I decided to compile a list of some questions that I receive frequently. I will continue to add questions with answers over time.

Q What are Japanese cylinder beads?

A Japanese cylinder beads are seed beads that are manufactured in Japan. These beads are uniform, have thin walls, a cylindrical shape, and large holes. The two primary companies that make these and other beads are TOHO (their cylinders are called Aikos and Treasures), and Miyuki (their cylinders are called Delicas). Cylinder beads come in sizes 15, 11, 10, and 8. They come in different finishes, and hex-cuts as well. To read more about seed beads, download our Terms of the trade article.

Four sizes of cylinder beads

Q Where do I find magazine extras on the Bead&Button Web site?

A Most of the time, we print the exact links in the article. But if you are having difficulty finding something, for example the free pattern for my tubular peyote bracelet from Stitch Workshop in the August 2008 issue, p. 30, here's how to locate it. First, go to the Magazines tab at BeadAndButton.com. Click on the Resource Guide, then choose the August issue. As you scroll down the August page, you will see all the extra online information for that issue. The Resource Guide also lists sources for hard-to-find components.

Tubular peyote bracelet

Anna Elizabeth Draeger
Associate Editor
Bead&Button magazine