How to Make a Pony Bead Bracelet

Co-authored by Lois Wade and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 8, 2023 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.

Download Article

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]
X
Research source} Use a permanent marker to mark the string with your desired length. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Bracelets are, on average, 7 inches (18 cm) long. ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- 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.

Download Article

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.

Download Article

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]
X
Research source}

4

Stretch out the stretch cord.

Download Article

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]
X
Research source}
- 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.

Download Article

Keep moving through your pattern until you've reached the final bead and all the beads are on the cord. ^{[6]
X
Research source}

6

Cut the string from the roll.

Download Article

Leave about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of cord on either side of the design. ^{[7]
X
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]
  X
  Research source}

7

Tie the ends of the bracelet together.

Download Article

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]
X
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]
  X
  Research source}

8

Finish your bracelet with a surgeon’s knot.

Download Article

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]
X
Research source}
- Pull the cord tight enough that there are no gaps between your beads, but not tight enough to make the beads warp. ^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- 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]
  X
  Research source}
- Push the knot under one of the pony beads to hide it.
EXPERT TIP

Aly Rusciano
wikiHow Staff Writer
Aly Rusciano is a Creative Writer based outside of Nashville, Tennessee. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. Aly’s writing has been nationally recognized in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and featured in Blue Marble Review, The Sunshine Review, PopMatters, and Cathartic Literary Magazine. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre.

Aly Rusciano
wikiHow Staff Writer

“If I don’t have craft or super glue on hand, I like using clear nail polish to secure my bracelet’s knot. The nail polish dries quickly and easily molds to the cord.”

9

Trim the excess string after the knot.

Download Article

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]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 27 Helpful 12

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Things You’ll Need

Pony beads
Letter beads (optional)
Elastic stretch cord
Measuring tape or ruler
Scissors
Jewelry glue or super glue (optional)

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

Log in

How to Make a Pony Bead Bracelet

Steps

Measure the length of your wrist.

Pick the pattern of your bracelet.

Layout the pattern of your bracelet.

Stretch out the stretch cord.

String the pony beads onto the stretch cord.

Cut the string from the roll.

Tie the ends of the bracelet together.

Finish your bracelet with a surgeon’s knot.

Trim the excess string after the knot.

Community Q&A

Things You’ll Need

Video

Tips

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories