What are two-hole beads and what can you make with them?

Two-hole beads are shaped glass beads with two parallel holes drilled through them, allowing the thread to pass through at two points instead of one — creating connections, angles, and layered structures that single-hole beads simply can't achieve. They come in dozens of shapes (rectangles, drops, triangles, ovals, and more), almost all made from Czech glass, and they're the foundation of most modern bead weaving design.

If you've seen intricate beaded earrings or structured bracelets and wondered how the beadwork holds its shape so precisely, the answer is almost always two-hole beads.

Why do two holes make such a difference?

With a single-hole bead, thread passes through once — the bead sits on the thread and moves freely. With two holes, the thread enters at one point and exits at another, which means the bead is fixed in a specific orientation relative to the beads around it. That's what creates structure.

This matters enormously in design terms. Two-hole beads allow you to build flat, geometric surfaces that hold their shape without backing. They let you create petal formations, interlocking grids, architectural rows, and curved forms — all from a needle, thread, and a handful of shaped beads. The technique is called bead weaving, and two-hole beads are what made it genuinely versatile.

They also work beautifully with single-hole seed beads — most two-hole bead designs use a mix of both, with the shaped beads providing structure and seed beads filling, edging, or connecting.

What are the most useful two-hole bead shapes to know?

There are over 30 named two-hole bead shapes on the market, but a core group of around 15 covers the vast majority of designs. Here are the most useful to know:

•        Kalos — a small, round bead with a flat face and two holes. Exceptionally versatile; used in everything from peyote stitch earrings to complex geometric structures. One of the most widely used shapes in modern bead weaving.

•        Samos — a rectangle with rounded ends and two holes. Creates clean, structured rows and works beautifully in stud earrings and cuff bracelets.

•        Amos — a curved shape from Par Puca, similar to Kalos but with a slight arc. Pairs naturally with Kalos for floral and lacy designs.

•        Piros — a small square bead with two holes. Produces bold, graphic results — great for drop earrings and statement pieces.

•        SuperDuo — an oval bead with two holes at each end. One of the original two-hole bead shapes and still one of the most popular, particularly for bracelets and cuffs.

•        Rulla — a small barrel shape. Ideal for structured rows, spacers, and connecting elements.

•        Kheops — a triangle bead from Par Puca. Adds sharp geometric angles and works well as a directional element in complex designs.

•        Paisley Duo & Storm Duo — asymmetrical shapes that add movement and organic flow to designs that might otherwise feel too rigid.

On A String has a free downloadable reference guide covering over 15 two-hole bead types with measurements and hole orientations — download the Two-Hole Bead Overview here. It's a useful reference to keep alongside your project notes.

What can you actually make with two-hole beads?

The range is enormous — but the most popular starting point is earrings, because the bead count is manageable and the results are immediate and wearable.

The Lazy Daisy Earrings (AU$10.00) combine Kalos and Amos beads in a lacy floral drop — a good first two-hole bead project because both shapes are forgiving and the pattern is satisfying to repeat. The Zinnia Studs (AU$8.00) use four Samos beads around a crystal centre for a clean, modern stud that converts to a drop if you prefer.

For something more colourful, the Celebration Earrings (AU$8.00) use Piros beads in a bold drop design, and the Jelly Studs (AU$8.00) use just two Par Puca bead types — Lipsi and Piros — around a crystal centre for a quick, jewel-like result.

For bracelets, the Simple Cuff (AU$6.00) is a SuperDuo flower cuff with a pearl button closure — a beginner-rated project that demonstrates how SuperDuos interlock to create a flexible, structured surface across the wrist.

Are two-hole beads suitable for beginners?

Yes — with the right tutorial. The key is starting with shapes that have consistent hole placement and pair logically with seed beads. Kalos, Samos, Piros, and SuperDuos are all good beginner shapes because the patterns they produce are repetitive and the logic is easy to follow once you're in it.

The most common beginner mistake with two-hole beads is pulling thread too tight — the second hole means tension affects orientation more directly than with single-hole beads. Going slowly and keeping tension consistent makes a significant difference in the early stages.

A well-written tutorial will tell you which hole to enter first and which direction the bead should face at each step. If the tutorial doesn't specify this, that's a sign it may not be written for beginners — regardless of what the skill label says.

Where to start

Download the free Two-Hole Bead Overview guide to get familiar with the shapes, then browse the tutorial range at On A String to find a first project. Most beginner-rated earring tutorials are AU$6–$10 and deliver instantly as PDF downloads — enough to get you making something the same day.