Nålperl

Nålperl, also written nålpärla in Swedish, refers to a small bead commonly used in beadwork and embroidery. The name derives from the combination of the words for needle (nål) and pearl (pärla). In Swedish crafting, nålperlor are a standard component in various beadwork techniques and are often equated with seed beads in English.

Physically, nålperlor are tiny beads with a relatively large central hole for their size, allowing multiple threads or guides to pass through easily. They come in a range of sizes and shapes, most typically round, but also including cylindrical or faceted forms. The beads are produced in various finishes, such as transparent, opaque, iridescent, or metallic, and can be made from glass, plastic, or other materials.

Materials and production methods vary by supplier. The classic nålperla is glass, manufactured by drawing glass into long tubes that are cut into beads or by other common seed-bead manufacturing processes. Modern bead makers also offer imitation or specialty variants, including crystal or coated finishes intended to enhance color and shine in beadwork.

Uses and applications include bead weaving (such as peyote and right-angle weave), bead embroidery on fabric or leather, and decorative stringing for jewelry, accessories, and clothing. The small size and large hole relative to diameter make nålperlor suitable for intricate patterns and multiple-thread techniques.

Care and storage are straightforward: keep beads in dry, sealed containers to prevent tarnish or moisture damage, and separate colors or finishes to avoid dye transfer. For English-language references, nålparla is typically discussed as seed beads used in similar applications.