Differences between Miyuki and Toho beads

What are Toho beads?

Miyuki and Toho are two manufacturers of seed beads. They produce round, cylindrical and other types of beads. Some of their beads are similar, but with some small differences, and some are completely their own. The most famous beads from Miyuki are cylindrical beads called Delica. The equivalent beads of Toho are called Treasures.

Below, you will find different varieties of Miyuki and Toho beads in different sizes. Not all their beads are shown in this article. The pictures will allow you to compare the sizes and shapes of the beads from one brand to another. For example, Miyuki seed beads size 11/0 will not have the same dimensions and proportions as Toho seed beads size 11/0. The differences between the two manufacturers are sometimes subtle and sometimes very explicit. To better appreciate the differences, we have made samples in Peyote Pair weave.

All dimensions shown may vary significantly from one bead to another.

Miyuki Delica vs Toho Treasures

1- Comparison between the different sizes of Miyuki Delica

From left to right: Miyuki Delica size 15/0, 11/0, 10/0, 8/0. The references are DBS-0263, DB-1171, DBM-0724, DBL0410.

The sizes of miyuki delica beads and seed beads are defined by numbers. The bigger the number in front of the 0, the smaller the bead. Normally this number corresponds to the number of strings of beads needed to get 1 inch (2.54 cm). Unfortunately, this is not always true, but it does come close to this value to a certain extent. In any case, this notion can allow you to remember the order of magnitude of the sizes.

2- Comparison between delica size 11/0 and Toho Treasures size 1,8 mm

Miyuki Delica 11/0 Galvanized Dark Mint Mat DB-1171 / Toho Treasures 1,8 mm Mat Iris Teal TO1T-706

Here are Miyuki Delica 11/0 beads on the left and Toho Treasures 1.8 mm on the right. The Toho treasures are slightly larger than the Miyuki delica. The Miyuki Delica are 1.6mm in diameter and these Toho Treasures 1.8mm. The hole size of the Toho is also a little wider. The height is almost the same. The cylindrical shape is very similar. The Toho Treasures beads are slightly more irregular, but it is not obvious. The differences between the two brands on this bead pattern are very subtle.

3- Comparison between delica size 8/0 and Toho Treasures size 3,3 mm

Toho Treasures 3.3 mm Starlight Galvanized TO3T-557 / Miyuki Delica 8/0 Galvanized Yellow Gold DBL0410

Toho Treasures size 3.3 mm on the left and Miyuki Delica 8/0 on the right. The Delica 8/0 have a diameter of 3 mm, a hole of 1.4 mm, and a height of 2.7 mm and the Treasures have a diameter of 3.3 mm, a hole of 1.7 mm and a height of 3.1 mm.

Differences between Miyuki and Toho beads

1- Miyuki and Toho size 11/0

Miyuki Rockery 11/0 Transparent Emerald Mat MR11/147F / Toho Rockery 11/0 Opaque Frosted Pine Green TO11R-47HF

The Toho Rocailles are much taller and cylindrical than the Miyuki Rocailles. They are much nicer to weave in Peyote. Miyuki 11/0 beads have a diameter of 2 mm, a hole of 0.7 mm and a height of 1.36 mm. They are much less high, so the edges are more rounded. The Toho beads have a diameter of 2.2 mm, a hole of 0.8 mm and a height of 1.5 mm.

Here is a comparison of Miyuki seed beads above and Toho seed beads below. You can see the difference in shape. The proportions are similar between the sizes. From left to right: Size 15/0, 11/0 and 8/0.

2- Differences between the sizes of toho seed beads

Here are the different sizes of TOHO rocailles. From left to right: 15/0, 11/0 Takumi LH, 11/0, 8/0. The Takumi LH are Toho rockeries a little smaller than the classic 11/0, but with a larger hole. In fact, the TOHO beads have a 0.8 mm hole while the Takumi LH beads have a 0.9 mm hole. LH means Large Hole. As a reminder, Miyuki 11/0 beads have a 0.7 mm hole.

There are also half round Toho beads. These beads are even smaller in height than the miyuki. They are 0.9 mm high. Almost like the Miyuki spacers 2.2 mm in diameter which are 1 mm high.

Bugles beads at Miyuki and Toho

Toho Bugles 3 mm Silver Lined Teal TB-01-27BD / Miyuki Bugles 6 mm Transparent Green AB BGL-179 / Toho Bugles 9 mm Opaque White TB03-41

Bugles are tubular beads much higher than delica and treasures. In this case, we offer 3, 6 and 12 mm bugles by Miyuki and 3 and 9 mm bugles by Toho. The 12 mm Bugles by Miyuki are only available in the twisted Bugles version for the moment. They have a spiral effect. The 3 mm Toho flugelhorns have a diameter of 1.5 mm, the 3 mm Miyuki flugelhorns also have a diameter of 1.5 mm. Miyuki 6 mm bugles have a diameter of 1.4 mm, Toho 9 mm bugles have a diameter of 1.85 mm and Miyuki 6 mm twisted bugles have a diameter of 1.9 mm and 2 mm for 12 mm.

Miyuki also offers slender bugles, i.e. 6 mm bugles with a diameter of 1.3 mm.