Hama beads tend to have a lower melting point than Perler beads, but as a general rule, you can mix and match brands of beads without problems. This guide is going to introduce you to perler beads, also known as hama beads, melty beads, fuse beads, and nabbi beads. (they are all the same thing). I’ll also go over the basic process and then some FAQs about them. Hama beads can be expensive and sometimes it's tempting to look at the cheaper non-branded alternatives. In general I'd advise steering clear of these imitations, as the quality is very poor and they can be difficult and disappointing to work with. I have also on some of our designs used Mod Podge to coat over the finished product just to give it a bit extra strength. When Hama Beads Can Be Used

This rainbow skull looks great made from perler beads, but this crafty person also made it as a giant crossstich! With your eyelet tool, punch a hole in your fruit shapes, insert and affix the eyelet as per manufacturers instructions. You may need to cut away a little bit of the plastic to accommodate the eyelet. Made from low-density polyethylene, these small, fusible plastic beads are placed onto pegboards to create colorful patterns and designs. Once the design is complete, cover it with parchment paper and iron on a medium heat setting until the beads fuse together. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, perler beads offer a world of possibilities for unleashing your creativity.Perler beads, also known as fuse beads, are a crafting medium that a lot of people will have tried out as kids, but they are also a popular craft with adult crafters and artists. Following the fruit pattern layouts (scroll down), place your beads, one by one onto the peg board. Tweezers help. Hama beads are always a favourite in our house and we are always looking for new Hama beads ideas. What are Hama Beads While still warm, place a heavy book on top of the fruit shapes to avoid the edges curling up as they cool.

I typically start with easier, smaller patterns in my list and then move on to the larger ones. Keep scrolling to see everything. If you are new to Hama beads I would recommend starting with the Midi beads. You can buy these beads in large tubs of beads in a range of colours, and the tubs often include a few pegboards to get you started. If your pegboard set doesn’t come with ironing paper you’ll need some. We use the same few pieces over and over again. Then to ensure all our designs are super strong I always like to iron them on both sides. So once I have done the first iron and it has cooled down I remove it from the board and flip it over and iron again. I always recommend trying a practice piece and just getting used to the feel of ironing the beads before committing to larger patterns.We have used the shaped pegboards, which gives you the outline then you use the different colour beads to make your design. We have also used the big square pegboard to make our own designs. How to Use Hama Beads and What you Will Need Now that you know everything there is to know about hama beads, I’d love to know what questions you have. Or what tips I’m missing! Otherwise, happy crafting. You’re going to love perler-ing!!

If you are looking to buy a pegboard or two I'd recommend starting with a square, hexagonal and circular board as these will allow you to create a wide range of designs. The pegboards can be used over and over again, as long as you are careful not to over iron your projects (see more ironing tips for Hama beads below)These cute little Halloween creatures use the stripey Perler beads and also some super cool glow in the dark beads! All of these Hama Beads Ideas will make lovely handmade gifts for family and friends. We have given a lot away as gifts, over the years. The beads are placed together on individual plastic pegboards in a pattern and/or shape, and then melted together with the heat from an iron. What can you make with them? Just about everything! I us Aleene’s craft glue with my hama beads and it works great. If you have any difficulty, E-6000 also works well. What kind of paper do you use for hama beads? This cute Frankenstein pattern is perfect for Halloween and Krysanthe has lots of other simple Halloween patterns to try too.

Once finished cover the design with the ironing paper and using the iron go over it until the design is fused together (this should only be done by an adult or with adult supervision). They are great for kids as they help develop fine motor skills for younger children and in older children, they help develop knowledge of patterns and allow them to be creative. Getting startedAnd if you have a question? Leave it as a comment on this post. I’d love to answer it! Let’s dive in. Make this adorable perler bead hedgehog. This perler bead version of Starry Night would make a great coaster. Flatten the design: To ensure a flat and even surface, place your creation between two sheets of wax paper or aluminum foil and put it under heavy books or a baking tray for a few minutes. Perler beads are larger and have a slightly different texture than hama beads; the main differences can be seen once they have been melted. Prepare your workspace: Find a flat surface, like a table or countertop, to work on. Place your plastic pegboard, such as the Perler biggie beads pegboard, onto the surface. Ensure you have a heat-resistant surface nearby for the ironing process, such as a baking sheet or a silicone mat.