How to Make a Cute Pony Bead Parrot (Free Pattern!)

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to make an absolutely adorable 90’s style pony bead parrot!

Pony bead pets are everywhere right now, and this colorful parrot is one you’ll want to add to your collection. If you’ve mastered snakes and lizards, this dog will be a breeze!

I’ll walk you through each step, complete with a pictures and a free printable beading pattern. I’ve been making these things since I had a business selling them in the 5th grade, so you’re in good hands. Let’s go!

How to Make a Pony Bead Parrot

Materials

Printable Pony Bead Parrot Pattern
30 main color pony beads
10 first accent color pony beads
2 beak color pony beads
6 second accent color pony beads
4 eye/feet color pony beads
2 feet of ribbon, yarn, or string
scissors
keyring (optional)

Step-by-Step Tutorial with Pictures

Row 1 — If you’re using a keychain, use the optional keychain start to get going. Otherwise, start by threading 3 main color beads onto the string and pushing them to the center.

Row 2, step 1 — Next, place thread a main color, eye, bead, eye, and main color bead onto one end of the string. Keep the beads close to the end.

Row 2, step 2 — Take the other end of the string and thread it through the beads from the other side.

Row 2, step 3 — Pull both ends of the string until the second row is sitting snugly against the first row. You may need to tighten and loosen the string and push the beads around a bit to get it lay flat and snug.

Pony Bead Parrot Pattern — Use this same technique to create the other rows. The pattern tells you which colors to use to get that adorable bird going!

Optional Keychain Start

If you’re using a key chain, you will have a different start. Instead of simply sliding the first bead to the center, you will tie the keychain in the center of the ribbon using a square knot.

Your first row will then be done like the other rows, with the ends of the ribbon going through it from opposite sides. From there, it’s just the same as the non-keychain version!