The short version: a perler pattern is a grid where every square equals one bead. Colors are shown as filled squares matched to a color key (often with brand codes like Perler or Hama numbers). Read row by row, left to right, and place one bead per square.
Reading a bead pattern is easier than reading a knitting chart, because the grid is the finished piece, not an abstraction. Here is everything you need to go from PDF to pegboard.
The grid
Each square in the grid is one bead on one peg. The grid dimensions tell you the board size: a 29 by 29 pattern fits one standard pegboard. Count rows from the top, place beads from the top left, and you will not lose your place. Patterns in our library print the grid with row and column numbers.
The color key
Colored squares map to a legend listing bead names, codes, or hex colors. Brand codes matter: Perler and Hama numbers differ, so check which brand the pattern targets. Our color library shows cross-brand equivalents, so you can swap. If a pattern lists a count (for example 431 beads total), that is also the budget for buying beads.
Shortcuts for beginners
Place one color at a time instead of switching. Start with the outlines, then fill the middle. And if a chart feels too detailed, generate a simplified version with our free pattern generator, which lets you set bead count and color limits. Our easy patterns post is a good training ground.