If you are new to the world of diamond art, you might be wondering why some kits specify “Round Drills” while others say “Square Drills.” The choice between the two changes your crafting experience, the difficulty level, and the final look of your masterpiece!
Let’s break down the differences so you know exactly what to look for on your next shopping trip.
Round Diamonds: Easy and Sparkly
Round drills are the ultimate choice for beginners. Because they are circular, you don’t have to worry about placing them perfectly straight. You just pick them up, press them onto the symbol, and move on!
- The Appearance: Because round diamonds don’t fit perfectly edge-to-edge, tiny bits of the canvas background peek through between them. However, they have more cut facets, which often gives them a cross-stitch look with an incredible, intense sparkle.
- The Difficulty: Very low. They are forgiving, fast to place, and perfect for a relaxing night without overthinking.
Square Diamonds: Crisp and Detailed
Square drills are shaped like perfect little blocks. When you place them on the canvas, they fit tightly against each other with absolutely no gaps in between.
- The Appearance: The finished painting looks incredibly clean, sharp, and resemble a beautiful mosaic tile image from a distance. When you fit them together perfectly, they create a highly satisfying “snap” sound.
- The Difficulty: Medium to high. Square diamonds require precision. If you place one slightly crooked, it can throw off the whole row, so you need to use tweezers or a straightener tool to keep them aligned.
Visual Guide: Drills and Completed Art
What the Drills Look Like:
- Round Drills: Smooth, circular beads that roll easily in the tray.
- Square Drills: Sharp, flat-edged squares that line up side-by-side like tiny bricks.
The Finished Picture Look:
- Completed Round Painting: A softer, glittery look where the design is bright, and the tiny canvas gaps are invisible from a distance.
- Completed Square Painting: A solid, full-coverage mosaic masterpiece where the image looks incredibly sharp and full.
What Beginners Should Choose
If you are just starting out, I highly recommend choosing Round Diamonds first. They let you get used to holding the pen, working with the wax, and reading the canvas symbols without the added stress of lining up perfectly straight edges. If you’re completely new to the craft, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Diamond Painting to learn the basics before you begin. Once you have a couple of round canvases under your belt, give a square kit a try for a fun new challenge.