How to Make an Easy Pony Bead Frog (Free Pattern!)

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

The 90s are back (or at least the aesthetic is), and that means pony bead crafts are having their moment again! If you spent your childhood making bead lizards and keychains, you’re going to love this little throwback. And if you’re new to it? Don’t worry—I’ve got you.

This pony bead frog is a fun, easy pattern, even for beginners. It uses a few simple techniques to shape those cute little legs, but once you get the hang of it, it comes together quickly. And the end result? An adorable froggy that’s just begging to hop onto a backpack or keychain!

How to Make a Pony Bead Frog

Materials

Pony Bead Frog Printable Pattern
54 main color pony beads
12 contrasting color pony beads
2 eye color pony beads
2 feet of string, ribbon, or yarn
scissors
keyring (optional)

Step-by-Step Tutorial with Pictures

Row 1 — Start by threading three main color beads (green) on the string and push them to the center.

Row 2, step 1 — Then, string the eye beads and two main color beads onto just one end of the string. Leave the beads near the end of the string.

Row 2, step 2 — Take the opposite end of the string and thread it through the beads going the opposite direction. You can imagine that it’s making an X inside the beads.

Row 2, complete — Pull both ends of the string so that the beads sit snugly under the first row. You may need to loosen and tighten the string to get the beads to lay flat against the row on top. Use this technique to continue beading until you’ve finished row 4.

Leg, step 1 — To make the legs, string 4 main color beads and 3 contrasting beads (yellow) on one end of the string. Press them up against the frog’s body.

Leg, step 2 — Take that same string end and thread it back through just the main color beads.

Leg, complete — Pull the string tight. The contrasting beads will fan out, and the main color beads should sit right against the frog’s body. You may need to tighten and loosen the string and move the beads around to get it to look right.
Repeat this on the other side to make the other frog’s leg.

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. 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!