Complete Guide to Miyuki 11/0 Delica Beads
Discover everything about Miyuki 11/0 Delica beads, from technical specifications to project ideas. Perfect for beginners and experienced beaders alike.
What Are Miyuki 11/0 Delica Beads?
Miyuki 11/0 Delica beads are premium Japanese cylinder beads known for their exceptional uniformity and precision. Unlike traditional seed beads, Delicas feature a cylindrical shape with large holes relative to their size, making them perfect for creating smooth beadwork with consistent tension.
These popular beads are manufactured in Japan by the Miyuki Company, renowned for their superior quality and remarkable consistency in size, shape, and colour.
Technical Specifications
Size and Dimensions
- Diameter: Approximately 1.6mm
- Height: Approximately 1.3mm
- Hole size: Approximately 0.8mm
Available Finishes
Miyuki 11/0 Delica beads come in a stunning variety of finishes including:
| Bead Finish | Description |
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Ceylon
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Look: Ceylon beads have a pearly, almost soft glow, giving them a delicate and elegant appearance.
Durability: Ceylon beads are durable under normal conditions. |
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Duracoat
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Look: Duracoat beads feature an additional protective layer over their finish. They come in various finishes such as metallic, galvanised, and opaque.
Durability: Duracoat finishes are some of the most durable available, designed to resist wear, friction, and exposure to oils without fading or rubbing off. |
|
Dyed
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Look: Dyed beads are bright and colourful, with the colour applied to the surface of the bead.
Durability: Dyed beads are more prone to fading, particularly when exposed to water, sunlight, or skin oils. It’s best to use these in designs that won’t see heavy wear. |
|
Galvanised
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Look: Galvanised beads have a shiny, metallic coating that gives them a polished look.
Durability: Traditional galvanised finishes can wear off with time, and silver may become yellowed. Take care when using perfumes or hand creams. |
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Lined
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Look: Lined beads have a coloured or metallic core with a transparent or translucent outer layer, giving a distinctive glow.
Durability: Generally durable, but the inner lining can wear down over time with friction. More durable than dyed or galvanised beads. |
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Lustre
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Look: Lustre beads have a smooth, polished finish that gives them a soft, pearly shine.
Durability: Lustre beads are generally very durable, but the polished finish may lose its shine over time in heavy wear. |
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Matte
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Look: Matte beads have a non-shiny, flat finish that gives them a more muted and soft look.
Durability: The matte finish is fairly durable, although with heavy use, it may smooth out slightly over time. |
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Metallic
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Look: Metallic beads have a reflective, shiny surface that looks similar to metal.
Durability: These are relatively durable to colour off due to drying and curing of the coating film. |
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Opaque
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Look: Opaque beads have a solid, non-transparent colour that stays consistent.
Durability: Opaque beads are very durable and resistant to fading, making them ideal for high-use projects. |
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Plated
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Look: Plated beads have a coating of metal, such as gold, silver, or copper, for a rich, luxurious appearance.
Durability: Plated finishes can wear off with time, especially in high-contact areas. Plated finishes contain metal and may cause a reaction in those with a metal allergy. |
|
Rainbow
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Look: Also known as Aurora Borealis (AB), rainbow beads feature an iridescent coating that reflects a variety of colours depending on the light angle.
Durability: The rainbow finish is generally durable. |
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Semi-Frosted
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Look: Semi-frosted beads have a translucent, frosted surface, giving them a soft, velvety appearance.
Durability: These beads are durable, with the frosted finish holding up well over time. |
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Silk Satin
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Look: Silk satin beads feature a soft, silky finish, offering a matte, elegant look.
Durability: Despite their delicate appearance, silk satin beads are quite durable, resisting wear with minimal fading. |
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Silverlined
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Look: Silverlined beads have a shiny, metallic core that gives them a reflective, sparkling look.
Durability: Silver may be yellowed or discoloured due to time-related deterioration. |
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Transparent
|
Look: Transparent beads allow light to pass through, giving them a glass-like appearance.
Durability: Transparent beads have the colour in the glass itself, so will not fade over time. |
Applications and Uses
Popular Beading Techniques
Miyuki 11/0 Delica beads excel in numerous beading techniques:
- Peyote Stitch: Creates a flat or tubular weave with a distinctive brick-like pattern
- Brick Stitch: Produces a brick wall appearance with offset rows
- Square Stitch: Forms a grid-like pattern resembling woven fabric
- Loom Beading: Creates tightly woven, fabric-like pieces with parallel rows
- Right Angle Weave (RAW): Forms a lacy, open pattern with beads at right angles
- Herringbone Stitch: Creates a distinctive V-shaped pattern
Project Ideas
The uniform shape and size of Miyuki 11/0 Delica beads make them ideal for:
- Jewellery Making: Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, and pendants
- Bead Embroidery: Adding texture and detail to fabric
- Home Decor: Beaded ornaments, bookmarks, suncatchers
- Fashion Accessories: Beaded purses, mobile phone straps, keychains
- Art Pieces: Framed beaded artwork, sculptural pieces
Skill Level Recommendations
- Beginners: Start with simple peyote or brick stitch projects using a limited colour palette
- Intermediate: Try more complex patterns or techniques like herringbone or right angle weave
- Advanced: Create intricate designs with multiple techniques or three-dimensional structures
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Delica beads and regular seed beads?
Delica beads have a cylindrical shape with straight sides and flat ends, while traditional seed beads are more rounded and irregular. This uniform shape allows Delicas to fit together perfectly with minimal gaps, creating smooth, even beadwork.
Why are Miyuki Delica beads more expensive than other seed beads?
The precision manufacturing process, consistent quality, and uniformity of Miyuki Delica beads contribute to their higher price point. Each bead undergoes strict quality control to ensure consistent size, shape, and hole alignment—factors that significantly improve the final appearance of beadwork projects.
Can I mix Miyuki Delica beads with other brands?
While you can mix different brands, be aware that even slight variations in size or shape can affect your beadwork's appearance and tension. For best results in precision projects, stick with Miyuki Delicas throughout.
How many Delica beads do I need for a project?
For a standard adult bracelet using peyote stitch, you'll need approximately 300-400 beads depending on width and length. A small pendant might require 100-200 beads, while a more substantial necklace could use 1,000+ beads.
Working Tips and Techniques
Best Tools for Delica Beadwork
- Size 11 beading needles: Ideal for most Delica beadwork
- Miyuki Nylon Thread: Provides strength and flexibility
Tension Control Tips
- Pull your thread to a consistent tension after adding each bead
- Avoid pulling too tight, which can cause your work to curl
- Periodically check your work on a flat surface to ensure evenness
- For projects requiring precise measurements, create a sample swatch first
Care Instructions
Cleaning Recommendations
- Gentle cleaning: Dust with a soft, dry cloth or soft brush
- Deeper cleaning: Use mild soap in lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly, and dry flat on an absorbent towel
- Avoid: Alcohol, acetone, harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or hot water
Storage Recommendations
- Store beadwork in soft pouches or boxes to prevent scratching
- Keep beaded items away from direct sunlight to prevent colour fading
- For valuable pieces, consider using acid-free tissue paper when storing
Summary
Miyuki 11/0 Delica beads represent the gold standard in precision beading. Their remarkable consistency and vast array of colours and finishes make them ideal for projects requiring meticulous detail and professional results. Whether you're a beginner just discovering the joy of beadwork or an experienced beader creating gallery-worthy pieces, these versatile beads offer endless creative possibilities.
By understanding their unique properties and handling requirements, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of these exceptional beads in your next project.
For other bead types, check out our guides on: Miyuki 8/0 Seed Beads, Miyuki Square Beads, and Miyuki Tila Beads