How to Make a Pony Bead Ladybug (Free Printable)

Learn everything you need to make adorable pony bead ladybugs in this easy step-by-step tutorial!

Pony bead critters are back, and this pony bead ladybug is one of the easiest (and cutest!) ones you can make. With its bright colors and simple design, it’s the perfect project for anyone who wants a quick win without learning any tricky techniques.

I grew up making pony bead animals in the 90s, and honestly, they’re just as fun now as they were back then. This ladybug pattern is beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, and a great way to start your pony bead collection. Clip it to a backpack, turn it into a keychain, or just enjoy having a tiny bead bug buddy of your own.

How to Make a Pony Bead Ladybug

Materials

Free Printable Ladybug Pony Bead Pattern
20 red (or main color) pony beads
18 black pony beads
string, yarn, ribbon, or thread
scissors
keychain (optional)

Step-by-Step Tutorial with Pictures

Row 1 — Start by threading 3 black beads onto your string. Push them to the middle.

Row 2, step 1 — Thread 4 black beads onto one end of the string. Leave them near the end.

Row 2, step 2 — Take the opposite end of the string and thread it through the beads going the opposite direction. You can imagine the string making an X inside the beads. Pull both ends of the string to tighten the row. You want the row to sit snugly against the three beads in the row before. You might have to play around with the string, loosening and tightening it, to get the beads to lay flat.

Finished pony bead ladybug — Use that same technique to complete each of the remaining rows of the lady bug. The pattern tells you what colors to use on each row.
Tie off your ladybug with a double square knot, and she’s totally finished!

Optional Keychain Start

If you’re using a key chain, you will have a different start. Instead of simply sliding the first beads 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!