Delicas vs round seed beads
Classic seed beads (rocailles) are round and can vary a little in size. A Delica is more like a short tube: thin walls, a large hole and almost exactly the same size every time.
- No gaps between beads, so the shape in the chart shows up exactly in the beadwork.
- The large hole lets the thread pass through the same bead several times.
- The even size keeps the edges straight even on long bracelets.
Sizes: what does 11/0 mean?
Bead sizes are written with “/0”, and the larger the number, the smaller the bead. Delicas come in four sizes:
| Size | Code prefix | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 15/0 | DBS | Very fine detail, small earrings |
| 11/0 | DB | The most common size: bracelets, rings and figures |
| 10/0 | DBM | Slightly larger, quicker projects |
| 8/0 | DBL | Large, bold pieces |
BeadDot and the color chart on this site use Delica 11/0 (DB) codes. A Delica 11/0 is about 1.6 mm across, and a gram holds about 200 beads.
How to read DB codes
Every Delica color has a DB code: DB-10 is black, DB-200 opaque white. The Miyuki catalog writes the same code with four digits (DB0010); shops may use DB10, DB-10 or DB0010, and they are all the same bead. A letter at the end of the code (e.g. DB-22L) marks a variant of the same color.
Finishes and coatings
The words in a Delica color name describe the glass and the surface of the bead. The ones you will meet most often:
| Type | Looks | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Opaque | No light through; flat, vivid color | Gives the crispest patterns |
| Transparent | Lets light through, like glass | The thread color shows through |
| Matte (Frosted) | Non-shiny, velvety surface | Contrasts nicely with shiny colors |
| Luster | Soft, pearl-like sheen | Holds up well to daily wear |
| AB / Rainbow | Iridescent rainbow reflection on the surface | The sheen can wear slightly with heavy use |
| Silver-lined | Silver inside the hole; very bright | The lining may darken over the years |
| Color-lined | Clear bead with a colored hole | Some lining dyes fade in sunlight |
| Galvanized / metallic | Shiny, metal-look surface | Regular galvanized coating can rub off |
| Duracoat | A durable version of galvanized or dyed colors | Prefer it for pieces that rub, like bracelets |
| Dyed | Bright, saturated colors | Can fade with sun and sweat |
In the color chart each color lists its finish, and family pages group colors into opaque, transparent, luster, metallic and matte, for example blue Delica colors.
Which finish for a bracelet?
- For bracelets worn every day, opaque, luster and Duracoat colors last longest.
- Use galvanized and dyed colors sparingly as accents, or pick their Duracoat versions.
- With transparent beads, choose a thread color that suits the pattern; it shows through the bead.
- Mixing matte and shiny beads adds depth even to single-color patterns.
Add the colors in your stash to the BeadDot inventory and every pattern shows which colors you own and which you need to buy. Each color page also lists similar colors and matching combinations.