Rocailles vs. Delica – What is the difference?

When you dive into the world of beads, you will quickly come across two popular types of glass beads: seed beads and Delica beads. At first glance they look similar – but in use there are big differences.

In this article, you will learn how the two types of beads differ – and which one you should choose for your next project.

🔹 Seed beads – the all-rounders

Seed beads are round glass beads with a slightly irregular shape. It is precisely this natural irregularity that makes them so charming – they look handmade and lively.

• Shape: round to slightly oval
• Sizes: often 8/0, 11/0, 6/0
• Brands: Toho, Miyuki
• Use: Bracelets, weaving, embroidery, macramé

Seed beads are ideal for anyone who likes a soft, organic bead picture – or for projects where not every bead has to be exactly the same.

🔸 Delica beads – the precise ones

Delicas are cylindrical glass beads with an extremely uniform shape. They were developed by the Japanese company Miyuki and are perfect for detailed and flat work.

• Shape: cylindrical, with a generous hole
• Sizes: mostly 11/0 or 10/0
• Brand: Miyuki (Delica), Toho (Treasure)
• Use: Peyote stitch, brick stitch, flat bracelets, beaded beads

Because Delicas are so precise, they create a super even bead picture – ideal for patterns, lettering and graphic designs.

The direct comparison

	Seed beads	Delica
Shape	Round, slightly irregular	Cylindrical, exact
Hole size	Smaller	Larger – ideal for multiple threading
Effect	Organic, soft	Precise, graphic
Recommended for	Bracelets, weaving, embroidery	Peyote, brick stitch, mosaics

🧵 Which bead is right for me?

➜ Choose seed beads if you:

• you like loose, lively designs
• you want to start more cheaply
• you need a larger colour selection

➜ Choose Delica if you:

• want to thread precise patterns
• want to learn Peyote or Brick Stitch
• you are aiming for a perfect, even result

📦 Here you can find our seed beads & and here you can find the Delicas – both types of beads are waiting for your next project!

Have fun trying them out,
Monica