Shape is the outline of a tiny seed bead. Round (rocaille) beads give a soft, pebbled texture, cylindrical beads have straight sides and flat-looking ends that sit in a neat grid, and hexagonal beads add small flat sides that catch light. Roundness varies between products, so compare beads before mixing packs in one motif.

The overall outline of the bead or pearl, such as round, cylindrical or drop.

Seed beads use nominal trade sizes such as 15/0, 11/0, 8/0 and 6/0. The lower the number, generally the larger the bead, so 15/0 suits fine detail and 6/0 gives bolder dots. Sizes are not exact millimetre measurements across brands, so check the actual product measurement.

Bead scale, shown as nominal trade sizes or relative size; verify actual measurements.

Finish is the surface treatment that changes how a seed bead reflects light. Glossy beads shine, matte beads look soft and flat, metallic beads look like metal and iridescent beads show a rainbow sheen. Lined beads are clear or tinted beads with colour inside the hole, which shows through the glass. Some finishes are coatings that can wear or fade, so test care on a sample.

The surface treatment or coating, such as glossy, matte, metallic, iridescent or a coloured lining inside the hole.

Transparency is a scale of how much light passes through the bead. Transparent beads are clear enough for fabric and thread to show through, translucent beads glow softly, semi-opaque beads look milky with only a little light passing, and opaque beads give solid, even colour. Thread colour changes the look of the clearer beads, so sample your thread with the bead before stitching a large area.

How much light passes through the bead, on a scale from transparent through translucent and semi-opaque to opaque.

Seed beads are commonly glass, which is heavier, holds colour well and can have sharp hole edges. Acrylic beads are sometimes used in costume work and are lighter, but may react differently to heat. Do not judge material by appearance alone; confirm the composition on the product listing.

What the bead or pearl is made from, such as glass, acrylic or pearl.

Seed beads have one small central perforation that the thread passes straight through. Because the hole is fine, it limits which needle and thread you can use. Test that your chosen beading needle and doubled thread pass through the bead before you start a project.

Where the hole sits and how thread passes through the bead.

This scale describes how evenly sized the beads are within a pack. Precision-made beads are very regular and sit in tidy rows, which suits geometric designs and bead weaving. Consistent beads are close in size, slightly variable beads show small differences, and variable beads, often budget packs, give a more uneven line. If regularity matters, check the listing rather than assuming all beads of one size match.

How evenly sized the beads are within a pack, from precision-made through consistent and slightly variable to variable.

Seed beads are used in bead embroidery for outlines, fills and stippling, threaded onto lines for fringes or couched rows, and stitched singly onto the surface. A common use is as a stopper bead above a sequin. On stretch garments, stitch with the fabric held near its worn stretch.

How the beads are typically used or attached on a textile.

Each seed bead is lightweight, but closely packed beadwork adds weight and can stiffen fabric. Glass hole edges can rub against thread over time, causing potential thread abrasion. Use strong thread and secure short groups of beads so a broken thread does not lose a whole row.

How the bead behaves in use, including weight, reflection and wear on thread.