Definition
Cut beads are small glass beads that are ground down, or faceted, on at least one side. They give beadwork a little extra sparkle and texture.
One-Cut Beads
One-cut beads (also called "one-cuts") are round beads with just one flat facet per bead. The facet gives them a subtle sparkle that distinguishes them from other round seed beads. One-cuts are manufactured by Preciosa in the Czech Republic and by Toho in Japan. Preciosa makes size 13/0 one-cuts, while Toho one-cuts are slightly larger at size 15/0.
Two-Cut Beads
Two-cut beads (also called "two-cuts") are cylinder-shaped beads (short tubes) with five equal, long facets that run from hole to hole. They're manufactured by the Japanese company Miyuki and by Preciosa.
Miyuki produces two types of two-cuts: two-cut seed beads and Delica cut beads. Miyuki two-cuts are typical two-cuts available in sizes 11/0 and 8/0. Delica cuts are smoother and more uniform than typical two-cuts. They're available in sizes 15/0 and 11/0. Czech (Preciosa) two-cuts are available in sizes 12/0, 11/0, 10/0, 9/0, and 8/0.
Three-Cuts Beads
Three-cut beads (also called "three-cuts") are two-cut beads with extra facets at their ends. This gives them a more rounded and irregular shape than two-cuts. Three-cuts are manufactured by Miyuki, Toho, and Preciosa.
Miyuki three-cuts are available in size 10/0. Toho produces three-cuts in sizes 15/0, 12/0, and 9/0. Czech (Preciosa) three-cuts are available in sizes 12/0, 11/0, 10/0, 9/0, and 8/0.
Other Names
- Size 13/0 one-cuts are also called charlottes.
- Size 11/0 one-cuts are also called true cut seed beads.
- Two-cuts are also called hex beads and hexagon beads.
Precautions
Like bugle beads, many two-cut beads and three-cut beads have sharp ends that may cut or fray beading thread. Use very sturdy thread, or buffer these beads on both ends with round seed beads when you stitch them.