If you’ve ever tried making pony bead buddies, you’ve probably wondered: What is the best string for pony bead buddies?
After making hundreds of bead buddies over the years, I’ve tested different types of string, cord, and lacing. Some worked better than others, but I always come back to the same product: Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing.
Whether you’re making lizards, geckos, butterflies, dragonflies, or other pony bead animals, the right lacing can make the entire process easier and more enjoyable. That’s why I keep multiple colors of Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing in my craft supplies at all times.
Why I Love Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing
When you’re creating bead buddies, you need a lacing material that’s easy to work with and durable enough to hold its shape.
Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing checks all the boxes.
It Easily Feeds Through Pony Beads
One of my favorite things about this lacing is how easily it passes through pony beads, even when several strands need to go through the same bead.
Many bead buddy patterns require you to weave the lacing back through multiple beads to create legs, wings, tails, or other details. The Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing is a tube that can be squished, making this process much easier.
Perfect String for Flexibility and Structure
Bead buddies need to be flexible enough to weave but sturdy enough to maintain their shape when finished.
Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing has the perfect balance making it the best string for pony bead buddies.
It bends easily while you’re working, but once your bead buddy is complete, it helps the finished project hold its shape beautifully. This is especially important for larger bead buddy designs with detailed wings, tails, or multiple body sections.
Great for Beginners and Experienced Crafters
I’ve taught children and adults how to make bead buddies, and this is the lacing I recommend most often.
Because it’s easy to handle and less frustrating to thread through beads, beginners tend to have more success with their first projects.
Experienced crafters appreciate how smoothly it works when creating more advanced bead buddy patterns.
Best String for Pony Bead Buddies of Every Color
One feature I absolutely love is that Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing comes in several colors.
Depending on the project, I may choose:
Having different colors allows me to coordinate the lacing with the bead design or create fun visual effects.
Durable Enough for Keychains and Backpack Charms
The lacing is stretchy and durable making it ideal for repeated and rugged use. Many of my finished bead buddies end up as:
- Backpack charms
- Keychains
- Zipper pulls
- Camp crafts
- Classroom projects
- Party favors
Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing holds up well to regular handling, making it a great choice for projects that will actually be used instead of sitting in a craft box.
What color pony bead lacing is best?
Clear lacing is the most versatile option because it blends into nearly any bead design. However, I also keep black, white, and neon colors on hand depending on the project.
How much lacing do you need for a bead buddy?
The amount varies by pattern, but generally 100cm is a good starting point. You can create several bead buddies with the standard pack of lacing that comes in 60 ft. The pack makes it easy to complete multiple projects without constantly running out.
Best String for Pony Bead Buddies
After making hundreds of pony bead buddies over the years, Pepperell Pony Bead Lacing remains my top recommendation.
It’s easy to thread, comfortable to work with, durable, and available in a variety of colors. Whether you’re making your first pony bead lizard or creating an entire collection of bead animals, having the right lacing can make a huge difference in your crafting experience.
If you’re stocking up on bead buddy supplies, I recommend grabbing a few different colors so you’ll always have the perfect option ready for your next project. It is definitely the best string for pony bead buddies!
Pony Bead Buddy Tutorials
Check out these step by step instructions with photos on how to make popular pony bead bag charms: