How to Make Pony Bead Bracelets

To make stretch bracelets, you just need pony beads and elastic cord. These simple bracelets are perfect for beginners and a fun activity for groups, classrooms, parties, and events.

With hundreds of pony bead colors and mixes available, you can create unique bracelet designs, color patterns, and personalized name bracelets.

Stretch bracelets are easy to make and slip right onto your wrist, making them perfect for everyday wear or personalized gifts. You can create unique color combinations with pony bead mixes and add names and messages with letter beads for a custom look.

Beaded bracelets are also a fun group activity for parties, rainy days, festivals, or events. After making bracelets with vibrant colored pony beads, extra beads can be used in hair braids or for keychains and other beading projects.

Plan Your Bracelet First
Before choosing your colors, browse our full pony beads collection to explore available options.
- Use the bracelet size tool to find the right fit
- Use the bracelet calculator to determine bead count
- Check the bead size guide to choose the best beads

Tips - Before you start

• To plan your bracelet design, lay out your beads on a bead board and experiment with different color combinations and patterns. Our pony bead mixes are pre-made color combinations, making it easy to create bracelet designs without planning from scratch.
• To adjust the size of your bracelet, add or subtract beads (each pony bead is about 1/4"). 
• How many beads and how much string will you need to make stretch bracelets? Use our Bead Bracelet Calculator to plan your design before choosing your beads
• You can also make necklaces - It's easy to make necklaces with cotton cord, hemp or rubber cord that are one size fits all, just make them long enough to slip over the head or use elastic cord.

HOW TO MAKE PONY BEAD BRACELETS

Simple instructions making a stretch bracelet with pony beads:

1. Cut 12" elastic cord
2. Attach a bead stopper or binder clip to one end of the string to keep beads from falling off
3. String beads in your desired pattern or design (mix solid colors or add alphabet beads for personalization)
4. Tie a secure double knot and trim excess cord - some types of elastic cord have special knotting instructions, check the packaging for instructions

Supplies for Pony Bead Bracelets
- 12" of elastic cord per bracelet, our example uses 0.9mm elastic cord 
- 30–35 beads per bracelet – 6x9mm pony beads and 7mm alphabet beads (great for name bracelets)
- scissors
- bead stoppers or binder clips
- bead board
- bead mat or soft place mat
- beading needle

Ready to start your project?
Browse our full collection of pony beads in hundreds of colors and mixes. 
→ Shop Pony Beads

Bracelet Size Guide
Use our Bracelet Size Tool to find the perfect fit before you start.

7" bracelet - a small adult bracelet size
7.25 - 7.5" - average women's bracelet size
8" or larger - large adult/ men's bracelet size

How Many Beads to Make a Bracelet
How many beads and how much string will you need? Use our Bracelet Calculator to instantly plan your design based on bead size and bracelet length.

7" bracelet - about 30 pony beads (6x9mm size)
7.5" bracelet - about 32 pony beads (6x9mm size)
8" bracelet - about 34 pony beads (6x9mm size)

MORE TIPS

• When using extra large beads (12mm or larger), add smaller beads in between as spacers to make the bracelet more flexible on the wrist
• Use Bead Board to lay out your beads and plan out your design
• Attach a bead stopper or binder clip to one end of the string to keep beads from falling off the end as you are stringing them on
• Use a bead mat, or fabric place mat to prevent beads from bouncing and rolling off your table
• A beading needle can make stringing beads quicker and easier, especially helpful if you are making a bunch of bracelets
  

Having a party? See checklist and tips for hosting a Bead Party

Start Your Bracelet Project

Ready to create your own designs? Browse pony beads, alphabet beads, and bracelet supplies to get started

If you’re experimenting with different sizes or styles, use the bead size guide and bracelet calculator to plan your next bracelet with confidence.

Pony beads are popular for many types of bead projects and craft projects. You can create custom friendship bracelets using plastic pony beads and alphabet beads. Since pony bead are available in over 175 different colors and mixes, you can create many unique designs. To create personalized jewelry and accessories, use alphabet beads and number beads to spell names or create special sayings and messages. Use pony beads to create bracelets, necklaces, key chains and other crafts. 

More Ways to Use Pony Beads

Pony beads are great for a wide variety of craft projects. You can create friendship bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and more using plastic pony beads and alphabet beads.

With hundreds of pony bead color options available, it’s easy to experiment with different color palettes and patterns. You can also use alphabet beads and number beads to spell names, initials, or meaningful phrases.
 

Pictured Above: 
"Hope" Bracelet features Pearl mix pony beads
"Dream" bracelet features Glitter mix pony beads
"Love" bracelet features Valentine's mix pony beads

We'd love to see what you made - please share your pics or share on social media @ponybeadstore