First, you’ll need a flat, stable area to make your fuse bead design. Be sure to pick a place that is in a low-traffic area to prevent accidents that could ruin your project. This tutorial will not cover the Tape Method.

• pegboard
• household iron (no water)
• fuse beads
• parchment paper
• something heavy and flat like a large book
• tweezers (optional)

Tutorial

#1 Get Supplies

2″ wide standard masking tape or painters tape. Brand does not matter.

Weights (e.g. heavy books)

Parchment paper

#2 Apply the Tape

Apply your tape CAREFULLY over the beads of your design, overlapping strips by about 1/4″ until the design is completely covered. This step requires a steady and confident hand. Once the tape is down do not lift up for any reason. (see photo reel below)

#3 Secure the Beads

Go back over your design and press the tape well onto the beads to make sure all are adhered securely to the tape. If you are using different brands such as Artkal and Perler together then be aware their beads vary in height so be sure to press the tape onto all of the beads that may be shorter.

#4 Lift and Fix

You can now grab your project by the tape and lift it from the pegboard. Once you lift it, don’t attempt to lay back down. There’s no turning back. As you lift the project you may see beads left on the board that did not stick to the tape. Don’t worry about it and keep going – you can go back and place them where they belong.

#5 Poke Holes

The tape can trap hot air when melting and cause bead ‘blowouts’. Blowouts are when a hot air has nowhere to escape causing the hole in the center to expand too much. Poke a tiny hole in the center to allow air to escape – do this for every bead. Tip: Use a spare pegboard. Line up the pegs with the the holes of the beads and press the pegboard in for a quick hole punch.

#6 Iron and Remove Tape

Place your parchment paper over the non-taped side of your design and iron as normal. Do not iron on the side that is taped. Then place a large book on top of your project for about 5-10 minutes. While your project is somewhat warm, carefully remove the tape and place the large book back on top until completely cool.