1. Find the halfway point of your cord or lacing and fold it in half. Attach it to your key ring with a double knot or a lark's head knot, as shown in the photo. You should now have two cords of approximately equal length hanging from the key ring.
2. Begin weaving the beads onto your cord, following the crocodile pattern shown at the top of the page. Pass one cord through each row of beads, then pass the other cord through the same beads from the opposite direction. Pull both cords snugly to bring the new row into place. Click the pattern image to see a larger, clearer version whenever you need a closer look.
Tip: Keep the tension even as you work. Pull the rows snugly together, but not so tightly that your beaded crocodile begins to curl or twist. If a row looks crooked, straighten the beads before continuing.
3. Continue following the bead pattern until your alligator or crocodile is complete, including the letter beads in the center if you're using them or you can substitute regular pony beads for the letters to spell out your name or initials.
4. Tie the cords together with a surgeon's knot or a good double knot. Add a drop of glue to the knot to prevent it from coming untied during normal usage. Let the glue dry, then trim away the excess cord.
Another idea: Seed beads or E beads and a small amount of jewelry wire can be used in place of pony beads to create smaller characters. They'd make great earrings or a necklace charm.
6. If your crocodile or alligator seems too flimsy or doesn't hold it's shape like you'd like it to you can weave a piece of beading wire or matching color pipe cleaner through the finished beadwork. If you add it at the row above his front legs the rest of the crocodile will keep it's shape pretty well.
1 - Key Ring or Lanyard Hook
2 yards - Cord
88 - Green Pony Beads
2 - Black Pony Beads
Letter Beads
