Perler beads (also called Hama beads or fuse beads) are small plastic beads that you arrange on a pegboard and then fuse together with an iron. The result is a colorful pixel art piece you can display, wear, or give as a gift.
What You Need
- Perler beads pegboard (square or circle)
- Perler beads in various colors
- Ironing paper (parchment paper works too)
- A household iron
- Tweezers (optional, but helpful)
Step 1: Choose Your Pattern
Start with a simple pattern — a heart, star, or your favorite game character. Use Perlerbeads Studio to convert any image into a bead pattern automatically.
Step 2: Place Your Beads
Following your pattern, place beads one at a time on the pegboard. The color guide shows you exactly which beads go where.
Step 3: Iron the Pattern
Cover your finished pattern with ironing paper. Using a medium heat iron (no steam), gently press in circular motions for 10-15 seconds until the beads fuse together.
Tips for Beginners
- Start small: A 20×20 grid is perfect for your first project
- Sort your colors first: Having colors pre-sorted saves a lot of time
- Work in sections: For large patterns, complete one section at a time
- Use tweezers: They make placing tiny beads much easier
Using Perlerbeads Studio
Our free online tool makes it easy to:
- Convert any photo to a bead pattern
- Adjust colors and grid size
- Export a printable guide with color counts
Happy beading!