How to Make a Pony Bead Axolotl Buddy (Free Pattern!)

Make the easiest little pony bead axolotl using our free printable pattern and step-by-step picture tutorial!

Axolotls have become everyone’s favorite little amphibian, and it’s easy to see why. It looks so stinkin’ happy with its goofy smile and fluffy gills, and this pony bead version is just as fun to make as it is to show off.

I grew up making pony bead animals in the 90s, and I still love putting a fresh spin on these classics like lizards, snakes, and turtles. This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for a keychain, backpack charm, or a cute addition to your growing pony bead pet shop!

How to Make a Pony Bead Axolotl

Materials

Free Printable Axolotl Pony Bead Pattern
44 main color pony beads (light pink)
39 contrasting color pony bead (dark pink)
2 eye color pony beads (black)
about 4 feet of ribbon, string, or yarn
keychain ring (optional)
scissors

Step-by-Step Tutorial with Pictures

Axolotl Row 1 — Start by sliding two of your main color pony beads to the center of the string.

Axolotl Row 2, Step 1 — Next, slide three main color pony beads onto just one end of the string. Leave them near the end.

Axolotl Row 2, Step 2 — Take the other end of the string and thread it through the three pony beads from the other side. You can think of the two string ends as making a little X inside the pony beads.

Axolotl Row 2, Finished — Pull both ends of the string to slide the beads up under the first row. You want them to sit snugly, so you probably will have to wiggle them around and tighten and loosen the string until you get them the way you want them. That’s normal!

Gill Step 1 — To do the gills, thread three contrasting color beads onto just one end of the string. Push the beads up against the axolotl’s body.

Gill, Step 2 — Take the same string end that the beads are on and thread it back through the two beads closest to the axolotl’s body. Pull the string taught to finish the gill! You’ll repeat this on the other side.

Pony bead pattern — Follow the pattern to make the rest of the head.

Arm or Leg, Step 1 — After row seven, you’ll make your first arm/leg. Thread two main color beads and three contrasting color beads onto just one end of the string. Just like with the gills, push the beads all the way up against the body.

Arm or Leg, Step 2 — Take that same string end, and thread it back through the two main color beads. Pull it taught, then wiggle the beads around to get the shape of the foot. You’ll repeat this for all of the arms and legs.

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!