Detail of Silk Satin Delica Beads Necklace

Silk satin Delica beads have a flat glitter that reminds me of mica. They are slightly wider than regular Delica beads, and come in a range of grays, browns, pinks, corals and other pastels. The first Silk Satin Delica beads always remind me of moonstone, because they have a similar shine and color palette.

Since the series from DB0670 to DB0680 and DB0820-DB0833, Miyuki has come out with another DB1800 series of Silk Satin Delica beads. The new colors move away from the pale pinks and corals of the first silk satin Delicas, and add more purples, greens, and even better grays than before.

Shop for Silk Satin Delica beads here.

Silk Satin Delica Beads Necklace

Miyuki Delicas - Japanese cylinder seed beads in four sizes

Miyuki Delica beads are cylinder shaped Japanese seed beads. These glass cylinder beads were first introduced by Miyuki in 1982 as a replacement for antique french metal cylinder beads. They are now available in four sizes – 8/0, 10/0, 11/0 and 15/0. There are approximately one thousand colors available in the most popular 11/0 size.

Delicas are used widely for peyote stitch, brick stitch, and weaving on looms because their cylinder shape gives the finished piece a flat surface maximizing any design or pattern. Their exceptional uniformity of size and shape create tiny rectangles which lock together to present an unbroken surface. Bead artists have used them to create detailed portraits and sculpures with each bead acting as a single pixel of color.

Miyuki Lazuline Butterfly Brooch Kit

Delica beads also have a proportionally thin wall and large hole for their size which allows more threads to pass through the woven work. As every beader knows, this gives you more room for invention as well as being helpful for correcting mistakes or securing the finished ends. We recommend Delicas (especially the largest 8/0 size) as perfect for beginners learning peyote or brick stitch, since it is easy to see when you make a mistake.

Delicas are also available in a hexagonal cut version, with six faceted sides cut into the outside of the cylinder. Cut Delicas are available in all four sizes – 8/0, 10/0, 11/0 and 15/0 but in a smaller range of colors than their standard counterparts.

See all 1000+ colors here.