Beaded Bug Key Chain Pattern - Free Beaded Insect Keyring Pattern - Fun Beaded Key Rings

Materials Needed: Note: Links to product pages will open in a separate window.

You will need one connector such as a
Lanyard hook,
or any type of
Key Ring.

Cord:
You will need about
2 yards of cord for your bug.
There are lots of different types of cords you can use.
There are lots of different types of cords you can use. We prefer a cord that is 1mm to 2mm thick because it helps your insect keychain critter keep it's shape better. Alternatively, you can use a thinner cord and weave a little wire or a pipe cleaner into your keychain bug to help it keep it's shape that way. Either way works just fine but you can experiment with it to see which method you prefer.

One good choice is
Monofilament Cord
or
2mm metallic cording. Other good choices would be jute or hemp cord, leather necklace cord, rattail cord, shoelaces, ribbon, paracord, or a strong jewelry cord like tigertail.

Beads needed:
 88 - Blue Pony Beads.

 37 - Purple Pony Beads.

 2 - Black Pony Beads for the eyes.

Don't forget to include a few extra beads to your count if you want "dangles" at the bottom of your keychain.

Other Things Needed:

Glue

Optional: For a stiffer bug you can include a little wire or a pipe cleaner with your cord to help keep it's shape. One piece across the first wide row of his body should work just fine.
 Beading Wire
OR
 Pipe Cleaners

Instructions

1. Find the half way point of the cord or wire you are using and attach it onto the keyring using a lark's head knot (shown in photo).

2. Begin threading the cord through the beads following the pattern below. You can click on the image for a larger, better resolution photo.

3. After finishing the pattern tie a double knot in the cords at the bottom and apply glue to secure.

4. Weave your wire or pipe cleaner through your beaded bug keychain to make it stiffer and hold it's shape. You probably only need to do this on the first or second row.

(Seed beads or E beads can be used in place of pony beads to create smaller characters.)

The illustration below uses green and red to show you how each cord side is threaded into the beads. Your cord, of course, will be all the same color.