Beads Shape Chart – A Fun Guide for Craft Lovers

Your single most imprtant beads chart. As a beadaholic, beadlover, crafter, beadmaking expert, or just a novice experimenting with craft supplies. This curated collection of bead shapes, beadmaking material, their origin and uses are intriguing. So, book mark this page for your reference. I am Akos Creative and loved beads, all my life- almost. I create colourful jewelry inspired by my African culture and lifestyle. Beadmaking is one craft you cannot let go once you start. The reason is, there are myriad bead types all over the world.

My goal is to introduce you to beadmaking in as simple and clear way as possible.Let, our journies begin here, as I hold your hand through bead types and theur use. journey begins. Now, Akos Creative Blog strongly believe in experience sharing hence this article. And now to you Craft Lovers! Let’s talk beads! This blog is for all of you who love beads and I’ve been planning to write this article for while. Not everyone reading this is particulalry into craft work. However, I could’t imagine any other reason for reading about different bead types than for jewelry making.

Bead Types by Shape and Appearance

I learnt about the bead shape types and appearance by buying beads, and learing to use them correctly. In case you didn’t know, the shape of beads strung together is the basis of any jewelry design. You will pay to learn this in design school, but I am spilling them out like seed beads – all for free. So please pay attention and again, book mark this blog for future reference. Okay.

What Are Bead Types?

Let’s learn the names of beads and the shapes they come in. This is called a bead shapes and names guide. Some people call it a bead type chart with pictures. It helps you pick the best bead for your craft!

There are many bead types. Some beads are for earrings. Some are for bracelets or necklaces. Big beads, small beads, clear beads, shiny beads… there’s a bead for every project!

Miyuki Beads

One bead type that absolutely fascinates me is the Miyuki bead. I’ll dive deeper into these exquisite Japanese beads later, but for now, I want to highlight something truly special: the precision of each bead. That’s what makes Miyuki beads the top choice for creating geometric shape earrings their uniformity is unmatched.

If your jewelry design demands exact shape and a clean, consistent look, go for cylindrical, straight-edged beads. They snap together beautifully to form perfect squares in a brick stitch or build clean lines in a simple layered block. Whether you’re just starting your beading journey, love admiring the sparkle of beads in a shop window, or you’ve been making jewelry for years without diving deep into bead types this is for you.

Delica beads are a variety of seed beads known for being small, lightweight, and perfectly cylindrical, which allows them to lock neatly into place in peyote stitch or brick stitch bead weaving. Their slightly larger holes make them ideal for passing multiple strands of thread through great for more intricate designs.

Fun fact: Delica is actually a brand name made by Miyuki, and the general term for this style is “cylinder bead.”

Miyuki Delica Seed Beads For Sale

Akos Creative, has  tried out many different Miyuki delica seed beads for sale online. I use many different types of beads. Latley, I have shoped most of my ‘other’ beads online. Click on this link to buy Miyuki beads from trusted vendors on Temu. I get paid a commission for making an eligible purchase from my Temu links at no extra cost to you. Do you want to try creating the perfect pair of triangle earrings?

Start by buying Miyuki beads from Temu, at pocket friendly prices and at best quality.1g 200pcs MIYUKI DELICA Beads Matte Series, Uniform Colorfast Frosted Finish for Luxury Jewelry, Fashion Accessories, Art Projects | Beads & Bead Assortments
🎉 Coupon price[AU$5.28]   👉 item link: Shop Miyuki cylinder shape beads.

Tube Beads – Long Beads Like a Pipe!

Let’s talk about tube beads! These beads look like tiny pipes or cylinders. We also call them pipe beads or cylinder beads. You can find them in many styles — some are straight, some are twisted or curved, and they come in so many colours and materials. You might see tube beads made from frosted glass, ceramic, wood, or acrylic. One pretty type I like is the Frosted Glass Tube Beads in teal. They shine so nicely in the light!

But guess what? One of my all-time favourites is our handmade Krobo tube beads from Ghana. These ones are made from recycled glass and shaped right inside a long clay mold like a tube! They are fired in a big hot oven until the glass melts and becomes strong. The size is about 35mm long and 20mm wide, and the hole is just right for stringing  usually 3 to 4mm wide.

I saw how they made these when I visited the Cedi Bead Factory in Krobo Odumase, Ghana. It was so cool! You can watch my video to see it too. Just look for it on my YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe because I’ll be going on holiday soon and sharing more bead stories from Ghana!

P.S. There’s another bead shape called bicone or barrel bead, but tube beads are their own fun style long and pipe-like.

Beads Made in Ghana: A Little Story from Akos Creative

In Ghana, we have a beautiful tradition of making beads using discarded glass. Krobo beads have been handcrafted tradtionally in Ghana. In fact, the process of making thesebeads is entirely handmade from reclying glass into powder through to handpainting finished beads. As result, the bead shapes are never regular.  Now, no two beads are same in terms of weight, shape or appearance. And this is what makes African beads unique. After all they are handmade beads. I buy mine from Cedi Beads Industry at Krobo Odumase. The artists there have used the same method for over 400 years! Isn’t that amazing?

They recycle glass bottles and make new beads by hand. These beads are full of color, culture, and history. They’re not just beads – they’re art. Which is why I love Australians love my Ghana Krobo beads bracelets featuring different bead types. Check out my new recycled glass beads bracelets] here. Some I find at local craft shops in Australia. But my favorites? They come from Ghana!

How I Use Beads at Akos Creative

At Akos Creative, I love mixing beads with fabric offcuts. I make earrings using fabric and beads together. My favorites are big round beads sized between 6mm to 12mm. These go well with my geometric shape fabric earrings.

When I use tiny seed beads, I make tassels or bead ropes. These tiny beads are often used in African jewelry, too. Each bead shape and size helps me create something new.

So, let’s dive in! Here’s our basic shapes of beads chart for all you bead lovers out there.

1. Round Beads – The Most Popular

Round beads are the most common. You’ll see them in many projects. They are smooth and easy to use.

Use them for:

• Necklaces

• Bracelets

• Earrings

📌 Appears in: Every shapes of beads chart you find!

2. Seed Beads – Small and Cute

Seed beads are very small and come in many colors. They’re often used in African beadwork. You need a strong needle to string them.

Use them for:

• Tassels

• Woven bead art

• Tiny detailed jewelry

• Waist beads, Ghana weight loss beads

  

They are super fun to play with bt don’t worry to lose a few of them as you craft!

3. Cube Beads – Square Shapes

Cube beads are like little boxes. They give a chunky, modern look to your craft. They fit well in a bead shapes and names chart because of their square shape.

Use them for:

• Bold necklaces

• Chunky bracelets

• Unique beaded earrings

You can see cube beads in many local craft stores in Australia.

4. Tube Beads – Long and Thin

These beads are shaped like tubes or straws. You may also hear them called bugle beads.

Use them for:

• Beaded fringe

• Bold dangle earrings

• Adding length to your design

These beads are easy to spot on a bead type chart with pictures.

5. Oval Beads – Like Eggs

Oval beads are shaped like little eggs. They are smooth and soft in look.

Use them for:

• Gentle designs

• Layered necklaces

• Mix and match looks

They come in many materials – wood, glass, clay, and more!

6. Teardrop Beads – Pretty and Pointy

These look like little drops of water. They are fat on one side and pointy on the other.

 

Use them for:

• Earrings

• Pendants

• Charm details

They’re fun to add to fabric jewelry too!

7. Disc Beads – Flat and Round

These beads are flat like a pancake. Many Ghana Krobo beads are disc-shaped.

Use them for:

• Layered necklaces

• Anklets

• Colorful patterns

They look so beautiful in every shapes of beads chart!

8. Bicone Beads – Like Diamonds

These beads are shaped like two cones back-to-back. They sparkle in the light!

Use them for:

• Crystal jewelry

• Fancy gifts

• Birthday crafts

They shine like stars in your work.

Matching Bead Types to Projects

This is where your bead shapes and names knowledge becomes fun! Below is a helpful guide. It’s not a real bead type chart with pictures, but you can picture it in your mind.

Where I Buy My Beads

I buy traditional Krobo beads in Ghana at Cedi Beads, but also shop locally in Australia.

Click here to buy Krobo beads bracelets I created in Melbourne using recycled glass beads bought in Ghana.

If you want to buy beads, I have affiliate links to sites like Temu and Amazon. If you click and buy something, I get a small reward. You pay nothing extra! It helps me keep Akos Creative going.

I don’t only use handmade beads. Sometimes I buy glass beads, acrylic beads, or wooden beads too. Many craft stores in Melbourne and Sydney have great options.

💭 Fun Beading Tip!

Before you start any beading project, check a shapes of beads chart first. It gives you ideas. It helps you match bead types to your style.

And don’t forget: your design can mix bead types. A bracelet might have round and cube beads. An earring may use disc and teardrop shapes. That’s the joy of crafting!

📖 Let’s Review: A Bead Lover’s Checklist

☑ Learn the bead shapes and names
☑ Use a bead type chart with pictures for ideas
☑ Try new shapes and mix colors
☑ Match bead shape to your project
☑ Shop local or online (with my helpful links!)
☑ Enjoy creating something special

🧡 Final Thoughts from Akos Creative

If there is one thing I love most, it’s beads and fabrics. Beads make me feel joyful. They remind me of Ghana, of bright colors, and of the special people who make them.

Use this guide as your first step. Later, I’ll write more about recycled bead types by name, especially the ones from Ghana.

Remember, this blog started with the key phrase – shapes of beads chart – and I hope you now feel confident using beads in your next creation. Whether you use seed beads, disc beads, or oval beads, just start. Beads bring happiness!

Craft, Laugh, and Shine – One Bead at a Time.

From Akos Creative – with love.

📊 Printable Bead Shape and Size Charts

1. Comprehensive Bead Shape Chart

   • This detailed chart features a wide array of bead shapes, including round, oval, cube, teardrop, and more. It’s perfect for identifying and comparing different bead types.

   • 📄 Download the PDF

2. Seed Bead Sizes and Hole Dimensions

   • Ideal for projects involving seed beads, this chart provides information on various seed bead sizes along with their corresponding hole dimensions.

   • 📄 Download the PDFbeadedjewelrydiva.com+2blog.treasurie.com+2firemountaingems.com+2

3. Bead Size Chart in Millimeters

   • This chart offers a straightforward comparison of bead sizes measured in millimeters, aiding in precise selection for your projects.

   • 📄 Download the PDF

4. Standard Bead Sizes and Shapes

   • A valuable resource that outlines standard sizes and shapes for various beads, including cabochons and bugle beads.

   • 📄 Download the PDFannbensonbeading.com

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🖨️ Tips for Printing

• Ensure Accurate Sizing: When printing these charts, set your printer settings to “Actual Size” or 100% scale to maintain the correct dimensions.annbensonbeading.com

• Use Quality Paper: For durability and clarity, consider printing on high-quality paper or cardstock.

• Lamination: Laminating the charts can help preserve them, especially if they’ll be used frequently in your crafting space.