Comparison
A MakeBead alternative: BeadDot
MakeBead is a free, browser-based site with photo-to-pattern tools for peyote (even-count), brick stitch and loom on Miyuki Delica 11/0, plus tools for fuse beads, kandi, cross stitch and diamond painting. It needs no sign-up and lets you limit the number of colors. If you want odd-count or diagonal peyote, herringbone or a tool without ads, BeadDot is a free option. Here is how the two compare.
MakeBead vs BeadDot
| Feature | MakeBead | BeadDot |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, no sign-up | Free |
| Ads | Yes (according to Potomac Beads) | None |
| Runs on | In the browser; images are converted on your device, not uploaded | Any browser: computer, tablet, phone |
| Photo to pattern | Yes: peyote, brick stitch and loom on Miyuki Delica 11/0 (1,200+ colors), plus fuse beads | Yes: loom, peyote, brick and fuse beads |
| Colors | A “Max Colors” slider limits the number of colors | Inventory: the beads you own, matched against pattern colors |
| Stitches | Peyote (even-count), brick stitch, loom; also fuse beads and kandi | Peyote (even, odd, diagonal), brick stitch, loom, herringbone |
| Accounts | Optional sign-in with a private library and public gallery | Optional free account; start as a guest |
| Following a pattern | Written rows and word charts for peyote, brick and loom; a “Start Crafting” progress tracker for fuse beads | Follow mode: row by row, on phones too |
| Printable PDF | PDF with color list and row list |
Checked against the sources below on October 24, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, taken from each tool’s own site or US store, and may vary by region.
Sources: makebead.com · makebead.com/bead-loom-pattern-maker · makebead.com/peyote-pattern-maker · makebead.com/brick-stitch-pattern-maker · Potomac Beads: Top 5 Bead Pattern Apps
When MakeBead is the better fit
- You want a quick photo-to-chart converter with word charts and per-tube bead counts, without signing in.
- You also make fuse bead, kandi, cross stitch or diamond painting patterns and want them on one site.
When BeadDot is the better fit
- You design odd-count or diagonal peyote, or herringbone.
- You want to work without ads.
- You want a bead inventory that matches the beads you own against your pattern colors.
- You want an interface in Turkish.
FAQ
Is MakeBead free?
Yes. MakeBead’s site says its tools are free, with no sign-up and no paywall; according to Potomac Beads the site shows ads. BeadDot is free too and has no ads.
Can BeadDot turn a photo into a loom pattern?
Yes. The image to loom pattern tool converts a photo into a Miyuki Delica loom pattern in the browser; you can then edit it in the editor and bead it row by row.
Can I move my MakeBead patterns to BeadDot?
BeadDot cannot open MakeBead files directly. Upload a screenshot of the pattern to the image to pattern converter, or redraw it in the editor with its color codes.
Other comparisons
- BeadTool alternative
- Beadographer alternative
- PlanBead alternative
- BeadApp alternative
- How to choose the best free bead pattern maker
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MakeBead is a trademark of its owner. BeadDot is not affiliated with or endorsed by MakeBead.
Draw your pattern in the browser now
Nothing to install, no subscription, no ads. Start from a template or a photo, then bead it row by row.