Do you LOVE beading with Miyuki Delica Beads? Me too! Here are five facts you might not know about these tiny little beads! Did any of these surprise you? Let me know!
1. Delicas were invented in the 1980s
Miyuki developed Delicas to meet the demand for perfectly uniform beads for loom work and precision beadweaving.
2. Originally, only size 11/0 were available
When Delicas were first introduced, only size 11/0 existed. The larger 10/0 and 8/0 sizes and then the teeny 15/0 came later.
3. ‘Delica’ is a brand name
Only Miyuki cylinder beads can technically be called ‘Delicas’. Other brands make similar beads (like Toho’s Aiko and the newer Chinese Cylin beads), but they’re not officially Delicas. Size 11/0 Delicas come in over 1000 colours!
4. Why they’re more fragile than round seed beads
Delicas have thinner walls compared with round seed beads, in order to create their sharp, cylindrical profile. This makes them slightly more prone to cracking under thread tension. This also varies by finish… the etched and silk colours are more likely to crack than any others! When a bead ii etched to give it a matte effect, a thin layer of the glass is removed.
5. Finish can affect durability
Some special Delica finishes (like galvanised and dyed beads) can wear off over time, especially in areas that get a lot of friction in your beadwork. Miyuki rates their beads for durability, you even can look up specific colours to check on the Miyuki website!
I recommend using Duracoat when beading with metallic or dyed opaque colours to be absolutely safe. The Duracoat coating protects the finish and keeps your beads bright!
And here’s an extra fact for you…
Miyuki Delica beads are available in over 1000 colours in the size 11/0 range! What will you make???
Looking for Delica bead inspiration?
I’ve got you covered! Discover more than 50 beading patterns all using beautiful Delica beads here on my website! With everything from pendants, to earrings, pens, tape measures and charms, theer’s plenty to give you inspiration. All of my patterns are comprehensive and come with quality, high-resolution photos and computer-drawn diagrams, so you can bead with confidence!
-
Sale!
Beaded Under the Sea Tape Measure Pattern
£12.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Ducks & Bubbles Needle Case Pattern
£8.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Beaded Sugar Skulls Charm Pattern
£8.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Heritage Birds Tape Measure Pattern
£10.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Ducks & Bubbles Tool Kit Complete Bundle
£20.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Americana Tropicana Beaded Flamingo & Pineapple Pattern
£8.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Holiday Beading With Kids: Geckos
If you’re someone with a small beader-in-training in your life, then I have just the summer holiday antidote for you today! This brand new video is just for you!
Free Project: Rising Sun Earrings with Jill Wiseman
I’m so excited to share another free beading pattern with you through Jill Wiseman Designs! Introducing my Rising Sun Earrings! A fast and fun make using Delica beads and Quick Links.
Strong Together with BeadingSchool
Finally, I can tell you what I have been working on together with Beadingschool! The Strong Together e-book is a very special celebration of our beading community!