Strijkkralen

Iron beads are also known as Perler beads, Hama beads, or Nabbi beads. They are plastic melting beads. These colorful beads are usually arranged on specific types of plastic pegboards to create different patterns and shapes. Later, they are fused together with an iron.

Today, iron beads are used for various types of crafts. You can use them to create 2D images to play with, string them into a bracelet or necklace, weave them into keychains, or even incorporate them into a three-dimensional decoration. However, the versatility depends on the skill, imagination, and quality of the beads you use. In any case, they are considered the most fun and affordable art form that can inspire creativity. Besides being a cheap, fun accessory for adults and children, it also helps children in their development and promotes better hand-eye coordination and recognition or necessary counting skills.

Basic types of beads that you can iron

When it comes to iron bead crafting, not all beads are created equal. There is a big difference between products from different brands. And buying the wrong ones can only result in a worse experience with a lot of money wasted. If you're going to buy iron beads, make sure you know what you need and where to get it from. Experienced users of iron beads can give you a good idea of the difference between working with the right iron beads. But if you want to try it out, remember that different brands offer different prices, colors, materials, and quality options to choose from.

Fuse and Pyssla beads

The fused bead is the most commonly used term for all beads that you iron into shapes by fusing them together. They do not fall under a specific brand name. At the same time, Pyssla beads are available from companies like Ikea. So if you search online, you can also see if you can buy Ikea iron beads. Although they are not the worst, they can also be of excellent quality. They are not thick or flexible enough, and the results after heating are not beautiful or durable either. They also easily break apart. But for a beginner, they are a suitable option to start with.

Nabbi beads

They are known for their striking glossy appearance. If they are melted too much, the Nabbi beads have a yellowish sheen on the surface compared to the matte finish of Perler and other types. The Nabbi beads are also durable enough to maintain their round shape even at a higher temperature. They also remain raised in the middle. But if you are looking for a uniformly flattened bead on the inside, it is better to choose Perler beads.

Perler beads

They are among the best-selling items you can find on the market. Most professional users will also recommend buying Perler beads for various reasons. Both Perler and Nabbi beads are of the highest quality that you can use for any project. Perler beads are uniform in shape, except for extremely rare errors with a small variation in size or shape. However, these beads are slightly shorter in height when considering the standard size of iron beads. But they are made of high-quality food fiber. This special material contributes to a slightly flexible shape when fused. The end product is therefore more durable and lasts longer.

Hama beads

With Perler, the name Hama beads originated. They feel much different from Perler or Nabbi. They are much smaller than all other types of beads. That also makes it difficult to handle them and often requires tools such as tweezers or pliers. However, the plastic is soft, and when fused, it becomes spongy. Although they can maintain their shape, they are much more flexible than other types of beads on the market. They can easily break if held too much in the hand. Due to their smaller size, they are not suitable for children and toddlers.