About Seed Beads Seed beads, also known as rocailles, are
versatile beads used in embroidery, jewelry stringing, and all
kinds of bead weaving applications. The smallest seed beads can
go under trade names such as Antiques or Delicas, or they can be
simply designated by size, where the bigger the number the
smaller the bead. For example, 11 0 seed beads are very small
(2mm), but 6 0 seed beads are bigger (4mm). Although simple bead
stringing projects are always a possibility, weaving with seed
beads -- which can be done with a loom or off-loom -- is getting
more and more popular. Bead weaving is nothing new, it has been
practiced by Native Americans for centuries, and enjoyed a surge
of popularity among Victorian women. A common weaving technique
for seed beads is peyote stitch. See our videos referenced above
for demonstrations of this and other common bead weaving styles.
Weaving involves the use of needles, so we've included the most
appropriate beading needles above as well. Seed beads can also
be used in