Which bead size should a beginner use?

Midi, 5 mm. It is large enough to handle and small enough for a clear picture. Mini is fiddlier. Maxi suits younger children, but the picture is coarser.

How long does the first project take?

About an hour for a small motif: placing beads takes the longest, ironing only a few minutes. Then let it cool under weight before you lift it.

Do I need a specific bead brand?

No. Hama, Perler, Nabbi and Artkal midi beads can share a board. Brands melt a little differently, so test a scrap if you mix them.

Can a child do the project alone?

Children can place the beads. The iron is an adult job. Midi beads are not for children under three.

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How to start with fuse beads

What you need, the first project, and the mistakes that are easy to skip.

To start with fuse beads you need a pegboard, midi beads (5 mm), parchment paper and an iron with the steam off. Place the beads from a small pattern, cover them, iron in circles until the holes almost close, flip and iron the other side lightly, then cool under a book. A first project takes about an hour.

This is enough to begin

Pegboard

One square midi board. Start with a single board, not four joined together.

Midi beads, 5 mm

Hama, Perler, Nabbi and Artkal in the same size share a board. Do not mix them with mini or maxi.

Parchment paper

The paper sits between the iron and the beads. Without it, the plastic sticks to the iron.

Iron, dry heat

Medium heat and steam off. Steam blotches the surface and warps the piece.

The first project

Pick a small pattern

A name, a heart or a simple figure on one board. Save large motifs until ironing feels familiar.

Place the beads

One peg, one bead, hole facing up. Work from the top down so you do not bump finished rows.

Cover with parchment

The paper should cover the whole motif and lie flat. Tape the corners down if the board is small.

Iron in slow circles

Keep the iron moving. Lift the paper and look: holes should still show, but the edges should have fused. Stop before the surface turns into a shiny sheet.

Flip, iron lightly, cool under a book

Once the first side holds, flip the piece, iron the back briefly and set a book on top until it is cold. That keeps the plate flat.

Mistakes that are easy to skip

Steam is on: Turn it off. Water and melted plastic leave spots and a warp.

The iron sits still: Keep it moving. A still spot melts through and loses the holes.

Mini and midi in one motif: They do not share pegs. Stay with one size until the piece is done.

Common questions

Ready to create?

Make a small pattern first, such as a name or a simple shape on one board.