Eight element kongo gumi/round braids with beads are one of things that are drawing people to the art of kumihimo. Because it is quick to learn and has a world of possibilities, people who don’t have a background in either fiber or beading arts are finding themselves drawn to braiding. Unfortunately, a new braider may find the varieties of materials available to them both overwhelming and confusing. It’s my hope that this info-torial series will make it easier for a new braider to figure out what materials are best for their desired results.

This info-torial is set up around size 15/0 seed beads. They don’t tend to be commonly used in beaded braids made on a disk due to their small size, but they are a common bead size for bead weaving and are common in braids made on a marudai that use solid strands of beads as elements. I’ve made a sampler with beads from each of the major Japanese brands, as well as Czech rounds and Czech Charlotte seed beads to help give a sense of what each bead looks like braided up, and also to highlight any differences. The sampler was braided using a Beadsmith brand foam disk and eight elements of micro/Tex 70 S-Lon cord in oyster for the best contrast. Each sample has five beads per element for a total of 40 beads. For purposes of the sample, I used the beads straight out the package and did not cull any for size, only for broken holes. If you want more information about seed bead sizing, or how beads are made, check out Big Bead Little Bead's guide.

Size 15/0, 13/0, and 14/0 seed beads

The above photo shows the three round beads from the major Japanese manufacturers along with round beads and 13/0 Charlottes made in the Czech Republic , size 15/0 Delica cylinder beads and size 14/0 triangle beads . Note that while the Miyuki, Toho, and Czech beads are each relatively round, the Matsuno beads are bit longer. Those of you who have followed this series may notice that there are no Chinese beads in this sampler. As far as I know there are no Chinese made beads in this size range, and if there are I suspect they would be of the same generally poor quality of the larger size Chinese seed beads. Also, you may be wondering about the different numbers to refer to beads of this small size. The “aught” system of measuring seed beads is designed to measure how many beads per inch there are as they lay side by side with the edges of the beads touching each other. As the beads get smaller, the ability to measure more precisely grows. The Japanese manufacturers only offer size 15/0, but in the Czech bead world you can go smaller than 15/0, although smaller beads are not generally in modern production.

Matsuno 15/0 seed beads

Major US distributor: For some reason Fire Mountain Gems does not carry this size of Matsunos in their Dynamites line. I bought the beads for this sample years ago from Jane’s Fiber and Beads, which is now out of business. I was unable to find a US seller who carries this line in my searches.

Size of sample: 7/16 inch=11 mm in length, 4 mm in diameter

Notes on sample: As you can see, some Matsuno beads are a bit bigger than others which means that they don’t fit as closely together. However, as they are little longer than the other Japanese brands they cover a lot of area with less beads.

Miyuki 15/0 seed beads

Major US distributor: The Beadsmith/Helby and Caravan Beads. As these two companies are the major suppliers to bead stores in the US, Miyuki seed beads have become the most common brand available.

Size of sample: 3/8 inch=10 mm in length, 4 mm in diameter

Notes on sample: The beads are very even in size, making a tightly braided piece. Miyuki is always expanding the colors, finishes, and quality of their beads.

Toho 15/0 seed beads:

Major US distributor: Bobby Bead. Like The Beadsmith/Helby and Caravan Beads, Bobby Bead also supplies bead stores.

Size of sample: 7/16 inch=11 mm in length, 4 mm in diameter

Notes on sample: Toho beads are the roundest of the three Japanese brands. They fit together well, but their roundness causes them to space out a bit more than the Miyuki beads in braiding.

Czech 15/0 round seed beads:

Major US distributor: Preciosa Ornela, although there are many other makers and distributors of Czech seed beads.

Size of sample: 7/16 inch=11 mm in length, 4 mm in diameter

Notes on sample: Czech seed beads are known for their reasonable price and quality, as well as the variety of finishes. However, as you can see in the sample above the beads themselves can be uneven in size—note how small the bead under the number 5 is compared to the beads around it--so there is a higher amount of culling than with the Japanese manufacturers.

Czech 13/0 Charlotte seed beads:

Major US distributor: Preciosa Ornela, although there are many other makers and distributors of Czech seed beads.

Size of sample: 3/8 inch=10 mm in length, 4 mm in diameter

Notes on sample: These beads are known for having one side cut flat to add sparkle. If there are two or three cuts made in the bead, they are generally called “two cuts” or “three cuts” respectively. Czech cut seed beads also come in size 11/0 but are not as common as the 13/0.

15/0 Miyuki Delica seed beads:

Major US distributor: Same as Miyuki round beads, although this size Delica is less commonly found in bead stores.

7/16 inch=11 mm in length, 4 mm in diameter

Notes: Delica beads are probably the most precisely cut and manufactured seed beads in the world. Their cylindrical shape is designed for loom beadwork and bead stitches like peyote, but I find them to make a nice braided piece as well.

14/0 triangle seed beads:

Confession time! I bought these beads over a decade ago, before I was carefully logging where I bought things and who made my seed beads. I have no idea who made these beads or where you can buy them as my internet searches haven’t turned up any suppliers. I suspect they are either vintage or discontinued so I apologize for including them in this project as my purpose was to spotlight easily available product.

1/2 inch=13 mm in length, 4mm in diameter