How to Make a Pony Bead Bracelet

Co-authored by Lois Wade and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 22, 2022 References

Pony bead bracelets are the perfect way to add a bit of color, sparkle, and personality to just about any look. These plastic beads come in every color of the rainbow, have fun designs and letters, and some even glow in the dark. So, how do you make a pony bead bracelet? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish so you can create a one-of-a-kind bracelet of your very own.

1

Measure the length of your wrist.

Wrap a piece of string around your wrist where the bracelet will go. Leave the cord on the roll while you do this rather than cutting it straight away.^{[1]
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Research source} Use a permanent marker to mark the string with your desired length.^{[2]
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- Bracelets are, on average, 7 inches (18 cm) long.^{[3]
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- The type of string you use is entirely up to you, but the key is making sure that the string or yarn you’re using is very durable. It should be more of a cord, instead a string or an embroidery floss.
- You can also use a kind of elastic stretch cord with a little bit of sheen and finish to it, because the idea is to wear it for a while, but as long as the pony beads can fit onto the string, you’re golden.

2

Pick the pattern of your bracelet.

Gather all your pony beads and get creative. Pick out what colors and styles speak to you, and see where your imagination takes you! Not sure what pattern to make? Here are some of our favorite design ideas:
- Alternate between your favorite colors in an ABAB design.
- Create a gradient pattern starting with dark beads and ending with light beads.
- Use every rainbow color to create a colorful rainbow for your wrist.
- Pick out your favorite sport team’s colors to match their uniforms.
- Try a mix of opaque and glow-in-the-dark beads.
- Place letter beads that spell out your name or an inspiring word at the center of your design, and frame them with beads of your favorite color.

3

Layout the pattern of your bracelet.

Line up your pony beads on a flat surface or bead board. Stick to your pattern and design idea. The way you lay out your beads is how they’ll appear on your bracelet, so don’t be afraid to move things around until is absolutely perfect.^{[4]
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4

Stretch out the stretch cord.

Tug on your string a few times before you start beading. Place two fingers on either side of the cord and give it a few small pulls. This preps the cord for the beading process and eliminates the risk of the string snapping as you bead.^{[5]
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- Keep the flat end of the cord roll on a flat surface, so it doesn’t roll away.

5

String the pony beads onto the stretch cord.

Work from left to right and thread your beads onto the string. Keep moving through your pattern until you've reached the final bead and all the beads are on the cord.^{[6]
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6

Cut the string from the roll.

Leave about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of cord on either side of the design.^{[7]
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Research source} Securing the bracelet takes some knotting, so this ensures that you’ll have enough string to finish your project.
- If the cord you’re using frays at the end, no worries! Clip the end of the cord with scissors at a 45-degree angle to give it a sharp point.^{[8]
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7

Tie the ends of the bracelet together.

Bring the ends of the bracelet together and secure with a overhand knot. Move the beads on the cord until the ends are even. Hold the ends of the cord tightly, being careful not to drop the bracelet—you don’t want your beautiful design scattering to the floor.^{[9]
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Research source} Pull the ends of the cord together until the beads from either end of the design touch.
- Try not to pull the cord too tight when you’re knotting, as the knot should be outside the beads.^{[10]
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8

Finish your bracelet with a surgeon’s knot.

Tie an extra secure knot so your bracelet is durable. Take the right-hand cord over the left-hand cord, swing it under the left cord twice, and pull the knot closed. Now, take the left-hand cord over the right-hand cord, swing it under the right cord two times, and pull the knot tight.^{[11]
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- Pull the cord tight enough that there are no gaps between your beads, but not tight enough to make the beads warp.^{[12]
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- Dab glue on the knot for extra security. A small dot of jewelry glue or super glue can make sure the knot stays in place.^{[13]
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- Push the knot under one of the pony beads to hide it.

9

Trim the excess string after the knot.

Try the bracelet to make sure you're happy with the look and fit. Once you're satisfied and sure you don't need to make adjustments, go ahead and cut the excess string after the last knot you tied.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I tie the string to a lobster clasp?

Read4ever

Community Answer

Tie a knot on the string, put it through the hole, and then tie another secure knot. Alternatively, if the string is too thick, you can use another piece of thinner string to attach the clasp to your string.