Mandala Crafts 11/0 Glass Seed Beads for Beadwork - 18000 Pcs 2mm AB Iridescent Round Rocaille Beads Review (2026)

Who this seed bead set fits

This set targets beaders working on loom panels, peyote stitch pieces, bead embroidery and crochet or quilting projects that call for a large volume of small, uniform beads in one finish. The AB, or aurora borealis, iridescent coating gives each 2mm bead a shifting rainbow sheen that reads well in woven patterns and embroidery where light catches the surface from different angles. Because the pack totals 18000 pieces, it suits crafters working on large panels or production runs rather than someone who needs just a few grams for a small accent. Beaders who want a range of finishes, including matte or opaque colors, in a single purchase will need a second set, since this pack is iridescent only.

Size, finish and what is included

The beads are sized 11/0, roughly 2mm each, a standard small seed bead size used across peyote stitch, brick stitch, loom weaving and bead embroidery. Mandala Crafts describes the color option as an iridescent combo, meaning the set spans multiple hues within the AB coating rather than a single solid color. The listing notes the beads ship with a storage container suited to jewelry making, which helps keep a bulk 18000-piece set organized rather than loose in a bag. Mandala Crafts, founded in 2001 and based in Austin, Texas, manufactures its own craft and sewing supplies directly rather than reselling, which the brand positions as a sourcing advantage for buyers who prefer working with a US-based manufacturer.

Working with the beads

For loom and peyote work, consistent sizing matters more than almost any other factor, since uneven beads throw off tension and row alignment, and Mandala Crafts' sizing is generally reliable enough for weaving according to the site's pros. The seed beads are marketed as not expanding in water, which matters for pieces that might get damp, such as waist beads or beach jewelry. Store the beads in their container away from direct sunlight, since prolonged UV exposure can dull an iridescent coating over time on many glass beads. A bead spinner tool speeds up stringing a bulk set like this compared to picking up beads one at a time with a needle, worth considering if you plan to work through a large portion of the 18000-piece count.

How it compares to other seed beads

This set ranks third of seven in the site's seed beads guide, behind two Miyuki options: a galvanized silver 11/0 set scoring 8.7 and a matte fancy frosted color mix scoring 8.4. Miyuki beads are Japanese-made and generally regarded as very consistent in sizing, which is part of why they edge ahead here, while this Mandala Crafts set trades a bit of that size precision for a larger bulk count and a distinct iridescent look Miyuki's matte set does not offer. Compared to KERGAEN's 15600-piece 24-color mix, which scores 7.8, this set focuses on one finish family rather than a wide color spread, which suits a weaver who wants a cohesive shimmer effect rather than maximum color variety in one order.

Verdict and who should pick a rival

Choose this set if you want a large bulk supply of 2mm seed beads with a consistent iridescent shimmer for loom weaving, peyote stitch or embroidery, and you do not need matte or opaque colors in the same order. If sizing precision is your top priority, especially for tight peyote or brick stitch patterns, the Miyuki galvanized silver set ranked just above this one is worth the difference. Beaders who want more color variety over a single finish family should look at KERGAEN's 24-color mix instead. For most weavers who want bulk iridescent beads at a fair price, this Mandala Crafts set is a solid, if not top-ranked, choice.

Frequently asked questions