About Perler 87×87 patterns
Perler is the most common fuse bead brand in the US. Patterns use Perler color codes such as P18 Black and the matching item numbers printed on the bags, so you can shop straight from the color list.
87×87 works well for detailed photo portraits and framed wall art. The PDF splits the design into one page per 29×29 pegboard with row and column numbers, so you can build it board by board.
Tip: For portraits, raise contrast slightly and allow 25–35 colors; dithering helps skin tones blend instead of forming hard bands.
Open these settings in the full pattern maker →
Frequently asked questions
How many beads do I need for a 87×87 Perler pattern?
A full 87×87 pattern uses up to 7,569 beads. The exact number per color is shown in the color list after you generate the pattern, and you can download it as a CSV shopping list. Buy roughly 10% extra to cover lost beads.
How big is a 87×87 bead pattern in real life?
With 5 mm beads it is about 43.5 × 43.5 cm (17.1 × 17.1 in). Beads shrink slightly when ironed, so the final piece may be a little smaller.
Which Perler color codes does the maker use?
It matches your photo to Perler colors using CIEDE2000 color difference and shows codes such as P01 White (item 80-19001). The RGB values come from the community-maintained beadcolors dataset; real beads can look slightly different from your screen.
How long does an 87×87 Perler pattern take?
It is a big project — over 7,500 beads. Many people spread it across several sessions, building one board per PDF page and storing finished boards flat.