Fuse Bead Brands
Brands
Perler
Perler Beads are the Kleenex of the fuse bead world in the US, meaning the term has been used interchangeably with ‘fuse beads’ despite the brand. Perler is based in the US and seems to be the golden standard for midi (regular size) bead users. They’re easier to get ahold of in the US as they can be found in local craft stores and shipping is quicker than other options. They offer mini (small), regular (medium/midi), and biggie (large) beads. They also offer a fun array of striped, translucent, glitter, metallic, and glow-in-the-dark beads – not to mention cap beads. Cap beads are like normal fuse beads but instead of a hole straight through, one end has a “capped” flat head.
Artkal
Artkal Beads are manufactured and shipped from China. Artkal is most popular with mini bead users. Their mini C-series includes 178 colors but their midi S-series color selection is not skimpy either at 206 color options. The downside is unless you get expedited shipping you could wait for 3 to 4 weeks for your shipment. Is it worth the wait? My opinion, yes.
Top Tier Beads
Top Tier Beads are an up and coming brand. This small business owner has rebranded Artkal beads as Top Tier beads, so you get the same great quality and abundant colors for an affordable price that ships from the USA - so no more 3 week shipping times. You can learn more about Top Tier Beads here.
Hama
Hama Beads are a Danish company that mainly serves the UK. International delivery is available but you may get shipping sticker shock. Hama beads are the most popular brand in Europe. They offer mini (small), midi (medium/regular), and maxi bead sizes (large). Mini comes in 59 colors and midi offers 62. Maxi beads are not available in single-color packs.
Pyssla
Pyssla is the Ikea Brand of fuse beads. Pyssla beads only come in a 1lb 5oz bucket of mixed colors. Many people like this option because they are very affordable but there is a bad trade-off of limited colors and they cannot be melted with other brands. This option is not best for those who want to create large or elaborate designs but the kiddos will like them just fine!
Perler
Mini: 41 colors | 2,000/pk $2.39
Regular: *86 colors | 1,000/pk $3.69
*does not include bucket-only colors or special kit colors. The count includes trays and individual colors
Biggie: 8 colors |1,200/bucket $14.59 | mix buckets only
CAPS: 26 colors | 750 CAPS $4.19
Specialties: Metallic, Glitter, Glow in the Dark, Translucent, Striped
Shipping: Ships from USA
Stats
Artkal
S series – 5mm MIDI (Hot/Hard), 206 colors | 1,000 pk $2.99
R series – 5mm MIDI (Soft), 129 colors | only sold as set
C series – 2.6mm MINI (Hot/Hard), 178 colors | 2,000 pk $2.89
A series – 2.6mm MINI (Soft), 186 colors | 2,000 pk $3.09
Specialties: Metallic, Glitter, Glow in the Dark, Translucent, Neon, Pearl, UV
Shipping: Ships from China
Hama
Mini: 61 colors | 2,000/pk £1.67
Midi: 68 colors | 1,000/pk £1.67
Maxi: 22 colors | 600/tub £10.42 | mix tubs only
Specialties: Neon, Pastel, Translucent
Shipping: Ships from UK
Top Tier Beads
Mini: 157+ colors | 2,000 pk $2.50 (same as Artkal c-series)
Regular: 159+ colors | 1,000 pk $2.75 (same as Arkal s-series)
Specialties: Pearl and Glow In the Dark
Shipping: Ships from USA
Prices do change. Please check their official websites to verify the current price.
Photo provided by Jameson Pulley
How do I decide what brand of fuse beads to buy?
Deciding what brand to go with is knowing your own creative goals and personal preferences. Below are some things to consider.
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Don’t know yet? See the fuse bead sizes page.
Mini – Perler and Artkal are my first recommendations for mini bead users. They can be used on the same pegboards and melted together. Its easiest to start with Perler and expand into the different colors Artkal offers that Perler does not. This natual expansion can also help prevent over spending in this hobby before you know how invested you are. Trust me, you’ll know before you buy Artkal. Jump feet first, not head first.
Midi – Perler. If you can get Perler, get Perler. Even though Artkal has more color options, Perler still has plenty for the average person. Perler is also located in the US, meaning local craft stores carry the brand so you could get same-day inventory.
Biggie – Large fuse bead users seem far and few between and seem most liked by parents for their kids. The only 2 options are Perler Biggie beads and Hama Maxi beads. Go with whatever is available in your region.
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Having a lot of different shades are important for beaders who want to create complex designs. Not having enough colors can be frustratingly limiting.
I do want a lot of colors! Artkal and Top Tier offer 178 MINI colors vs Perler’s 38-ish colors. When it comes to MIDI beads Artkal /Top Tier might also win your favor because they offer 206 colors, including unique beads like glow in the dark and translucent. Perler is still strong first choice especially if location and shipping is an issue for you.
I do not need 12 shades of pink! Go with what is regionally available and affordable. The top go-to brands are Perler, Hama and Artkal.
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If you are in the USA..
Artkal usually takes 3-4 weeks to arrive. If you pony up the money for expedited shipping that gets knocked down to about 1 week.
Perler seems to arrive in 1-2 weeks. Perler can also be found in brick and mortar craft stores (don’t expect to find mini’s in stores).
Top Tier arrives in 1-2 weeks.
Fuse beads can also be found on Amazon.com but some 3rd-party vendors charge more than what you would get direct from the manufacturer websites but may be worth it if you need some quick and get that sweet 2-day shipping.
Hama to the US is unknown.
Click here for Step #5: Mixing Brands!
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