How to Make an Easy Pony Bead Snake (Free Pattern!)
The easiest pony bead pattern around! Pony bead snakes are perfect for learning basic beading technique, and you get a cute friend to boot.
Pony bead animals are officially cool again. They’re hanging from backpacks and selling on Etsy for 14.95 a pop! For those who don’t want to spend, I got you covered — pony bead snakes are about the easiest thing in the world to make.
Back in 5th grade, I actually had a full-blown business making and selling these little guys (along with lizards and cute keychains) at lunchtime. It lasted a whole two weeks before Mr. Curtis shut me down. So you could say I’m something of an expert. Whether you’re reliving your childhood or introducing these to a new generation, I’ve got you covered with the steps, tips, and tricks to make beaded snakes easy peasy!
How to Make a Pony Bead Snake
Materials
- 23 main color beads
- 16 contrasting color beads
- 2 eye color beads
- printable snake pattern
- 2 feet of ribbon, yarn, or string
- scissors
- keyring (optional)
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1 | Cut Your Ribbon
Start by measuring out about 2 feet of curling ribbon and cutting it. This length gives you plenty of room to work with as you build your snake.
Note: If you’re planning to use this as a keychain, check out the optional keychain instructions below before you beginÂ
Step 2 | Start beading
Take your first bead (in your main color) and slide it to the center of your ribbon. Let it sit flat on your work surface.
Next, thread two more beads of the same color onto just one side of the ribbon. Keep them near the end of that side.
Now, take the other ribbon end and thread it through those same two beads, but from the opposite direction—like this:
Gently pull both ends of the ribbon until the beads sit snugly just under that first center bead. You can adjust them slightly so everything lies flat and even.
Step 3 | Follow the pattern
Keep using that same weaving method for each row. Thread the beads you need for the next row (following the pattern) onto one end of the ribbon. Then take the other ribbon end and feed it through those beads from the opposite side. Pull both ends to bring the new row into place beneath the last one.
The printable pattern will show you exactly which colors to use for each row.
Step 4 | Finish Off
After completing the final row, which will use just one bead, you’re ready to finish up. Use a double square knot to tie off the ends of the ribbon securely. If you don’t know how to tie a square knot, this tutorial is fantastic!
Optional Keychain Start
If you’re adding a keychain, the beginning will look a little different. Instead of threading a bead to the center of your ribbon, start by tying the keychain right at the midpoint of the ribbon.
Your first bead will be added just like any other row—by threading both ends of the ribbon through it from opposite directions.
After that, you’ll follow the same steps as the non-keychain version!
More Beading Patterns
Variations
Once you’ve got the hang of making your basic pony bead snake, you might be ready to try something new. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up!
Mini Snakes: Use seed beads, thread, and a beading needle to make teeny-tiny snakes. They’re small enough to turn into cute dangle earrings or keychain charms.
Experiment with Beads: Want a different look? Try using ceramic, wooden, or metal beads instead of plastic ones. As long as they’re round or oval, they’ll slither just fine!
Switch Up the String: Your snake can have a whole new feel just by changing the string. Try rainbow elastic, plastic lacing, silky ribbon, curling ribbon (my personal favorite!), or even yarn—each one gives your snake a unique personality.
