Free Fuse Bead Pattern Maker
GridBead is a free online fuse bead pattern maker. “Fuse beads” is the generic name for the small plastic beads you arrange on a pegboard and melt together with an iron — the same beads sold under brand names like Perler, Hama, and Artkal. Draw a chart by hand or turn a photo into one, get real brand color codes and bead counts, plan the pegboards, and print the sheet.
Fuse Beads, Perler Beads, Hama Beads — What Is the Difference?
They are the same kind of bead. “Fuse bead” is the generic term; Perler, Hama, and Artkal are three of the best-known brand names. The standard beads are all 5 mm across, sit on the same pegboards, and are fused the same way with an iron and ironing paper, so a chart made for one brand can be placed with any of them.
GridBead ships with color palettes for all three brands. Every color in a palette carries the brand's own code and name, so the color list under each pattern works as a shopping list: it shows the code, the name, and how many beads of that color the pattern uses. The full {beadColorChart} page lists every color side by side.
Because the beads are fused with heat, finishing any chart follows the same last step: cover the beads with ironing paper and iron them evenly. The {howToIron} page walks through temperatures, timing, and both-sided fusing in detail.
From Idea or Photo to a Fusable Chart
The quickest start is the perler bead pattern maker itself: pick a palette, draw bead by bead on the grid with real palette colors, and the tool keeps count of every color as you go. Ready-made charts are also available as {freePatterns} you can open and place directly.
Starting from a picture? The {imageToPattern} converter matches the photo to palette colors and produces a chart complete with per-color bead counts. Resize it to fit one pegboard or several, then use the {pegboardCalculator} to see how many 29 × 29 boards the finished piece needs before you print it.
While placing real beads, the {beadAlongGuide} highlights one color at a time and lets you check off cells, so a large fuse bead project stays manageable from the first bead to the final iron.
Fuse Bead Pattern Maker Questions
Are fuse beads and Perler beads the same thing?
Yes. “Fuse bead” is the generic name; Perler, Hama, and Artkal are brand names for the same kind of 5 mm iron-on bead. They fit the same pegboards and are fused the same way, so any GridBead pattern can be made with beads from any of these brands.
Does the maker support Hama and Artkal color codes?
Yes. GridBead includes palettes for Perler, Hama, and Artkal beads. Each color is listed with its brand code, name, and bead count, and the bead color chart page shows the full palettes so you can match codes to the beads you already own.
How do I turn a photo into a fuse bead pattern?
Open the image to bead pattern converter, upload the photo, and choose a palette. The converter matches the picture to real palette colors and produces a chart with per-color bead counts, which you can then resize, plan on pegboards, and print.
Do I need an app or an account to make fuse bead patterns?
No. GridBead runs in your browser with nothing to install and no account required. Making patterns, converting photos, counting beads, and printing are all free.
Open the perler bead pattern maker and start drawing, or begin from a picture with the {imageToPattern} converter — both are free and need no account.