The Big Three Brands
When shopping for fuse beads, you'll encounter three main brands: Perler, Hama, and Artkal. Each has unique characteristics.
Perler (USA)
- Size: 5mm (Midi), 2.6mm (Mini)
- Colors: 103+ colors
- Pros: Widely available in US, consistent quality, great color range
- Cons: Slightly more expensive
- Best for: Beginners in North America, large projects
Hama (Denmark)
- Size: 5mm (Midi), 2.6mm (Mini)
- Colors: 92+ colors
- Pros: European standard, excellent quality, pegboards are durable
- Cons: Harder to find in US/Asia
- Best for: European crafters, detailed work
Artkal (China)
- Size: 5mm (S-5mm), 2.6mm (C-2.6mm)
- Colors: 199 (S) / 264 (C) colors
- Pros: Most colors available, affordable, great for detailed work
- Cons: Quality can vary between batches
- Best for: Advanced crafters wanting maximum color options
Size Comparison
| Feature | Perler Midi | Hama Midi | Artkal S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 5mm | 5mm | 5mm |
| Height | 5mm | 5mm | 5mm |
| Hole size | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Can You Mix Brands?
Technically yes for the same size (5mm), but we don't recommend it. Melting points differ slightly, which can cause uneven fusing.
Our Recommendation
- Beginners: Perler Midi (easy to find, consistent)
- Color enthusiasts: Artkal S-5mm (199 colors!)
- Detail lovers: Artkal C-2.6mm (264 colors, tiny pixels)