Definition: A seed bead is a small bead, usually no larger than 3mm, that is round or cylindrical in shape and made from either glass or metal. Seed beads come in thousands of colors and finishes and a wide range of sizes. The most commonly found types of seed bead available are usually made in either the Czech Republic or Japan. Vintage or antique seed beads were made in France and Italy as well.
Seed beads are most often used in off-loom beadweaving with stitches such as peyote, brick, right angle weave, herringbone and netting. They can also be used in jewelry making techniques such as stringing and wire work as accent beads.