Have you ever sat 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're 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'll get the full explanation. I'll go through what Miyuki beads are, why they differ markedly from other beads on the market, and how to choose correctly between Delica and Rocaille for your next jewelry project.

The goal is simple:

Once you've finished reading, you'll 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's special about Miyuki isn't just the material (glass), but the way the beads are manufactured.

Whereas 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 – in diameter, height and hole size alike.

In practice, this means:

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

For you as a jewelry maker, that's the difference between a homemade look – and a professional result.

The small numbers with a slash are called the “aught system” and stem 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 line up within one inch. Today it's used as a size standard.

The Most Commonly Used Miyuki Sizes

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

Important to know:

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

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

Miyuki Delica – the Cylinder-Shaped Bead

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

This provides:

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

When Delica beads are woven in, for example, 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 major advantage of Delica beads is also their hole size. They have relatively large holes in relation to their size, which makes it possible to pass the thread through many times. This results in stronger jewelry pieces and fewer problems along the way.

Delica beads 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's the traditional “seed bead” shape, but in high Japanese quality.

This provides:

• A more lively and organic look
• More flexibility in the jewelry piece
• A softer way of catching the light
  

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

Rocaille beads are ideal for:

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

Important tip:

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

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

Miyuki has solved this problem with Duracoat®.

Duracoat is a special, hardened surface treatment 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 for earrings or embroidery
• Duracoat galvanized beads: Far more durable and well suited 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 enjoyment of the craft.

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

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

This results in waste, frustration and an uneven end result.

With Miyuki, you get beads that can be used straight from the bag. This saves time, results in fewer mistakes – and a far 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, such as 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 anyone who wants to take their jewelry making to the next level.

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

This guide is meant to be your go-to reference.

Save it, share it – and use it next time you're choosing beads.

Enjoy your next Miyuki project.