Updated May 9,2023.
Have you heard of Perler beads, also called Hama beads? They are plastic tubular beads in different colors. You arrange them in pretty designs on a small pegboard sized for them. When you like your design, you iron it under a paper pressing cloth. The beads fuse and your design is permanent.
My kids loved them.
If you have always dismissed them as kids’ toys, think again. The perler bead is essentially the same as a needlepoint stitch.
That means a Perler bead chart can be directly translated, stitch for stitch, into needlepoint.
There are tons of free patterns and pictures of Perler bead creations out there. Most of them have themes that would appeal to kids, but many are delightfully sophisticated. They could be perfect for gift tags or ornaments. Stitch them on plastic canvas or perforated paper and you don’t even have to work to finish them.
This elegant necklace was made from these beads and was for sale on Etsy.
To get started on your search for these delightful small patterns, start with Pinterest and do a search for hama or perler beads. You’ll be delighted by what you find — I know I was.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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