Charts, Guides and Conversions

Charts and Guides

Inches to Millimeters


Inches Millimeters
1/16 in. 1.5mm
1/8 in. 3mm
1/4 in 6mm
3/8 in 9mm
1/2 in 12mm
5/8 in 15mm
3/4 in 18.5mm
7/8 in 22mm
1 in 25mm

JewelryResource
JewelryResource
Remember that this is a close approximation. Screen resolution and monitor size will affect how you view the chart.




How Many Beads Per Inch?
Bead Size Per Inch 7" 16" 24" 32" 36"
3mm 8.25 57 132 200 265 288
4mm 6.25 43 100 150 200 225
5mm 5.00 35 82 124 160 180
6mm 4.25 28 67 100 132 153
7mm 3.50 24 57 85 114 126
8mm 3.25 22 50 75 100 112
10mm 2.50 18 40 60 80 90
12mm 2.00 15 33 50 66 72
14mm 1.75 13 29 43 56 63
16mm 1.50 11 25 38 50 54
18mm 1.25 10 23 34 45 50
20mm 1.20 8 20 29 38 43

Remember to allow for the length of your clasp. If you use spacer beads or mix sizes, this chart may not be accurate.


Seed Bead Sizing

Seed beads are sized in aughts, which are different than millimeters. The most popular school of thought of the sizing of seed beads states that the size (6/0) refers to the number of seed beads per inch (7 beads per inch). Another sizing theory is that the size is based on the rod used to make the beads. The larger the number, the smaller the bead (20 is small, 3 is large).

Seed Bead Sizes
Aught Size mm diameter beads per inch
6/0 3.3 7
8/0 2.5 10
9/0 2.2 11
10/0 2.0 12
11/0 1.8 14
13/0 1.5 17
14/0 1.4 18
15/0 1.3 19
delica 1.8 14


Birthstone Chart
Birth Month Modern Traditional Mystical
January Garnet Garnet Emerald
February Amethyst Amethyst Bloostone
March Aquamarine, Bloodstone Bloodstone Jade
April Diamond Diamond Opal
May Emerald Emerald Sapphire
June Pearl, Moonstone Alexandrite Moonstone
July Ruby Ruby Ruby
August Peridot Sardonyx Diamond
September Sapphire Sapphire Agate
October Opal, Tourmaline Tourmaline Jasper
November Yellow Topaz, Citrine Citrine Pearl
December Turquoise, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite Zircon, Lapis Lazuli Onyx



Wire/Sheet Sizing Charts

Round Wire Gauge

Square Wire Gauge

Wire Sizing Chart
B & S Gauge Decimal Millimeter
12 .0811 2.06
14 .0630 1.60
16 .0512 1.30
18 .0394 1.0
20 .0323 .82
22 .0252 .64
24 .0197 .50
26 .0157 .40
28 .0118 .30

Sheet Gauge

Sheet Size Chart
B & S Gauge Decimal Millimeter
16 .0512 1.30
18 .0394 1.00
20 .0323 .82
22 .0252 .64
24 .0197 .50
26 .0157 .10
28 .0118 .30
30 .0110 .25


Remember that this is a close approximation. Screen resolution and monitor size will affect how you view our charts.


Wire Size and Temper

Wire Gauges - In reference to wire gauge sizes, the larger the number, the smaller the diameter of the wire.

26g - extra fine - for very small and delicate projects
24g - fine - for pearls & most gemstones - easy to work with
22g - medium - fairly universal for glass beads, fits some pearls and gemstones
20g - medium heavy - great for earwires, clasps or larger beads
18g - heavy - often good for chainmaille or when you want a heavier look
16g - heavy - often used as a base to wrap finer wires around
14g - heavy - often used as a base to wrap finer wire around
12g - very heavy - hard to work with, good for rings and buckles

The most commonly used sizes for wire wrapping are 20 to 24g.

Wire Temper - Measures the amount of spring in the wire.

Soft - Has no spring when you bend it. Good for making wire beads.

Half-Hard - Has some spring, but is still malleable. Good for basic wirework. Hold its shape well.


Hot Fix Crystal Guidelines

When affixing Hot Fix crystals to fabric it is important to use enough heat to activate the adhesive, but avoid using too much heat that will in turn, damage the crystal. Use the table below to estimate how much heat you will need to affix Hot Fix crystals to the desired fabric.

Temperature Guidelines in Seconds
120°C
250°F
130°C
265°F
140°C
285°F
150°C
300°F
160°C
320°F
170°C
340°F
Cotton 15 13 11 9 7 5
Linen 15 13 11 9 7 5
Wool 25 22 19 16 13 10
Denim 25 23 21 18 15 12
Lycra 25 21 17 13 9 5
Silk 14 13 11 9 7 5

We recommend using a Teflon sheet to protect the crystal and fabric, and using medium pressure on an iron to ensure that you do not damage the materials. Please note that the temperature/time combinations shown in the above table are guidelines only. Always carry out tests before starting on the actual piece in order to find the best settings for your design.

How To Care:

Here are some basic guidelines to follow when caring for fabric with Xilion Rose Hotfix.

Before Washing - Turn the garment inside out. Be sure to use a gentle wash cycle and a mild washing powder or liquid. To make sure that the crystals are not harmed during the wash, protect them with a soft, washing bag.

Before Drying - Turn the garment inside out. Use a low temperature and a gentle drying cycle. To make sure that the crystals are not harmed during the drying cycle, protect them with a soft washing bag.

When Pressing - Set the warmed iron to "Wool/Silk/Polyester/Viscose" Protect the clothing with a piece of cloth as a buffer between the fabric and the iron. Be careful when ironing, because if the iron is on for too long it can reheat the glue on the Hotfix crystals.

Dry Cleaning - garments with Hotfix crystals can be dry-cleaned.

Do Not Use Chlorine Bleach


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