For Perler beads, you set a household iron to the medium setting. This is the recommended temperature to melt the beads together effectively without overheating or burning them.
Using the correct iron setting is crucial for successfully fusing Perler beads into a solid design. Too low, and the beads won't melt properly; too high, and they can distort, burn, or stick excessively to the ironing paper and pegboard.
Recommended Iron Setting
Based on common crafting guidelines, including the provided reference, the standard setting for ironing Perler beads is:
Iron Setting for Perler Beads
| Craft Item | Iron Setting |
|---|---|
| Perler Beads | Medium |
This setting provides enough heat to fuse the plastic beads gently.
How to Iron Perler Beads
Setting the iron is just the first step. The technique you use is equally important for a smooth, even melt.
- Prepare: Ensure your Perler bead design is complete on the pegboard.
- Cover: Place a sheet of specialized ironing paper (also known as parchment paper or fuse bead paper) directly over the bead design on the pegboard. This paper prevents the melting plastic from sticking to the iron.
- Set Iron: Heat your household iron to the medium setting. Make sure the steam function is turned off, as moisture can affect the melting process.
- Iron: Gently move the iron in a circular motion over the ironing paper covering the design. Do not press down firmly. Apply light, even pressure. Keep the iron moving to distribute heat evenly and prevent beads from overheating in one spot.
- Check: Lift the ironing paper periodically (carefully, as it will be hot!) to check if the beads have fused together to your desired level. Some prefer a slightly melted look where the bead holes are still visible, while others iron until the holes disappear for a fully fused surface.
- Cool: Once satisfied, remove the ironing paper. Place a heavy book or object on the design while it is still on the pegboard to help it cool flat and prevent warping.
- Remove: Once completely cool, carefully remove the fused design from the pegboard. You can then iron the other side if desired, using the same process.
Following these steps, particularly using the medium setting and the recommended technique, will help you achieve great results with your Perler bead projects.
