The short answer: the tape method means covering your finished beads with tape, flipping the board over, lifting the board off, and ironing the back of the beads instead of the front. It keeps beads in place, protects the board from heat, and makes large or multi-board projects much easier.
Ironing directly on the board works for small pieces, but it has two problems: the iron can warp the plastic board, and beads can shift. The tape method removes both.
How the tape method works
- Finish the design on the pegboard.
- Press strips of tape across the beads. Painter’s tape or masking tape works best, low-tack so it releases easily.
- Rub the tape down gently so every bead touches it.
- Flip the board over and lift it off. The beads stay on the tape.
- Iron the back of the beads through parchment paper.
- Peel the tape off after the piece cools, then iron the other side lightly if you want a full melt.
When to use it
- Large projects: the tape holds all beads in place so you can work in sections.
- Multiple boards: sections stay put while you connect them.
- Kids: no hot iron near the board, and spills are less likely.
- Warped boards: if your board is slightly curved, the tape keeps beads from following the curve.
Our large project ironing guide uses the tape method from start to finish, and the full technique is also covered in the ironing guide. Tape, parchment, and boards are all in our shop.