These pony bead watermelon keychains are such a fun summer craft! The bright coloured beads make them look just like tiny watermelon slices, and they’re a great way for kids to turn simple supplies into something cute and useful. This watermelon pony bead pattern is easy to make and perfect for adding to backpacks, lunch bags, keys, or party favor bags.
Because they use basic beads and cord, these watermelon keychains are a great craft for summer camps, classrooms, or even a creative afternoon at home. Kids will love following the pattern and watching the little watermelon shape come together row by row. These DIY pony bead accessories are quick to make, easy to customize, and a super cheerful beaded craft that’s perfect for summer!
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How to Make a Pony Bead Watermelon
Materials:
- Red rattail cord
- Split ring keyring
- Pony beads (red, black, green)
Equipment:
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Prepare your cord
- To make your pony bead watermelon, cut a 28 inch piece of red rattail cord.
- Fold the cord in half.
- Attach the cord to a split ring keyring (or a jump ring attached to a keyring) using a lark’s head knot.To do this, bring the loop up through the keyring and then down over the other side. Pull the cords tight to secure.
- Use painter’s tape to secure the keyring to your working surface.
Step 3: Add the first bead
- Gather red, black, and green pony beads to make your keychain.
- To make a pony bead keychain we’ll be working with both cord ends, attaching beads first to one and then going through in the opposite direction with the other end.
- Begin making Row 1 by adding 1 red bead to the left cord.(You can also start with the right cord if it’s more comfortable for you. The pattern will work either way.)
- Now take the end of the right cord and push it through the right side of the bead, so it’s attached to both cord ends.
- Pull the cord ends so the bead comes closer to the keyring.
- Pull down and out to bring the bead to the center, just below the keyring.
Step 4: Make the rest of the pattern
- For Row 2, add 1 black and 2 red beads. Attach them to both cords in the same way as row 1.
- Again, pull the cord ends so the beads end up centered just below row 1. It should be a straight row and relatively snug, but don’t pull too hard that the beads buckle.
- Follow the same steps to add the rest of the beads:Row 3: 3 red, black, redRow 4: red, black, 4 red, blackRow 5: 4 red, black, 4 redRow 6: 11 green(Note: If you find 11 beads makes the bottom row droop too much you can add 10 green beads instead.)
Step 5: Finish off the keychain
- Make a knot in each cord, as close to the last beads as possible.
- Then cut off the excess cord, close to the knots.
- Hold a lit BBQ lighter next to the cord ends for a couple seconds. This will melt the end of the cords and stop them from unraveling.
- Your pony bead watermelon is complete!
Helpful Tips:
- Optional: Lay out the bead colours for each row before you start. This makes it easier to follow the pattern and keep the watermelon design in the right order.
- Only burn the ends of the cords if you’re using rattail, paracord, or another synthetic fiber. DO NOT burn the ends of cotton string or another natural cord, as they will catch fire instead of melting.
What is the pattern for this watermelon pony bead keychain?
If you already know how to make a basic pony bead keychain, here’s the simple colour pattern for you to follow. The colours are shortened to initials, with “r” meaning red, “b” meaning black, and “g” meaning green.
- Row 1: r
- Row 2: b 2r
- Row 3: 3r b r
- Row 4: r b 4r b
- Row 5: 4r b 4r
- Row 6: 11g
What’s the best cord for making a pony bead watermelon design?
We used 1mm red rattail cord for these keychains. The red cord matches the beads well, and the rattail cord is both sturdy and smooth. It holds up well and slides nicely through the beads. If you don’t have red cord, you can also use black, white, or whatever colour you’d like.
Other good options for making pony bead crafts are micro paracord or waxed jewelry cord. You can even use cotton twine or embroidery thread if that’s all you have, though the beads won’t slide on as smoothly, and your keychain won’t hold up as well — especially if you have it hanging from a backpack or purse.
What are pony beads and how can I use them?
Pony beads are small, barrel-shaped plastic beads that have a large hole. They’re perfect for smaller fingers to grip onto, and the large hole makes them easy to thread onto string, yarn, or cord. Because of this, pony beads are a classic kids craft supply, popular in summer camp, school, and beginner beading projects.
You can make all kinds of fun things with pony beads. They’re a really versatile craft supply that allow you to get creative and make things like bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and backpack charms. You can also use pony beads to make hair accessories, shoelace decorations, and zipper pulls.
Making a pony bead watermelon is a fun way to practice simple beading and create something cute at the same time. These little keychains are great for party favors, backpack charms, or summer craft days, and they’re easy to make in batches once you get the pattern started.
Because the design is small and uses just a few colours, it’s also a great project for using up extra beads and cord. The finished watermelon slice is bright, playful, and perfect for adding a little bit of summer to your everyday accessories.
Here’s even more fruit craft ideas:
Fruit and Vegetable Painted Rocks
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Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
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