Using the right size of needle and thread for your seed beads is an important part of your beading projects. Since seed beads come in many different sizes and shapes, using the right size needle and thread can make your project easier and more enjoyable.

A smaller size seed bead will require a smaller size thread and needle to allow for several threads passes through each bead. Larger seed beads can be used with larger needles and thread and will allow for several more thread passes without breaking.

As a general rule, the higher the number of the size of the bead, the smaller the bead and bead hole. Similarly, the higher the number of the needle, the thinner the needle is; therefore it will be able to be used with smaller beads. Thread sizes can vary depending on the brand, but a thread like Nymo is sold in sizes ranging from “OO” (thinnest) to “G” (thickest). The most commonly available sizes of Nymo are OO, O, B and D.

In addition to different sized needles, there are many different types of beading needles that have different characteristics such as being more flexible, having a larger eye, etc.