Glass beads have been a staple in jewelry making and crafting for thousands of years. They have been strung into necklaces and bracelets and intricately woven into tapestries and clothing. Originally fashioned from readily available materials like wood and clay, indigenous peoples from across the world would use rounded tube beads in peyote stitch or quill work to make ceremonial pieces, ritualistic tools, and headdresses. Glass bead production and manufacture began in 19th century Europe and spread to Japan. Japanese glass seed beads (particularly Miyuki beads) are renown for their high quality and uniform size.
Miyuki 8/0 glass seed beads are the medium size of the collection. They are are about halfway between the smaller 11/0 seed beads and the larger 6/0s. Size 8/0 seed beads have a rounded form and seamless curves which allow light to dance across the surface from any angle. 8/0s measure 3mm x 2mm with a hole size of 1mm with approximately 39 beads per gram and 13 beads per inch. They are often used in techniques like stringing, weaving, and Kumihimo.
Their color quality and uniformity make 8/0 seed beads a favorite. They are used in bead embroidery and loom weaving, as well as stitching techniques such as peyote, spiral, and brick. They are a perfect choice for a picot lace, edging and netting, or string two opaque colors on C-Flex beading wire to create offset blocks of color in a multi-stranded necklace or bracelet.
There are over 600 colors and finishes ranging from opaque rainbow to metallic and deep earth tones. Combine finishes to create a elegant depth to a beaded tapestry. Add the brightness of silver lined beads to the softness of a pearlescent finish or make a bold statement with the popular Duracoat galvanized metallics. Size 8/0 seed beads are also available in a hexagonal cut style (8C) in over 60 colors. Use them in combination with 8/0 seed beads for additional texture in a design. Miyuki 8/0 seed beads are versatile and easy to incorporate into any beading project.
Free Projects with 8/0 Seed Beads: