If you love a little edge in your accessories, this skull pony bead keychain is going to be your new favorite project. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and works for just about every vibe whether you’re going full Halloween mode, building out your kandi collection, or just want something a little different dangling from your keys or backpack.
The best part? You don’t have to be an experienced beader to pull this off. If you’ve made a pony bead buddy before, you’ve already got the skills. And if this is your first one, don’t worry, I’ll walk you through everything.
Why You’ll Love This Skull Pony Bead Pattern
Skulls are one of those designs that never really go out of style. They show up in Halloween crafts, kandi bracelets, punk accessories, and everyday bags all year long. A beaded skull keychain or bag charm is the kind of thing you can make in an afternoon and keep clipped to your stuff for months.
This pattern works beautifully as both a keychain (attached to a key ring) and a bag charm (using a lobster clasp). I’ll give you both options in the supplies list so you can decide how you want to finish yours.
Color Ideas for Your Skull Pony Bead Keychain
This is where things get really fun. The skull shape is bold enough that almost any color combo looks amazing. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Skull – White or glow-in-the-dark beads with black accents for the eyes and nose. Simple, iconic, and always a hit.
Halloween Skull – Orange and black, or purple and black, for a seasonal look that’s perfect for October crafts and trick-or-treat bag charms.
Sugar Skull – Hot pink, turquoise, yellow, and purple packed into the design for a Día de los Muertos-inspired look. Use contrasting colors in the eye area for that decorative flower effect.
Kandi Skull – Go neon and chaotic. Electric green, hot pink, cyan, and white together give serious rave vibes.
Goth Aesthetic – Black, deep purple, and silver for a dark, moody look that pairs great with a lobster clasp on a black bag.
Pastel Skull – Lavender, soft pink, and mint for a cute-spooky aesthetic that’s become super popular.
Mix and match until you find the combo that fits your style. There’s no wrong answer here.
Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your skull pony bead keychain or bag charm:
- Pony Beads
- Pony Bead Lacing (Here’s an explanation of why pony bead lacing is the best for making bead buddies.)
- Scissors
- Measuring Device
- Key ring or lobster clasp
How to Make a Skull Pony Bead Keychain
Step 1: Prepare Your Lacing
Start by measuring a length of lacing to 90 centimeters, and cut it with a pair of craft scissors.
Then fold the lacing in half, and pull it through the key ring or lobster clasp. This forms a lark’s head knot leaving two equal lengths of lacing.
Step 2: Lay Out the Pattern
Working on a flat surface, use the photo below to lay out your pattern in pony beads. This is a good time to experiment with different colors to make your skull look exactly how you want it.
Use the photo below as a guide.
Step 3: String the Beads
Beginning at the top of your pattern, string the first row of beads onto the left lacing.
Then thread the right lacing up through the beads.
Now pull the lacings in opposite directions until a row forms just under the key ring or lobster clasp.
Step 4: Add More Rows
Moving from top to bottom, string the next row of beads onto the left lacing.
Repeat the step above by threading the right lacing up through the beads, and pull in opposite directions.
Repeat the process to continue adding rows.
Until all the beads are strung.
Step 5: Secure the Lacing
To tie off the lacings, loop one through the row above and tie it in a single knot. Repeat for the other lacing.
Step 6: Cut Excess Lacing
Once the lacings are tied off, cut any excess close the knot with craft scissors.
You made a skull pony bead keychain!
More Pony Bead Tutorials You’ll Love
If you’re building out your spooky collection or just want to keep beading, here are some more tutorials to try: