Perler Beads Bead Brands and Sizes

Not all beads are the same. Size and brand differences affect detail, color, and how well pieces fuse. Here is what to know before you mix and match.

Mini vs standard

Compare mini and standard fuse beads detail. Minis give sharper detail but take more time and patience. Standard beads are faster to build and easier to find, but they soften fine details.

Match palettes to real stock

Match Perler beads palettes to available colors. Each brand has slightly different shades, so check your stash before you finalize a pattern.

Test mixing brands

Test mixing brands on a small pegboard. Some brands melt at different rates, and the fit can vary. A quick test saves you from a warped full size piece.

My quick rule

If you are building for a gift or sale, stick to one brand. If you are experimenting, mix away but test first.