Printable pattern guide
Published September 28, 2026 · Based on the current Meltbead print view
How to Read and Print a Bead Pattern
A good printout answers three questions: which color goes here, how many beads do I need, and which board section am I building? Here is how to use the chart Meltbead creates from your current grid.
Open the pattern makerRead the first page
Start with the material key
The first page shows the project name, grid width and height, total placed beads, colors used, an approximate size before fusing, and a board estimate. Its material key pairs each printed number with a color code, name, and bead count. If there are many colors, the key continues onto another page.
| On the chart | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Number in a cell | Points to a row in the material key | Read its color code and name |
| Blank cell | No bead in that grid position | Leave its peg empty |
| Bead count | Occupied cells using that color | Compare with your stock and allow spares |
| Row and column labels | Positions in the whole pattern | Use them to align neighboring pages |
A palette code is meaningful only for the palette named on the printout. The Meltbead studio palette uses reference codes, not manufacturer product numbers. Compare important shades with physical beads before buying a large quantity.
Build across pages
Match each tile to the assembly map
The first key page contains a tile assembly map. Following pages split the pattern into sections of up to 29 × 29 cells. Each tile has a label, page number, and the row and column range it covers. Those numbers refer to the whole pattern, so the last column on one page is followed by the next column on the adjoining page.
Example: a 58 × 29 pattern
columns 1–29
columns 30–58
Both pages show rows 1–29. Place the physical boards side by side only if your board system connects that way. Check the board arrangement before ironing.
The print pages are always tiled at up to 29 cells per page. The board estimate uses the peg count you set under Settings → Beads & pegboards. If your boards are not 29 pegs wide, use the printed row and column numbers to map the pages to your actual boards.
Print or save
Use A4 and 100% scale
- 1
Finish the grid
Check the palette, bead counts, and every board seam in Edit mode. Add a project name at the top of the workspace so the pages are easy to identify.
- 2
Open Print / PDF
Choose the Print / PDF control in the maker header. Select Black & white symbols if color printing is unavailable, then choose Open print preview.
- 3
Print or save as PDF
In the new window, choose Print / Save as PDF. Use A4 paper at 100% scale. Your browser or operating system can save the print job as a PDF. Allow pop-ups for Meltbead if the preview does not open.
- 4
Keep the legend with the tiles
Print the material key and tile pages together, or keep the PDF open beside the boards. Check the first and last row of each tile before placing beads.
Keep the printout beside the pegboard. The pages are reference diagrams with readable cells, not actual-size templates to place beneath a board.
Other ways to carry the pattern
Use PNG, CSV, or Follow pattern
The maker’s PNG control saves an image of the pattern. Materials CSV saves the color list and counts for checking inventory. Neither replaces the multi-page print layout. If you would rather work on screen, switch from Edit to Follow pattern, choose a board section, and tap cells as you place beads. Progress stays in this browser on this device.
If the grid itself needs work, go back to the photo-to-pattern guide. When every bead is in place, use the ironing guide to finish it.
Open the pattern maker