Miyuki Delica Beads are cylinder shaped Japanese glass seed beads. Delica beads were first created by Miyuki in 1982 as a modern replacement for antique French metal 3-cut "steel cut" beads. They are now available in four sizes – 15/0, 11/0, 10/0 and 8/0. There are at least one thousand colors available in the most popular 11/0 size, and each year Miyuki develops more colors and finishes.
Delicas are preferred for peyote stitch, brick stitch, and weaving on looms because their cylinder shape gives the finished piece a flat surface which maximizes any design or pattern. Their exceptional uniformity of size and shape create tiny rectangles which lock together to present an unbroken surface. Bead artists have used them to create detailed portraits and sculptures with each bead acting as a single pixel of color.
Delica Beads also have a proportionally thin wall and large hole for their size which allows more threads to pass through the woven work. As every beader knows, this gives you more room for invention as well as being helpful for correcting mistakes or securing the finished ends. We recommend Delicas (especially the largest 8/0 size) as perfect for beginners learning peyote or brick stitch, since it is easy to see when you make a mistake.
Here at Caravan Beads, we carry every single color of Delica Bead that Miyuki makes. From the newest Duracoat Dyed and Galvanized colors which last longer than the previous versions, to the Luminous Neon colors, we have all the shades and sizes you may be looking for. We also work hard to keep the maximum number of items in stock all the time so you won't be waiting too long for Miyuki to manufacture more beads.
Delicas are also available in a hexagonal cut version, with six faceted sides cut into the outside of the cylinder. Cut Delicas are available in all four sizes – 8/0, 10/0, 11/0 and 15/0 but in a smaller range of colors than their standard counterparts.
Small Delica Beads (DBS) are size 15/0 cylinder beads, which are available in both smooth and six-sided (hex cut). Size 15/0 Delicas are preferred for delicate bead weaving projects, as well as designs that combine them with larger Delica Beads and seed beads. 15/0 Delica Beads measure 1.3mm x 1mm with a hole size of .7mm. Count is approximately 350 beads per gram.
11/0 Delica Beads (DB) are our most popular size of cylinder bead and are available in over 1100 colors. Delicas are ideal for peyote stitch, brick stitch, square stitch, and herringbone stitch or strung as-is for a more delicate look. 11/0 Delica beads can be either smooth or six-sided (hex cut), and measure 1.6mm x 1.5mm with a hole size of .8mm. Count is approximately 200 beads per gram.
Medium Delica Beads (DBM) are size 10/0 cylinder beads. They are slightly larger than the original 11/0 Delica Beads, but have the same even and symmetrical appearance. 10/0 Delica beads can be either smooth or six-sided (hex cut), and measure 2.3mm x 1.2mm with a hole size of 1mm. Count is approximately 108 beads per gram.
Large Delica Beads (DBL) are size 8/0 cylinder beads. Like the other sizes of Miyuki Delica Beads DBLs are ideal for beadweaving, but also can be threaded on a thin leather or cord because of their generous hole size. 8/0 Delica beads can be either smooth or six-sided (hex cut), and measure 2.5mm x 2.5mm with a hole size of 1.5mm. Count is approximately 30 beads per gram.
