Why Ironing Matters
Ironing is what transforms your loose bead arrangement into a solid, durable piece. Getting it right is the difference between a professional-looking creation and a melted mess.
What You Need
- Household iron (no steam function needed)
- Parchment paper or ironing paper (NOT wax paper!)
- A flat, heat-resistant surface
- A heavy book for pressing
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare Your Design
Make sure all beads are properly seated on the pegboard. Gently tap the board on the table to level everything.
2. Cover with Parchment Paper
Place a sheet of parchment paper over your design. It should fully cover the beads with some overlap.
3. Set Iron Temperature
- Medium heat (around 300°F / 150°C)
- NO steam — turn off steam function
- Let the iron fully heat up before starting
4. Iron in Circles
- Move the iron in small circular motions
- Apply gentle, even pressure
- Iron for 10-20 seconds
- You should see beads slightly melting through the paper
5. Check Progress
Lift a corner of the paper to check. Beads should be slightly fused at the tops.
6. Flip and Repeat
- Carefully flip the entire piece (beads + pegboard)
- Remove the pegboard
- Place parchment on the now-exposed side
- Iron for another 10-15 seconds
7. Press and Cool
- Place the piece between two sheets of parchment
- Put a heavy book on top
- Wait 1-2 minutes until completely cool
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Beads too flat | Too much heat/time | Lower temp, less time |
| Beads not sticking | Not enough heat | More time, slightly higher temp |
| Uneven fusing | Uneven pressure | Use circular motions, even pressure |
| Paper stuck to beads | Too much heat | Use proper parchment, not wax paper |
Pro Tips
- Practice on a small test piece first
- Different colors may need slightly different times
- Darker colors absorb more heat
- For 3D projects, iron each piece separately then glue