How to Make the Cutest Pony Bead Hamster (Free Pattern!)

If you’re looking to expand your pony bead pet collection, this pony bead hamster is an adorable next step! This intermediate pattern uses some new techniques, but the step-by-step tutorial makes learning them a breeze.

Everyone loves the 90s these days, and there’s nothing more 90s than a bead pet hanging off your backpack. This pony bead hamster is still totally doable for beginners, but it does step things up just a bit. The ears and feet use a split row technique, which adds a little extra detail (and a lot of personality!). If you’ve already tried a simpler pattern, like a snake, fish, or parrot, this little guy is a great next step—and yes, he’s still pretty darn cute to boot!

As a certified 90s girl, I’ve spent many an afternoon making these little guys, so I know all the tips and tricks—especially when it comes to slightly trickier designs like this one. I’ve got an easy-to-follow tutorial with pictures of each step to help you nail that split row stuff!

How to Make a Pony Bead Hamster

Materials

printable pony bead hamster pattern
40 main color pony beads
22 contrast color pony beads
2 inner ear color pony beads
2 eye color pony beads
3 feet of ribbon, string, or yarn
scissors
keychain (optional)

Step-by-Step Tutorial with Pictures

Ears and first row, step 1 — For the first row AND the ears, thread two contrasting beads, one inner ear bead, 5 contrasting beads, one inner ear bead, and two contrasting beads onto the string. Push them to the center of the string.

Ears and first row, step 2 — Take the end of the string on the left. Bring it around and thread it through the center bead and the two contrasting color beads next to the center bead on the right. Then, take the right end of the string. Thread it through the center bead and the two contrasting color beads next to the center bead on the right.

Ears and first row, finished — Pull the ends taught. I do this one side at a time, and slowly while moving the beads around to get them looking like I want them.

Second row, step 1 — Next, follow the pattern to thread the beads from row 2 onto one end of the string.

Second row, step 2 — Take the other end of the string and thread it through the beads in the opposite direction.

Second row, finished — Pull the ends of the string in opposite directions until the second row sits snuggly under the first row. You will probably have to wiggle the beads and loosen and tighten the strings to get the beads to lay flat. That’s normal!
Follow the pattern to do the rest of the rows using the same technique as for the second row.

Feet, step 1 — To do the feet, start by threading 2 contrasting color beads on one end of the string.
Similar to the ears, you’re going to thread the string through the center bead of the previous row and the three beads next to it. Pull the string taught, then repeat this on the other side.

Optional Keychain Start

If you’re using a key chain, you will have a different start. Instead of simply sliding the first row to the center, you will tie the keychain after the first ear (so it will go inner ear bead, 2 contrasting beads, keychain, then 5 contrasting beads, one inner ear bead, and 2 contrasting beads).

Then, you follow the instructions for the pattern as written. The keychain will end up on the inside of the hamster’s ear!