have a cylinder shape
and are extremely precise in shape and size, which makes them a popular choice
for bead weaving projects that require a flat and smooth finish. Delica seed beads are lightweight
and have thin walls and a large hole. That makes them a great option for
weaving on a loom,
as beading thread can be passed through these beads multiple times.
Czech Seed Beads
Czech
seed beads, similarly to Japanese
seed beads are also doughnut in shape but have slightly smaller holes.
They are not as uniform in their shape and are slightly more irregular than their
Japanese counterparts, but are still often used in certain beadwork projects
where an irregular shape is required. Czech seed beads look very pretty when used in freeform work
and stringing projects, and can add a unique and organic feel to your work.
Other seed bead shapes
While the beads outline above are the most standard types of
seed beads offered by
the Japanese and Czech manufacturers, there is a great range of other seed beads available to
choose from, apart from round and cylindrical.
Czech
Charlotte beads, for example, are round seed beads with a cut facet on one side which
gives them an added sparkle. Miyuki manufactures a variety of different
kinds of seed beads, from cubes and triangles to teardrop-shaped Miyuki Magatama beads.
At CJ Beaders, we have a variety of many beautiful seed beads available to
choose from. Browse our great range of Czech and
Japanese Miyuki
beads and start creating your amazing beaded projects.
If you have any questions or need help choosing the best seed beads for your
project, get in touch with our team on 01202
798151 or use our online contact
form. We are always happy to help you choose the best materials for
your work.