Frequently Asked Questions

What are fuse beads and how do they work?

Fuse beads (also called melty beads or iron beads) are small plastic beads placed on a pegboard to create pixel-art designs. Once the design is complete, an adult briefly presses a warm iron over ironing paper placed on top — melting the beads together into a solid, permanent piece.

What age are fuse beads suitable for?

Standard 5mm fuse beads are suitable for ages 6 and up. Mini 2.6mm fuse beads require more precision and are better suited for ages 10 and up or adults. Large 10mm fuse beads are designed for younger children ages 4–7.

Do you need an iron to fuse the beads?

Yes, an iron is required and adult supervision is needed for this step. The child places the beads on the pegboard to create the design, and an adult does the ironing at the end. The ironing step takes only 10–20 seconds per side.

What is the difference between 5mm and 2.6mm mini fuse beads?

Standard 5mm beads create larger designs and are easier to handle — ideal for kids. Mini 2.6mm beads are twice as small, allowing for much more detailed pixel artwork. Mini beads are popular with teens and adults who want precision and fine detail in their designs.

Are Craftiloo fuse beads compatible with Perler and Hama beads?

Yes. Craftiloo fuse beads are fully compatible with Perler beads, Hama beads, and other standard fuse bead brands. The same pegboards and ironing paper work across all brands.

What can you make with fuse beads?

Fuse bead designs range from simple animals and emoji to detailed game characters, flowers, jewelry, keyrings, and decorative wall art. Craftiloo kits include pattern sheets with 48+ designs across multiple themes.

Are fuse beads safe for children?

Fuse beads are safe for children ages 6 and up under normal use. They should not be given to children under 3 due to choking risk. The ironing step requires adult supervision. Craftiloo bead materials are non-toxic.

How do Craftiloo mini fuse beads compare to Perler or Hama beads?

Craftiloo mini fuse beads (2.6mm) are fully compatible with standard Perler and Hama bead systems — same pegboards, same ironing paper. Craftiloo mini bead kits stand out for including pattern sheets with 48+ design ideas and a large bead count in multiple colors, making them a comprehensive creative package for teens and adults.

Where can I buy Craftiloo fuse bead kits?

Craftiloo fuse bead kits are available on Amazon — search “Craftiloo fuse beads” or “shinshin creation mini beads” for the full range with Prime shipping. They are also available on this website (craftiloo.com).