The short version: you need six things to start: perler beads, a pegboard, ironing paper, an iron, tweezers, and a pattern. Everything else is optional. A small starter set with a few thousand beads and one board costs about the same as a single craft book.
Perler beads are a low-cost hobby, and the starter kit list is short. Here is exactly what matters, what does not, and where to save money.
The essential supplies
- Beads. A mixed jar of standard 5 mm beads in basic colors is enough for the first month. Start with around 2,000 beads.
- A pegboard. One 29 by 29 board handles almost every small project. Larger boards connect together for bigger designs; our pegboard size guide explains the options.
- Ironing paper. Parchment paper from the kitchen works fine, or buy dedicated ironing paper that lasts longer.
- An iron. Any household iron with a medium-high setting, no steam. You do not need a special craft iron.
- Tweezers. Cheap craft tweezers make placement twice as fast.
- A pattern. Start with a free printable chart from our pattern library or generate one from any image with our pattern generator.
What you can skip
Skip the expensive branded starter kits if you want. There is no need for a bead organizer at first (a few jars work), no need for specialty pliers, and no need for a craft heat tool. For project ideas that only use what you already have, see our easy beginner patterns post. When you are ready to buy more, our shop lists compatible bead packs and tools.