Rocailles

Rocailles are small glass beads used in beadwork and embroidery. Also known as rocaille beads or seed beads, they are typically uniform in size and round in shape. The term rocailles derives from rocaille, the French word for decorative rockwork associated with the Rococo art movement, and in beadwork it signals their use in traditional rocaille-style embroidery.

Rocailles come in a wide range of sizes and finishes. They are usually about 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter and are available in opaque, transparent, and translucent finishes, including iridescent, pearlescent, and metallic coatings. They are produced by glassmakers in several countries, with major supplies stemming from European and Asian producers.

Common uses include bead weaving on looms or with techniques such as peyote and brick stitch, as well as bead embroidery and even bead crochet. They serve as the basic unit in many intricate projects and can be paired with other bead types, though rocailles are typically round rather than cylindrical like some other seed beads. They are threaded with fine beading needles and flexible thread.

In English-language beadwork, rocailles are often referred to as seed beads; the term rocaille is more common in French-speaking beadwork communities. The variety of sizes and finishes makes rocailles versatile for jewelry, accessories, and decorative crafts.