The short answer: most standard boards lock together with small tabs along the edges. Line up two boards, press them together until they click, and they hold like one piece. For big projects, use the tape method so the beads stay put while you move the boards.
Connecting boards is how you go from keychain-size projects to wall art. The good news is that you rarely need a special connector set.
How board locking works
- Interlocking tabs: standard 29 by 29 boards have tab-and-slot edges. Slide them together and they snap in place.
- Check the peg spacing: before you snap boards together, make sure the pegs line up evenly across the seam. If they do not, patterns will look broken.
- Brand limits: Perler, Hama, and Artkal boards share the same peg spacing, but their locking tabs are not always compatible. Test a corner pair before committing to a full layout.
The tape method for connecting boards
The tape method is the safest way to build on multiple boards:
- Build each section on its own board. Press the beads down fully so they are all the same height.
- Cover each section with tape and rub it down gently.
- Flip the board over and lift it off. The beads stay stuck to the tape.
- Join the taped sections side by side, then iron them from the back.
With the tape method you never have to snap boards together with beads on them, which is where beads spill and patterns shift. You can also work on a flat surface with the boards simply butted edge to edge. For sizing help, our pegboard size guide covers every common board. When the connected piece is ready, our guide on ironing large projects walks you through the finishing steps. Need a pattern to fill those boards? Browse the pattern library for multi-board designs.