Iron Beads

Iron beads are also known by the names Perler beads, Hama beads or Nabbi beads. They are plastic fusible beads. These colourful beads are usually arranged on particular types of plastic pegboards to create different patterns and shapes. Later they are fused with cloth iron.

Today iron beads are used for different types of crafting. You can use them to create 2 D images for playing or string them into a bracelet or a necklace, weave them into keychains or even assemble them in a three-dimensional décor. However, the versatility depends on the skill, imagination, and quality of beads you are using. In any case, they are believed to be the most fun and inexpensive art form that can inspire creativity. Besides being a cheap, fun accessory for adults and kids, it also helps children develop, promotes better hand and eye coordination and recognition or necessary counting skills.

Basic types of beads that you can iron

When we talk about fusion bead crafting, not all beads are equal. There is a vast difference between products from different brands. And buying the wrong one can only be the worse experience with a big waste of money. Therefore, when you head to purchase ironable beads, make sure you know what you need and where you will get it from. Expert users of melting beads with iron can give you the true idea of the difference between working with the right beads for crafting. But if you want to give it a try, remember that different brands offer varying prices, colours, materials, and quality options to choose from.

Fuse and Pyssla beads

The fused bead is the most common term used for any of the beads you iron into shapes by fusing them. They do not fall under any specific brand name. At the same time, Pyssla beads come from companies like Ikea. So, while searching online, you can also look for Ikea beads iron to buy. Although they are not the worse ones, they can be of excellent quality as well. They are not thick or pliable enough, and the after-heat results are also not good looking or durable. They also break apart easily. But for a beginner, they are a suitable option to start with.

Nabbi Beads

They are known for their prominent shiny look. When overly melted, the Nabbi beads have a yellowish shine on the surface compared to the matte finish that comes from Perler and other types. The Nabbi beads are also durable enough to retain their circular shape even at a higher temperature. They also remain raised in the middle. But if you are looking for an evenly flattened bead inside out, you should opt for Perler beads.

The Perler beads

They are among the most selling item that you can find in the market. Most professional users will also recommend buying Perler beads for several reasons. Both Perler and Nabbi beads are of the best quality that you can use for any project. Perler beads are uniformly shaped, except for extremely rare mistakes with a slight variation in size or shape. However, these beads are slightly shorter in height if we consider the standard size of ironing beads in mind. But they are made of high-quality food-grade fibre. This special material contributes to a slightly flexible shape when fused. Hence the end product is more durable and lasting.

Hama beads

With Perler comes the name of Hama beads. They have a much different feel as compared to Perler or Nabbi. In size, they are much smaller than all other types of beads. It also makes it difficult to handle them and often demands tools like a pegboard or tweezer. However, the plastic is soft, and when fused, it becomes spongy. Although they can retain their shape, they are much more flexible than any other type of beads available in the market. They can easily break if handheld too much. Due to their smaller size, they are not recommended for kids and toddlers.