2.6 mm mini vs 5 mm standard (midi) fuse beads: the differences
Fuse beads come in two main sizes: 5 mm standard (midi) and 2.6 mm mini. With the same number of beads, a mini piece comes out about half the size.
Side by side
| 2.6 mm (mini) | 5 mm (standard/midi) | |
|---|---|---|
| 52 × 52 bead piece | About 13.5 cm | About 26 cm |
| Detail | Captures fine detail in photos and illustrations | Best for simple shapes |
| Ease of placing | Easier with tweezers | Can be picked up with fingers |
| Best for | Adults, and anyone who wants to turn photos into bead art | Young children and beginners |
What mini beads are good for
Minis are ideal when you want something small and detailed: portraits of pets or people, detailed illustrations, keychains and accessories. For a piece of the same size, you get about four times as many beads as with standard beads, so you can show far more detail.
Pegboards and tools are size-specific
Each pegboard is made for one bead size, so use a 2.6 mm pegboard for 2.6 mm beads. mamepix Custom Kits include a 2.6 mm pegboard and tweezers.
About color codes
The color codes mamepix uses are the same as those for MARD 2.6 mm beads. If you already have MARD beads, you can use the color codes from the Pattern Maker as they are.
Try one of these patterns
FAQ
How different are 2.6 mm and 5 mm beads in finished size?
With the same bead count, 2.6 mm comes out about half the size of 5 mm (0.52×). A 52 × 52 bead piece is about 13.5 cm with 2.6 mm beads and about 26 cm with 5 mm beads.
Can I use 2.6 mm beads on a 5 mm pegboard?
No. Pegboards are made for one bead size. Use a 2.6 mm pegboard for 2.6 mm beads.