Easy DIY Name Bracelets

Name bracelets are popular and easy to make using pony beads, alphabet beads and elastic cord. Charms can also be used to add more personality and style to your stretch bracelets. See our tips and instructions below. These bracelets are great for group activities, gifts and party beads. Easily personalize these bracelets with our large selection pony bead colors. Create your own color combos or represent team colors and spell out names and messages with letter beads.  

How many beads do you need to make a bracelet or necklace?

The amount of beads you need will depend on the size of the beads that you choose.

For example, if you use only 6x9mm pony beads, then to make a bracelet that is about 7" in length, you will need about 30 pony beads. 

To make a necklace that is about 18" in length, you will need about 76 pony beads. To make a necklace that is about 24" in length, you will need about 102 pony beads. 4 pony beads is equal to about 1 inch (0.94")

• 150 pony beads can make about five 7" bracelets or two 18" necklaces
• 500 pony beads can make about sixteen 7" bracelets or six 18" necklaces
• 1000 pony beads can make about thirty three 7" bracelets or thirteen 18" necklaces
• 2000 pony beads can make about sixty six 7" bracelets or twenty six 18" necklaces

*You can mix different bead sizes and shapes, simply adjust the number of beads you need based on the bead sizes. 

Alphabet Beads Sizes

Round 7mm alphabet beads are also a great choice for bracelets, these beads have smaller holes so be sure to use string or cord that matches the hole size.

Supplies - for making letter name bracelets

• Elastic cord per bracelet, about 11-12" per bracelet
• 6x9mm pony beads and alphabet beads
• soft place mat
• scissors
• bead stopper, clothes pin or binder clip
• beading needle (optional, but can be faster for stringing beads)
   

Instructions - stretch bracelet style

1. Cut 11-12" or elastic cord
2. Attach a bead stopper (or clothes pin / binder clip) to one end of the elastic to keep beads from falling off while you are working
3. String beads in the desired order
4. When finished, double knot the elastic and trim the excess

Tips for Unique Designs & Customizing

• Add charms or tassels to add more personality and style to your bracelets
• Create color coordinated bracelet sets for a stacked, or layered bracelet look, sets of 3, 5 and 8 bracelets are popular.
• To create a pretty stacked bracelet set, make a name bracelet and layer it with other beaded bracelets. A bundle of bracelets can be tied together with a pretty ribbon - this is a great gift idea or party favor idea.
• For phrases and messages that are too long for a single bracelet, make multiple bracelets with one word per bracelet and stack them together to create the full message.

Pony beads are great for all types of beading and arts & crafts projects. Popular ideas include bracelets, necklaces, key chains, beaded banners and much more. Our convenient pony bead assortments provide you with multiple colors in on package.