If you’re thinking about delving into the world for 3D Perler Bead projects, I’ve got a quick and easy design to get you started. You can start by creating these 3D Perler Bead dice.
Not only are they easy to make, you don’t need glue to get them to stick together. The pattern is formed so these lovelies just snap together to form dice. Cool, right?
Plus, they are functional dice. Ok, so I wouldn’t use them for hard core rolling on a craps table in Vegas, but we’ve used them. A lot.
So the real reason I decided to make some dice is that I’ve been toying around with the idea of making some large Perler Bead cubes. I’ve had this whole genius vision in my head as to what I want to make, but my brain couldn’t wrap around how to do the edges so it just snaps together.
I’ve seen patterns out there for other 3D Perler Bead projects that are cubes, but I want to do my own pattern. I thought if I tried something small and easy it would help me grasp how it works.
It didn’t.
BUT I have these awesome Perler Bead dice.
I’ll figure out how to make the large cube someday.
Supplies needed for Perler Bead dice
- 2 colors of Perler Beads (contrasting colors, 197 of one and 21 of the other)
- 29 x 29 Perler Bead pegboard
- Perler Bead Ironing Paper (I actually used Ironing film from Artkal because I wanted my beads to have a glossy finish)
- Iron
If you are making this and are new to Perler Beads, check out my Ultimate Perler Bead guide before starting.
Instructions for Perler Bead dice
Below is the pattern for the dice. You can see in the picture that they all fit on one 29 x 29 pegboard. If you don’t have one of these larger pegboards you can make the pieces one at a time on a small square pegboard.
They may look funky, but each piece will snap into the other to make your dice.
One you put the beads on the pegboard in the dice pattern you’ll need to iron it.
Be careful when ironing, you need to iron enough so that all the pieces are sturdy, but not so much that you over melt them. If you over melt then they won’t snap together. I know, I had this happen with one of my pieces. Thankfully the pieces are small so it only took a few minutes to recreate it.
Once you iron Perler Bead dice pattern, wait until it cools then turn it over and melt the other side of the pattern.
Place a heavy book on the pieces while they are cooling. This is so they will be completely flat. I’m not even kidding when I say flat pieces are a necessity when making any Perler Bead 3D project. I had to re-iron this 3D pokemon trinket box, and I wasn’t amused at all.
Putting together your Perler Bead dice
Now that you have all 6 pieces of your dice you’re ready to snap them together. Check out the picture below to see the exact placement for each piece. You’ll start with the piece with 4 dots and then snap on the 1 and the 6. Then add on the 2 and the 5 pieces. Top off Perler Bead dice with the 3 piece.
It’s amazing how easily the pieces snap together to form dice.
If your pieces aren’t melted too much they should fit together easily, you may need to use a little force. If you ironed your dice pieces too much, you may need to make the piece again.
Random dice fact: Did you know that if you add up the opposing faces on a dice the total will be 7.
That random fact may be helpful if someone accidentally takes your Perler Bead dice apart and you want to put it back together with no internet. I guess if that happens you’ve also got yourself a neat little puzzle.
Have fun making these Perler Bead dice. Let me know how they come out in the comments, I love hearing from you!