Fuse beads

Fuse Beads · 2,6 mm

Fuse beads

We place, we arrange, we fix. A precision that soothes the mind.

Je crée, donc je suisI craft, therefore I am我手作故我在

Discover

Create gently, at your own pace

Learn more

Leisure

What are fuse beads?

Fuse beads are small beads that are placed one by one onto a pegboard, following a pattern. Our 2.6 mm beads offer a fine and detailed finish, a far cry from the large beads of childhood.

Once the design is complete, a quick iron fuses the beads together. The process is slow, repetitive, and surprisingly soothing.

No experience is necessary: choose a pattern, follow the colors, and let yourself go. A quiet break, away from screens, just for you.

What you need

2.6mm beads

221 colors, in refill or by the color.

The plaque

The pegboard where the beads are placed.

The model

Votre guide, color par color.

Iron and parchment paper

To heat-set the beads.

The clamp

For precise and meticulous movements.

The converter

Turn an image into a template, for free.

Learn

Three steps to start

  1. 1

    Choose a pattern

    Start with a ready-made template or create your own with the converter.

  2. 2

    Prepare the fuse beads

    Count the number of colors needed for the project, prepare the beads by selecting the correct colors.

  3. 3

    Place the beads

    Follow the colors square by square on the pegboard.

  4. 4

    Iron on

    A sheet of parchment paper, a lot of ironing, and you're done.

See tutorials
At the workshop
In Bagnolet YCS Craft Studio

Come and try it at the workshop

In Bagnolet, our workshop welcomes you to create your very first piece. All materials are provided, just come as you are.

Book a seat

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fuse beads and how do they work?

Fuse beads are small 2.6mm beads placed one by one on a pegboard, following a pattern. A few seconds of ironing is enough to fuse them into one solid piece.

At 2.6mm, they offer much more detail than larger standard beads, making them ideal for faces, gradients and small pixel art projects.

What is the difference between mini beads (2.6mm) and standard beads (5mm)?

Fuse beads mainly come in 2.6mm (mini) and 5mm (standard). 5mm beads are larger, easier and faster, great for big pieces. 2.6mm beads offer much more detail, ideal for faces, gradients and jewelry.

Is it worth switching to mini beads for more detail?

On the same surface, 2.6 mm allows for more beads, and thus higher resolution: smoother curves, finer gradients, and better-rendered facial details. However, it is more meticulous and slower. For realistic or complex characters, the change is worth it.

Are fuse beads just a children's hobby?

Often perceived as a children's toy, they were actually first designed as a therapeutic tool for the elderly, and today appeal to many adults passionate about pixel art. At 2.6 mm, for detailed work, it is a thoroughly adult hobby.

Which fuse bead brand should you choose?

The main brands all work; the difference lies in the melting temperature and origin. Some melt hotter, others lower and faster. More important than the brand: choose good quality hot-melt beads.

Should you buy a complete set or single-color refills?

Large mixed tubs are inexpensive, but sorting takes a lot of time and common colors run out quickly. It is better to buy refills color by color according to your project needs, with extra black and white.

How many beads and colors do you need to start?

Start with a basic palette, often around 48 colors, which is enough for most beginner patterns. Then add colors one by one according to your designs, with 1,000 to 2,000-bead refills and extra black and white.

Are fuse beads from different brands compatible with each other?

It is generally not recommended. Mixing brands is technically possible, but color differences matter most: even under the same color name, shades may vary. Melting behavior and bead height can also differ.

How to turn an image into a bead pattern?

An online converter transforms your photo into a grid: it matches each pixel to the closest bead color and automatically generates the pattern as well as a list of quantities.

A few tips:

  • sharp, high-contrast images yield the best results;
  • gradients and shadows are simplified into flat colors, often requiring manual touch-ups;
  • the accuracy of color matching is the biggest difference between tools.

We recommend the free pattern generator designed by Yaya's Creative Studio: color matching is based on the MARD 221-color chart, and the pattern directly references the bead codes:👉 https://tools.yayascreativestudio.com/