What you need
Ironing fuse beads takes a few simple things. Have them ready before you heat the iron, because the beads need to be fused while they are still in place on the pegboard.
- A finished design on a pegboard.
- Ironing paper, which usually comes with bead kits. Baking parchment is a common substitute.
- A household iron without steam.
- A flat, heat-safe surface.
- A heavy flat book for flattening afterward.
Adult supervision
Irons are hot. Children should only fuse beads with an adult doing or closely supervising the ironing. Keep the cord out of reach and let the iron cool completely before you put it away.
Ironing step by step
Set the iron to medium heat with the steam off. Lay the ironing paper over the beads. Press the iron gently and move it in slow circles for several seconds, then check how far the beads have melted.
Look through the paper for the beads to appear fused with small holes remaining in the center. Stop there if you want a pegboard look. For a flatter, more solid result, keep going for a few more seconds.
Flip and finish
Let the piece cool for a moment, then peel off the paper. Carefully lift the design off the board. Place paper over the back and iron the other side, so both sides fuse evenly. Put the piece under a heavy book while it cools to keep it flat.
Troubleshooting
Most problems come from too little heat, too much heat or uneven pressure. Make small changes and test on a spare piece.
- Holes still too open: iron a few seconds longer, with light pressure.
- Piece curls or warps: iron both sides and press under a book while cooling.
- Beads stick to the paper: peel the paper off while still warm, or use fresh paper.
- Beads fall apart: they were not heated long enough; iron again.
- Edges melted too much: lift the iron earlier next time.
Have a correction or a suggestion? Tell the studio.