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Bead Pattern Generator

Create pixel-perfect patterns for Perler, Hama, Nabbi, Artkal, and all fuse bead brands. Get accurate color counts and board layouts.

Select Your Bead Brand

Choose the brand that matches your beads for accurate color matching

Bead Brand Comparison

Compare features across major bead brands to choose the right one for your project

BrandColorsBead SizesOrigin
Perler60+5mmUSA
Hama50+2.5mm / 5mm / 10mmDenmark
Nabbi50+5mmEurope
Artkal90+2.6mm / 5mmChina

Bead Brand Guide

Perler Beads

America's Favorite Fuse Beads

Use Perler Beads

Perler Beads are the most popular fuse beads in North America, manufactured by Perler (a brand of EK Success). Known for consistent quality, vibrant colors, and extensive pegboard options. The official palette includes 60+ colors with names like Black, White, Cheddar, Bubblegum, and more.

Colors

60+

Bead Size

5mm (Midi)

Board Sizes

29×29 (small), 58×58 (large)

Pro Tips

  • Standard bags contain 1,000 beads
  • Small pegboard fits 841 beads (29×29)
  • Iron at medium heat with parchment paper
  • Great for beginners and classroom projects

Best for: Beginners, schools, large projects with many accessories

Hama Beads

Danish Quality Since 1971

Use Hama Beads

Hama Beads are premium fuse beads from Denmark, loved for their quality and variety. Unique among brands for offering three bead sizes: Mini (2.5mm), Midi (5mm), and Maxi (10mm). Popular throughout Europe and gaining worldwide recognition.

Colors

50+

Bead Size

2.5mm / 5mm / 10mm

Board Sizes

Square, hexagonal, circular options

Pro Tips

  • Midi (5mm) is compatible with Perler
  • Iron at lower temperature than Perler
  • Mini beads perfect for detailed jewelry
  • Maxi beads ideal for young children

Best for: Jewelry making, fine detail work, European crafters

Nabbi Beads

Family-Friendly Crafting

Use Nabbi Beads

Nabbi Beads are a European brand known for family-friendly pricing and Hama compatibility. With 50+ colors and standard 5mm size, they're perfect for budget-conscious crafters who want quality without premium pricing.

Colors

50+

Bead Size

5mm

Board Sizes

Standard square boards

Pro Tips

  • Fully compatible with Hama Midi and Perler
  • Excellent value for large projects
  • Colors slightly differ from Hama/Perler
  • Great for schools and craft groups

Best for: Budget projects, schools, mixing with other 5mm brands

Artkal Beads

Maximum Colors, Maximum Value

Use Artkal Beads

Artkal is a Chinese brand offering the widest color selection of any fuse bead manufacturer. With 4 series (A-2.6mm soft, C-2.6mm hard, R-5mm, S-5mm soft) and 90+ colors, Artkal is preferred by professional pixel artists seeking precise color matching.

Colors

90+

Bead Size

2.6mm / 5mm

Board Sizes

Various sizes for each series

Pro Tips

  • A-series (2.6mm soft) for detailed work
  • S-series (5mm soft) easier to iron
  • Widest color range available
  • Best value for professional artists

Best for: Professional artists, complex color projects, detailed pixel art

Generic Fuse Beads

Universal Compatibility

Use Generic Fuse Beads

Generic fuse beads work with any brand and are perfect for DIY projects where brand matching isn't critical. Available from various manufacturers, they offer flexibility and value for casual crafters.

Colors

Varies

Bead Size

5mm (typically)

Board Sizes

Standard pegboards

Pro Tips

  • Mix and match with any 5mm beads
  • Great for practice projects
  • Color matching less precise
  • Best value for bulk purchases

Best for: Casual crafters, practice projects, bulk needs

Melty Beads

Easy-Melt Crafting

Use Melty Beads

Melty beads is a general term for fuse beads that emphasizes the ironing/melting process. Often used interchangeably with fuse beads, melty beads focus on the craft technique rather than a specific brand.

Colors

Varies by brand

Bead Size

5mm (typically)

Board Sizes

Standard pegboards

Pro Tips

  • Always use parchment/ironing paper
  • Medium heat works for most brands
  • Let cool before removing from board
  • Iron both sides for durability

Best for: General crafting, learning the technique

Iron Beads

Heat-Fused Pixel Art

Use Iron Beads

Iron beads is another name for fuse beads, emphasizing the heat-fusion technique used to join beads together. The term is common in Europe and Asia, referring to the same 5mm plastic beads used for pixel art crafts.

Colors

Varies by brand

Bead Size

5mm (typically)

Board Sizes

Standard pegboards

Pro Tips

  • Use proper ironing temperature
  • Don't over-iron to avoid melting holes
  • Grid lines help with bead placement
  • Printable templates save time

Best for: Template-based projects, guided crafting

Gallery

Bead Pattern Gallery

Inspiring designs to spark your creativity

Bead pattern: Pixel Warrior
Gaming

Pixel Warrior

Classic 8-bit game character with sword and shield

Size29×29
Colors16
Bead pattern: Power Mushroom
Gaming

Power Mushroom

Iconic red and white power-up from retro gaming

Size29×29
Colors8
Bead pattern: Cute Kitty
Character

Cute Kitty

Adorable cat face perfect for keychains

Size29×29
Colors12
Bead pattern: Anime Girl
Character

Anime Girl

Kawaii style character with pink hair

Size29×29
Colors14
Bead pattern: Cool Boy
Character

Cool Boy

Energetic character with spiky blue hair

Size29×29
Colors10
Bead pattern: Love Birds
Character

Love Birds

Romantic couple design for gifts

Size29×29
Colors12
Bead pattern: Mountain Sunset
Nature

Mountain Sunset

Beautiful gradient sunset for coasters

Size29×29
Colors10
Bead pattern: Forest Scene
Nature

Forest Scene

Peaceful woodland with green trees

Size29×29
Colors8
Bead pattern: Beach Sailboat
Nature

Beach Sailboat

Serene ocean scene with waves

Size29×29
Colors10
Bead pattern: Christmas Tree
Holiday

Christmas Tree

Festive tree with star and ornaments

Size29×29
Colors12
Bead pattern: Lucky Lantern
Holiday

Lucky Lantern

Traditional red lantern for New Year

Size29×29
Colors8
Bead pattern: Jack-o-Lantern
Holiday

Jack-o-Lantern

Classic Halloween pumpkin design

Size29×29
Colors6

How to Create Bead Patterns

01

Choose Your Bead Brand

Select the brand that matches your beads—Perler, Hama, Nabbi, Artkal, or generic fuse beads. This ensures accurate color matching with your physical beads.

Perler and Hama Midi (5mm) are compatible with each other

02

Upload Your Image

Choose any photo or design. Works best with clear images, simple shapes, and strong contrast. Avoid photos with too many similar colors.

Crop your image to focus on the main subject first

03

Set Grid Size & Colors

Adjust grid width to match your pegboard size. Limit colors to what you have available—fewer colors make simpler, easier patterns.

29×29 grid = standard small pegboard (841 beads)

04

Review Bead Counts

Check exactly how many of each color you need. Disable colors you don't have and the system will substitute the closest match.

Export CSV to calculate how many bags to buy

05

Download & Create

Save the pattern as PNG. Print with grid lines if helpful. Place beads on pegboard, iron with parchment paper, and let cool before removing.

Iron both sides for stronger, more durable results

About Bead Pattern Generator

This tool helps you create bead art patterns from any image. Whether you're using Perler, Hama, Nabbi, Artkal, or generic fuse beads, you'll get accurate patterns with brand-matched color palettes, exact bead counts, and pegboard size guides. All processing happens in your browser—your images never leave your device. Perfect for crafters, teachers, professional pixel artists, and anyone creating art with plastic beads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Perler, Hama, and other beads?
▾

Each brand has its own color palette and may vary slightly in size. Perler (USA) and Hama Midi (Denmark) are both 5mm and compatible with each other. Artkal offers the most colors (90+). Nabbi is budget-friendly and Hama-compatible. The tool uses each brand's official palette for accurate color matching.

Can I mix different bead brands together?
▾

Yes! All 5mm beads (Perler, Hama Midi, Nabbi, Artkal R/S) can be mixed on the same pegboard. They may melt at slightly different temperatures, so test a small piece first. Smaller beads (Hama Mini, Artkal A/C at 2.6mm) are not compatible with 5mm.

How accurate are the color matches?
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We use color distance algorithms to find the closest match from each brand's official palette. Screen colors always differ from physical beads, but color names and codes are accurate to each brand's catalog. Adjust based on beads you actually have.

How many beads do I need?
▾

A 29×29 grid uses 841 beads, 58×58 uses 3,364 beads. Standard bags contain 1,000 beads. Check the bead count panel and export CSV to calculate exactly how many bags of each color you need.

What's the best ironing temperature?
▾

Medium heat (150-165°C / 300-330°F) works for most brands. Hama melts more easily—use lower heat. Always use parchment or ironing paper. Iron until beads just fuse together, don't over-iron.

Why can't I match some colors exactly?
▾

Each brand has a limited palette (50-90 colors). If your image has colors not in the palette, the tool picks the closest available match. Limiting color count and choosing simpler images helps create cleaner patterns.

Can I disable colors I don't have?
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Yes! Click any color in the bead count panel to disable it. The tool will automatically substitute the closest available color and update the pattern.

Is my image uploaded to a server?
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No. All processing happens entirely in your browser. Your images never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy.

Can I use patterns for commercial projects?
▾

The patterns you create are yours. However, if using copyrighted images (characters, logos), you need permission from the copyright holder to sell finished bead art.

Which brand is best for beginners?
▾

Perler is most accessible in North America with the widest availability. Hama Midi is popular in Europe. Both have extensive tutorials and accessories. Start with a small pegboard (29×29) and 12-16 colors.