-
Black cat pony bead -
Christmas tree pony bead -
Easter egg pony bead -
Ghost pony bead -
Heart pony bead -
Jack-o'-lantern pony bead -
Penguin pony bead -
Rainbow stripe pony bead -
Smiley face pony bead -
Snowman pony bead -
Strawberry pony bead -
Watermelon wedge pony bead
Every pattern here is charted for the lacing method, sometimes called the ladder or cross-over method. You thread a row of beads onto one end of the cord, then pass the other end through the same beads from the opposite side, so the two ends cross inside the row. Pull both ends and the row locks in place; then start the next row underneath.
Because the cord runs through every bead in a row, a row can never have a gap in it. Each design is built from unbroken rows that are centred on the one above, which is how a laced piece hangs naturally. The written list on each pattern page gives every row from the top, with the colours in order from left to right.
The charts assume standard pony beads, about 9 mm across and 6 mm long, lying on their side in the row. That makes each bead about 6 mm wide and 9 mm tall in the finished piece, so the charts are drawn with tall cells. The colours are generic pony bead shades with our own names; use the closest beads you have.
Each pattern page also estimates the cord you need. All the designs are original and free to make under CC BY-NC 4.0. Open any of them in the editor to change the colours, or make your own name keychain with the text tool.
Frequently asked questions
What cord should I use?
A non-stretch cord that fits twice through a pony bead: plastic lacing (lanyard cord), satin cord or thin paracord. Elastic stretches and lets the rows go floppy.
How do I start a pony bead keychain?
Fold the cord in half through a split ring or keyring so the two ends are the same length, then lace the first row. For a piece without a ring, start the first row in the middle of the cord.
How much cord do I need?
Each pattern page gives an estimate: both ends pass through every row and drop about 9 mm to the next, plus about 50 cm for the top loop and tying off. Cut a little more than the estimate.
How do I finish the piece?
After the last row, tie the two ends together in a tight double knot under the last bead, or thread them back up through the row above before knotting. Trim the ends, leaving a little tail.
Last updated · About us