11/0 2-cuts Alabaster Matte (loose)

Alabaster Matte are opal white beads with a matte coating. These cloudy white beads are perfect for backgrounds with vibrant patterns or for muted pieces, since the matte coating subdues the shine.

Transparent glass allows light to pass through the bead, liked stained glass. The beads are see-through, so the color of the stringing material can affect the appearance - transparent beads strung on black thread will look darker than the same beads on white thread. The matte finish mutes the shiny glass and gives these beads a softened appearance. Use matte beads next to gleaming, glittery luster or AB (aurora borealis) beads, to draw attention to the latter.

2-cuts are great for powwow beadwork. They have a certain sparkle and flash but are more economical than other cut beads. They do have sharp edges on the ends and can cut threads. We do not recommend these for peyote stitch, bead-weaving, loomwork, or any other beading technique where the ends touch threads. For applique/flat stitching, if you're having a problem with broken threads, here is our advice. When pulling the thread through the bead, be sure to pull it straight out of the hole. Do not pull it up and against the edge, this can cause your thread to fray and eventually break.

Size 11 (or 11/0) 2-cuts measure approximately 1.9mm. The hole of the bead is at least 0.7mm in diameter. Sold loose in 1 oz bags; expect about 3,000 beads per ounce. Made in the Czech Republic.