How to make fuse bead names | Name plates and keychains
Make each letter 10–14 beads tall and a name reads clearly even in 2.6 mm beads. Link the letters with an outline or a “plate” (square background) so the piece holds together and stays sturdy.
Letter size guide
Character widths vary, so these numbers are approximate. You can check the exact bead count in the Name Pattern Maker (Japanese-language page).
| Characters | Beads across (incl. outline) | Finished size (2.6 mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 characters (e.g. はな, Hana) | About 27 beads | About 7 cm |
| 3 characters (e.g. ゆいと, Yuito) | About 35 beads | About 9 cm |
| 4 characters (e.g. さくらこ, Sakurako) | About 42 beads | About 11 cm |
How to make it
- In the Name Pattern Maker, enter the name and choose the letter color and either “Outline” or “Plate”
- Use “Open in Pattern Maker” to fine-tune it, then save the printable PDF
- Place the letter color first, then the outline or plate color last
- Iron both sides thoroughly on medium heat (so thin lines don't break)
- For a keychain, thread a jump ring through one bead on the top edge
Tips for readability
- Give the letters and background a clear difference in brightness, like white and a dark color
- Kanji get muddy at small sizes, so hiragana, katakana or romaji (Latin letters) work better
- Add a heart or a star to make it feel like a gift
Try one of these patterns
FAQ
How many beads tall should name letters be?
With 2.6 mm beads, 10–14 beads per letter (about 2.6–3.6 cm) is clearly readable. mamepix letter patterns are about 12 beads tall for hiragana.
Can I make a name in kanji?
Kanji with many strokes tend to blur at small sizes, so we recommend hiragana or romaji instead.