Design seed bead patterns on a real bead grid. Choose loom, peyote or brick stitch, paint beads by hand or turn a picture into a pattern, and get the number of beads per color, the finished size and a row-by-row word chart to bead from.
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Word chart
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How to use the Bead Loom Pattern Maker
Choose the stitch (loom, peyote or brick) and set the width in beads and the number of rows.
Pick your bead type so the grid shape and finished size match your beads.
Draw the design: select a color and click or drag on the grid. Use Fill for large areas and Mirror for symmetric patterns.
Or import a picture: choose how many colors you want and the image is converted to beads. Touch up stray beads by hand.
Check the bead counts and buy each color with some extra.
Download the chart PNG and word chart and follow them row by row as you bead.
Bead sizes used for the finished-size estimate
The finished size is an estimate based on typical bead dimensions. Actual sizes vary by brand, finish and how tightly you work; weave a small sample to check.
Bead
Across the hole
Along the hole
Loom: beads per inch across
Cylinder 11/0 (Delica-type)
about 1.6 mm
about 1.3 mm
about 19
Cylinder 10/0
about 2.2 mm
about 1.8 mm
about 14
Seed bead 15/0
about 1.5 mm
about 1.0 mm
about 25
Seed bead 11/0
about 2.1 mm
about 1.5 mm
about 17
Seed bead 8/0
about 3.0 mm
about 2.2 mm
about 11.5
Which stitch should I choose?
Stitch
Grid
Good for
Loom / square stitch
Straight rows and columns
Bracelets, bands, hatbands and large picture panels; fast once the loom is warped
Peyote (even-count)
Columns offset by half a bead
Cuffs, bezels, bookmarks and tubular rope; very flexible fabric
Brick stitch
Rows offset by half a bead
Earrings, fringe tops and shaped motifs with increases and decreases
Pattern tips
Use an odd width for loom bracelets if you want a single center column for symmetric motifs, and turn on Mirror while drawing.
Use an even width for even-count peyote; odd-count peyote needs a special turn at one edge.
Outline motifs in a dark color one bead wide; it makes small designs readable from a distance.
Keep to 4–8 colors for bracelets so the pattern stays crisp and the bead count manageable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between loom, peyote and brick stitch patterns?
In loom work and square stitch, beads sit in straight rows and columns, so the chart is a simple grid. In peyote stitch every other column is offset by half a bead vertically, and in brick stitch every other row is offset by half a bead horizontally. A design drawn for one stitch looks distorted in another, so choose the stitch before designing; this tool draws each grid with the correct offset.
How do I read a peyote word chart?
For even-count flat peyote you start by stringing the beads for rows 1 and 2 together, read across the top line of the chart. Each following row adds a bead in every other column and changes direction, so row 3 goes right to left, row 4 left to right and so on. The word chart lists each row as runs such as “3A, 1B, 2A” in the direction you stitch.
Why are the beads on the grid not square?
Seed beads and cylinder beads are slightly wider across the hole than they are long. In loom and peyote work the holes run sideways, so each bead is a little taller than it is wide; in brick stitch the holes run up and down, so beads are wider than tall. The grid uses the bead proportions of the type you choose so the preview looks like the finished piece.
How many beads do I need for a bracelet?
Multiply the width by the number of rows: a loom bracelet 15 beads wide and 7 in (178 mm) long in 11/0 cylinder beads has about 110 rows, or roughly 1,650 beads. The bead count table shows the exact number per color, plus 10% extra for culls and dropped beads. Check the approximate length against your wrist and add or remove rows.
How does image import work?
The picture is scaled to the grid, averaged per bead and reduced to the number of colors you choose using a clustering method, all inside your browser. High-contrast images such as logos, icons and simple drawings give the cleanest results; photos need more colors and some hand editing. Transparent areas become white color A.
Can I match the colors to real bead colors?
Colors are shown as hex values. Use the color picker on any swatch to adjust it to match a bead you own, and every bead of that letter updates. When buying, compare to the bead maker's color cards because screen colors and bead finishes (matte, metallic, silver-lined) look different in person.
Is my design saved?
Your current pattern is saved automatically in this browser. Nothing is uploaded. Download the PNG and word chart to keep a copy or to share it.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.