The short version: fusing takes five steps: cover the beads with ironing paper, heat the iron to medium-high without steam, press in slow circles for 10 to 15 seconds, check that the holes are still visible, then flip and repeat on the back for 8 to 12 seconds.
Fusing is what turns a tray of loose beads into a permanent piece. It sounds intimidating the first time, but the process is short and forgiving, and you can always iron again if the first pass was too light.
The five steps
- 1. Cover: lay ironing paper over the beads, extending past every edge.
- 2. Heat: set the iron to medium-high, about 150 degrees, steam off.
- 3. Press: move the iron in slow circles for 10 to 15 seconds without pressing down hard.
- 4. Check: look through the paper. Fused surface plus visible holes means it is done.
- 5. Flip and repeat: cool for a minute, peel, flip, re-cover, and iron the back for 8 to 12 seconds.
Common fusing mistakes
Steam is the biggest killer: water in the iron makes beads warp and stick to the paper. Pressing hard flattens beads instead of fusing them. And leaving the iron still burns one spot while the rest stays loose. If your beads will not fuse at all, the heat may be too low, or the plastic may be a softer generic blend, which our not melting FAQ covers. Full technique in our ironing guide.