Common Mistakes When Buying Miyuki Beads (and How to Avoid Them)

Buying Miyuki beads for the first time—or even after a while—can lead to doubts. Delica or Seed Bead? What size? How many grams do I need? Is this color what it looks like in the photo? At Solkalo, we see these mistakes frequently, and today we've gathered them all so your next purchase is perfect.

Mistake 1: Confusing Delica with Seed Bead

They are two very different types of Miyuki beads, although both are from the same manufacturer. Miyuki Delica 11/0 are cylindrical beads, with thick walls and a large hole: perfect for structured weaving techniques where the beads fit together precisely. Miyuki Rocalla 11/0 (seed beads) are round beads, more versatile, and with a more classic look, ideal for more free-flowing projects.

Neither is better than the other: they are different tools for different results. Before buying, be clear about what kind of piece you want to create.

Mistake 2: Not considering the finish

The color on screen can vary depending on the bead's finish. The same shade of blue can look completely different in an opaque, transparent, AB (aurora borealis), Ceylon, matte, or metallic finish. For example:

Always read the full product name: the finish is included in the description.

Mistake 3: Buying too little

This is one of the most frustrating mistakes. Miyuki beads are manufactured in batches, and even if the color is the same, there can be small variations between batches. If you run out of beads halfway through a project and have to reorder, the new batch might not match exactly.

General rule: always estimate 15-20% more than you think you need. For large projects or if you use a color as the main base, consider buying in 25g format (Seed Beads) instead of 10g (Delicas), or opt for a kit that already includes generous quantities.

The Miyuki Rocallas 11/0 Urban Matte & Picasso | 9 Colors 225g Kit or the Miyuki Rocallas 11/0 Spring Pastel | 9 Ceylon Colors 225g Kit are good options if you need large quantities of coordinated colors.

Mistake 4: Ignoring size compatibility

The number 11/0 indicates the size of the bead: it is the standard and most used size in beading jewelry. Mixing beads of different sizes in the same project can lead to irregular results. Make sure all the beads in your project are the same size.

Mistake 5: Forgetting thread and needles

Many people buy beads and forget about the accessories. Inadequate thread can damage the beads or break with use. At Solkalo, we always recommend the official Miyuki Beading Thread, available in various colors, and the Miyuki Beading Needles (set), specifically designed for the hole of Delica and Rocalla beads.

If you want to get everything at once, the Miyuki Rocalla 11/0 Starter Kit | 6 Colors + Thread + Needles includes beads, thread, and needles: everything you need to start without surprises.

Mistake 6: Buying without a defined color palette

Buying loose colors without a clear idea of how they will combine often leads to accumulating unused beads. Before buying, define your palette: choose a main color, a secondary one, and one or two accent colors. Solkalo kits are a perfect solution for this, as the colors are already coordinated.

For example, the Miyuki Rocallas 11/0 Metallic & Gray Kit | Gunmetal, Silver and Gold or the Miyuki Rocallas 11/0 Neutrals & Metallics Kit | Black, White, Silver and Gold are complete, ready-to-use palettes.

Mistake 7: Not reading the product description

Each Miyuki bead has a unique code (e.g., DB1910 or 11-0401FR) that precisely identifies the color and finish. If you want to reorder a color you've already used, always write down that code. It's the only way to ensure you buy exactly the same color in your next purchase.

Ready to shop with confidence? At Solkalo, you'll find a curated selection of Miyuki Delica and Rocalla with detailed descriptions, real photos, and coordinated kits to ensure you always make the right choice.