Delica Beads

DELICA CODES - all Delica codes have 4 digits so DB41 is listed as DB0041 - this means that if you look in any category under 'catalogue order' the Delica's will all be listed numerically.

Delicas ™ are precisely manufactured beads, tubular in shape, with a generous hole size in proportion to the overall bead. They are ideal for woven projects because the beads are all the same size and shape, the colour range is extensive and allows for much creativity in design, and also the generous hole allows several threads to be passed through each bead in the weaving process.

Delicas equate roughly to a size 12 seed bead although they are often referred to in patterns as a 'Delica 11'.  Each bead is 1.6mm in diameter and 1.3mm in length, with a threading hole of approx 0.8-0.85mm in diameter. 

Most of our Delicas are sold in packets of 5g that contain approximately 1,000 beads although the exact number varies with the finish on the beads.  Some Delicas, the ones with more expensive plated finishes, are sold in 2.5g packets.

Originally manufactured for the creation of beaded pictures used in wall decoration in Japan, to create the desired breadth of colours in the range some of the bead colours are dyed and these colours may come off through rubbing or exposure to light.

A comprehensive guide to the durability of the Delicas can be found on the Miyuki website

Take a look at the Delicas Page for free stitch downloads for some of the most commonly used Delica techniques and some free patterns too.