Larger designs are a lot of fun to make, but they can become a challenge, especially when ironing.
Though you can buy the Perler Super Pegboard or many pegboards that connect together for big designs, there’s a huge risk: pegboards can warp under the heat of the iron. And, once a board is warped, it’s difficult to get it flat and usable again.
Thus, here are two methods that I use when making larger designs.
1. The Tape Method
The tape method, as you probably guessed, involves taping over the large design to remove it from the pegboard before ironing. This avoids the risk of warping the board, but many people think it also helps give a more even melt.
This method is actually so popular that Perler made their own tutorial on how to do it. In their tutorial, they recommend 2″ masking tape and cutting off the excess tape.
Personally, I like to use painter’s tape because it seems to hold better, and I don’t usually cut off the extra tape because it doesn’t seem to impact my designs. I also like to use a battery to make sure every bead sticks to the tape, but any object should work; for example, Perler’s tutorial recommends using the roll of tape. Nevertheless, my way is a lot similar to Perler’s tutorial.
Additionally, with this method, there is some debate over whether you should poke holes in the tape through the center of each bead or skip this step. I tried both methods, and you can see the results here!
The tape method does have its problems. It’s possibly to mess up the design when applying the tape or flipping over the design, and there are times when not all the beads stick to the tape. If you’re using this method for the first time, my advice would be to stay patient! Once you get the hang of it, this method is pretty easy to use.
2. Ironing Two Pieces Into One
This method comes in handy when the tape method isn’t cooperating, when working with mini beads, and when out of room on all your pegboards. I recently ran into all of these problems while working on a project, and this method saved the whole thing.
Below, I give a tutorial on this method. The pictures are of a small design, but it works the same with bigger pieces!
Step-by-Step Process
- Finish part 1 of the design, and iron only one side of it.
- Repeat this process with part 2.
Two completed halves of a watermelon Perler project. - Tape the two parts together on the ironed sides or simply get them as close together as you can.
- Iron the full design together on their not ironed sides.
Completed watermelon design using the “two into one” method. - Optional: iron the other side of the full design again if not melted evenly or to bond the two pieces together more.
Just like the tape method, this method has its own problems. First, I have never tried to iron more than two pieces together, so it might not be the best method for extra large pieces. Second, since you iron the pieces on the pegboards, it holds the same risk of warping the board. Finally, the design can appear uneven or have an obvious gap between pieces if one piece is ironed for longer than the other.
I have never had issues with warping my boards, but the uneven melting is a common problem, especially during step 3.
To Larger Pieces and Beyond
Everyone works differently, so each method might not work for you. I’m not the biggest fan of the tape method (because my hands are so unsteady), but it works for a lot of people.
If you’d like to start making bigger pieces, give one of these methods a try, or think up something new! Everyone will be happy to hear it.
Bead by Bead 