Recently there was a post on Facebook in a seed bead group from a beader who purchased Delicas from an online site and didn’t end up with what she expected.
The website stated that there were 7-8 grams of Delicas in their tubes, but the customer discovered, after running short of beads for her project and weighing the remaining tubes, that many of the tubes only contained 6 grams. So what’s up with that???
First, let me tell you that we always personally weigh out the Delicas in our 10 gram bags at Jill Wiseman Designs – so when you buy the bag, you’ll really get 10 grams. That doesn’t mean there will be the same number of beads in every bag though!
Delicas (and any other seed beads) weigh differently depending on the coatings they have on them, so they can range anywhere from 180-220 beads per gram! When we calculate Delicas for any of our kits, we use 190/gram as our number, and we always add 10% more than needed to offset any wonky or dropped beads – or weight variations!
Let’s go back to those tubes that shorted the amount of Delicas now. Many (most?) times if you see Delicas sold in tubes and they state there’s 7-8 grams per tube, they’re using the pre-tubed beads from Miyuki themselves. The bead store was not at fault for the mis-weighed tubes, but that lack of quality control is one reason I won’t carry those tubes even though it would save us labor cost. I also don’t like the big label on the tubes that makes it hard to see the bead color inside.
I definitely drive folks crazy sometimes with my persnickety ways, but I think it’s worth it in the end – because 10 grams means 10 grams on our website!
You can find our Delicas here, where we carry every last color of the Size 11 Delicas! We also have an extensive collection of the Size 8 and Size 10 Delicas.
BEAD ON!
Thanks Jill!
Jill, I very much appreciate your “persnickety ways”! I’ve followed you for years, look up your YouTube videos to learn a stitch, and trust you and your shop. Thank you!
I only use delica 11
What about the 15’s or smaller?
Do you carry all those colours too? 15’s are getting hard to fine.
There’s not a huge market for the size 15 Delicas, although I’d love to carry them. But not any time soon. There are other things I need to add to the store that have priority. Jill
I’m looking for glass pearls in the same color for a Jean Power box. The pattern calls for 3, 5 and 6 mm pearls. Do you carry them?
Hi Phyllis – no, we don’t carry 5mm. That’s a really unusual size that most folks won’t carry. Jill
Hi, love your shop. I have a question, are you noticing that we have to cull more than usual with some colors of Delicas? I am making hatbands out of bracelet patterns, 22 inches minimum length. I normally start out with 50 grams in the main colors, 310, 010, 1520, etc. I am throwing out a lot of mis-matched beads. 11/0 Delicas sometimes a 50 gr. Box directly from japan. Its like there seconds. Ive bought from a lot of different vendors. Just wanted to ask you not out in public. Thanks, Jill. Sue
No, I haven’t noticed that, but honestly I haven’t been beading much lately. If it’s coming from multiple vendors it’s obviously a factory issue.
Thank you for explaining and for your 10 gram bags. I love shopping at your store.
Dear Jill,
I always check your site first when I need to buy any supplies. I have followed you for many years. As far as I am concerned, yours is the most open and trustworthy site.
You are so generous to share your amazing vast knowledge on YouTube . I have learned so many skills from you. You are not only an inspiration as a designer and a teacher; but also, as a wonderful person. Thank you.
You should also know that my husband never leaves when I am watching you. He leaves with everyone else! We both love you!
You are so fortunate to have your mom with you. She is such
is a pleasure to work with.
I (and everyone who sees it) am absolutely crazy about your Festival of Lights bracelet. I plan to keep making them. Everyone who sees me wearing one wants it. My great niece wanted one so emphatically that I had to give her the one I was wearing. I just ordered several and can’t wait to finish one for me!
Take good care of yourself and stay healthy!
Blessings,
Astrid
Dear Jill,
I always check your site first when I need to buy any supplies. I have followed you for many years. As far as I am concerned, yours is the most open and trustworthy site.
You are so generous to share your amazing vast knowledge on YouTube . I have learned so many skills from you. You are not only an inspiration as a designer and a teacher; but also, as a wonderful person. Thank you.
Jill I Love watching and Learning from your projects. You are top notch at what you do. Thank You So Much For Sharing. Patty