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TOHO Seed Beads – Japanese Rocaille Beads (11/0)

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  • TOHO Seed Beads are Japanese precision beads of the highest quality, made in Hiroshima since 1951. The name TOHO means "Treasure of the East" and reflects the care and craftsmanship behind every single bead. TOHO Rocailles Beads in size 11/0 are among the most popular seed beads in the world and are used for everything from bead weaving and embroidery to jewelry making and creative projects.

    Why choose TOHO Seed Beads?

    TOHO Seed Beads in size 11/0 measure approx. 2.2 mm in diameter with a hole size of approx. 0.8 mm. This makes them slightly larger than Miyuki Rocailles in the same size, and the slightly larger hole is one of the qualities that makes TOHO a preferred choice among many who work with beads. The larger hole allows for more thread passes, which is crucial for techniques such as peyote stitch, brick stitch, and bead weaving, where the thread passes through the same bead several times.

    TOHO Rocailles also have a slightly cylindrical and tall profile compared to Miyuki Rocailles, which are a bit flatter and more rounded. This difference means that TOHO beads can give a more uniform and dense result in woven projects, especially in peyote stitch, where the bead's height and shape have a major impact on the finished look.

    TOHO vs. Miyuki – Two Japanese Giants

    Both TOHO and Miyuki are synonymous with quality when it comes to seed beads, and both brands are produced in Hiroshima, Japan. They share many qualities: uniform size, fantastic color selection, and durable finishes. However, there are important differences that can make one brand more suitable than the other for specific projects:

    • Hole size: TOHO 11/0 has a hole of approx. 0.8 mm compared to Miyuki's approx. 0.7 mm. The extra space makes TOHO ideal for projects with many thread passes.
    • Shape: TOHO Rocailles are taller and more cylindrical, while Miyuki Rocailles are lower and more rounded. TOHO therefore often gives a more uniform and tightly defined result in woven patterns.
    • Weight: The larger hole makes TOHO beads slightly lighter per piece, meaning more beads per gram and a lighter finished piece of jewelry.
    • Compatibility: TOHO and Miyuki Rocailles can be combined in most projects, but be mindful of the small size differences in very precise patterns.

    In short: If you need maximum room for thread and a bead that sits beautifully in woven techniques, TOHO is an obvious choice. If you prefer the most compact round shape and the world's largest color selection in the Delica format, Miyuki is still unrivaled. At Uniq Perler we carry both brands, so you can always choose the bead that best suits your project.

    Techniques and Uses

    TOHO Seed Beads in 11/0 are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of techniques and projects:

    • Bead weaving: Perfect for weaving on a bead loom thanks to the uniform size and the large hole.
    • Peyote stitch: The cylindrical shape gives a beautiful, even result in both even- and odd-count peyote.
    • Brick stitch: Uniform beads ensure straight edges and precise patterns.
    • Embroidery: Ideal for bead embroidery on fabric, bags, and accessories.
    • Stringing: Beautiful as spacer beads between larger beads and pendants in necklaces and bracelets.

What Are TOHO Seed Beads?

TOHO Seed Beads are Japanese glass beads manufactured by TOHO Co., Ltd. in Hiroshima, Japan. The company was founded in 1951 and is today one of the world's largest manufacturers of seed beads. TOHO is known for their precision manufacturing, uniform size, and large hole, which make them ideal for bead weaving, embroidery, and jewelry making. The name TOHO translates to "Treasure of the East."

What is the difference between TOHO and Miyuki Seed Beads?

Both brands are high-quality Japanese precision beads. The main difference is that TOHO Rocailles 11/0 have a slightly larger hole (approx. 0.8 mm versus Miyuki's approx. 0.7 mm) and a taller, more cylindrical shape. This makes TOHO especially well-suited for techniques involving many thread pass-throughs. Miyuki Rocailles are slightly smaller and more rounded. The two brands can be combined in most projects.

What Size Is TOHO 11/0?

TOHO Seed Beads in size 11/0 measure approx. 2.2 mm in diameter with a height of approx. 1.5-1.6 mm and a hole of approx. 0.8 mm. Size 11/0 is the most popular seed bead size and is suitable for most beading techniques. There are approx. 110 beads per gram.

Can TOHO and Miyuki Seed Beads be mixed in the same project?

Yes, in most projects TOHO and Miyuki Rocailles can be mixed. However, be aware that TOHO 11/0 is slightly larger (2.2 mm versus Miyuki's 2.0 mm) and has a different profile, which can create a slight texture difference in very precise woven patterns. For stringing, embroidery, and freeform projects, they can be combined without any issues.

Which Techniques Are TOHO Seed Beads Best For?

TOHO 11/0 is excellent for peyote stitch, brick stitch, bead weaving, right angle weaving, embroidery, and stringing. The extra-large hole makes them particularly well-suited for techniques where the thread needs to pass through the same bead multiple times. The cylindrical shape gives a uniform and professional result in woven projects.

Are TOHO Seed Beads durable?

Yes, TOHO Seed Beads are made from Japanese quality glass and are very durable. The general glass bead is robust and withstands daily use. The durability of color and finish depends on the specific type: opaque and transparent colors are part of the glass and last permanently, while metallic and galvanized finishes may require a bit of extra care. Always check the specific color type for durability information.
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