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Seed beads are uniformly shaped, spherical beads ranging in size from under one millimetre to several millimetres in diameter. "Seed Bead" is a generic term for any small bead. Usually rounded in shape, seed beads are most commonly used for both loom bead weaving and off-loom bead needle weaving. They may also be used for simple stringing, or as spacers between other beads in jewellery. The Bead Cellar stocks a wide range of glass seed beads in a variety of sizes and colours from two Japanese manufacturers - Toho and Miyuki.
During the last decade a new shape of Japanese seed bead, the cylinder bead, has become increasingly popular. Unlike regular rounded seed beads (often called a ‘rocaille’), the cylinder beads are quite uniform in shape and size. Because the ends are flat instead of rounded, work created with cylinder beads has a flat, smooth texture. Miyuki Delica's are probably the best known cylinder beads in the U.K. but here at The Bead Cellar we really like Toho Aiko and Toho Treasures. Toho seed beads in general have larger holes which allows for more thread passes - often a crucial consideration for beaders!
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