Have you ever been sitting with a pattern and thought:

“Why doesn’t my pattern turn out as even as in the picture?”

Or wondered what terms like 11/0, Delica, and Duracoat actually mean?

Then you are far from alone.

Miyuki beads are often referred to as the world’s best glass beads – but it’s not always clear why. In this post, you will get the full explanation. I will go through what Miyuki beads are, why they differ significantly from other beads on the market, and how to choose correctly between Delica and Rocaille for your next jewelry project.

The goal is simple:

When you finish reading, you will know exactly which Miyuki beads to choose – and why.

Miyuki is the name of a Japanese manufacturer, Miyuki Co., Ltd., founded in Hiroshima in 1949. What is special about Miyuki is not only the material (glass), but the way the beads are made.

While many traditional glass beads are made with larger tolerances in size and shape, Miyuki beads are produced with extreme precision. Machines and computer-controlled processes ensure that the beads are almost identical – both in diameter, height, and hole size.

In practice, this means:

• The beads sit evenly next to each other
• Your pattern becomes straight and symmetrical
• You avoid having to sort out crooked beads
  

For you who make jewelry, it is the difference between a homemade look – and a professional result.

The small numbers with slashes are called "aught system" and come from an older way of measuring beads.

The most important rule is:

The higher the number, the smaller the bead.

The system originally indicated how many beads could fit in a row within one inch. Today, it is used as a size standard.

The most commonly used Miyuki sizes

• 15/0 – very small beads for fine details and finishes
• 11/0 – the standard size, used for most weaving techniques
• 10/0 – slightly larger, good for beginners
• 8/0 – thicker beads, suitable for e.g. bead knitting and elastic bracelets
• 6/0 – large seed beads, often used in children's projects or coarse designs

Important to know:

An 11/0 Delica and an 11/0 Rocaille are not the same size, even though they have the same name. The shape plays a decisive role – and that leads us further.

This is the most frequently asked question and also the most important to understand.

Miyuki Delica – the cylindrical bead

Delica beads are cut as small, uniform cylinders with flat ends.

This results in:

• A completely tight and even surface
• Patterns that look like small pixels or mosaics
• A very modern and graphic expression

When Delica beads are woven in e.g. Peyote Stitch or Brick Stitch, they lock tightly against each other. No "air" appears between the beads, and the work becomes stable and precise.

A big advantage of Delica beads is also the hole size. They have relatively large holes compared to their size, which makes it possible to thread the thread through many times. This results in stronger jewelry and fewer problems along the way.

Delica are ideal for:

• Peyote Stitch
• Brick Stitch
• Bead weaving (loom)
• Geometric and detailed patterns

Rocaille beads are round or slightly donut-shaped with soft edges. It is the traditional "seed bead" shape, but in high Japanese quality.

This results in:

• A more lively and organic expression
• More flexibility in the jewelry
• A softer way to catch the light
  

Because the beads are round, they can move a bit against each other. This makes them perfect for techniques where the jewelry needs to twist or hang freely.

Rocaille are ideal for:

• Embroidery on fabric
• Fringes and tassels
• Spiral techniques
• Elastic bracelets
• Bead knitting and kumihimo
  

Important tip:

You cannot always substitute Delica with Rocaille (or vice versa) in a pattern. Delica beads are narrower than Rocailles of the same size, and your finished jewelry will change shape.

Many experience that metallic beads lose their color over time. This is typically because the color is applied as a thin coating without protection.

Miyuki has solved this problem with Duracoat®.

Duracoat is a special, hardened surface treatment that is applied on top of the bead. It protects against:

• Sweat and the skin's natural acid
• Friction against clothing and surfaces
• Wear from daily use
  

What this means in practice

• Regular galvanized beads: Beautiful, but best suited for earrings or embroidery
• Duracoat galvanized beads: Much more durable and suitable for bracelets and rings
  

If you make jewelry that is worn close to the skin, we always recommend Duracoat variants.

The short answer: Consistency and joy of work.

Cheaper beads can be tempting, but when the goal is jewelry designs with sharp lines, uniform patterns, and high precision, the cheaper alternatives can present challenges – among other things due to:

• Uneven shapes
• Closed or uneven holes
• Large size differences

This means waste, frustration, and an uneven final result.

With Miyuki, you get beads that can be used straight from the bag. This saves time, reduces errors – and results in a much more beautiful piece of jewelry.

If you are new to the Miyuki universe, we recommend:

1. Start with Delica 11/0 – they are easy to work with and very stable
2. Use a strong thread, e.g., Fireline or Miyuki's own thread
3. Choose thin beading needles (size 10–12), so you can easily make multiple passes
   

Miyuki beads are not just glass beads. They are a precision tool for those who want to take their jewelry making to the next level.

Once you understand the difference between Delica and Rocaille, the sizes and finishes, it becomes much easier to choose correctly – and your projects will become both more beautiful and more durable.

This guide is intended as your permanent reference.

Save it, share it – and use it the next time you are choosing beads.

Enjoy your next Miyuki project.