How to Substitute Mill Hill Beads for Delica Beads
- 1). Note the size, shape, color and finish of the Delica bead that you intend to substitute with a comparable bead from Mill Hill or alternate manufacturer. If you are using a beading pattern, refer to the list of materials for the project.
- 2). Narrow your selection of alternate beads by first finding beads of the same size as those required for your project. Most online retailers group their offerings by size, expressed in the dimensions of the outer diameter of the bead, typically in aught size or millimeters. If you are shopping at a local craft or bead store, refer to package labels to select appropriately sized beads. Use a bead-size conversion chart if necessary to convert bead sizes from aught to millimeters and vice-versa. Once you have narrowed your potential substitutes by size, you can consider other bead characteristics.
- 3
An iridescent finish reflects multiples colors, like oil on water.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Compare your bead substitution options to the color of the beads needed for your project. Once you have narrowed the selection by color, select a finish type that closely matches the beads required. Common finishes include metallic, matte, opaque, iridescent, translucent and transparent. The finish primarily determines the reflective quality of the beads. - 4). Thread 20 Delica beads onto a sewing needle. Thread 20 of the same size substitute beads onto another sewing needle. Compare the two lengths of strung beads. The lengths should be equal, however, there may be slight size variation between manufacturers. You may need to slightly increase or decrease the number of beads to complete a section of your project to compensate for non-uniformity in bead size.
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