1. Locate the halfway point of your cord or lacing and fold it in half. Attach the folded cord to your key ring using a lark's head knot as shown in the photo. You should now have two cords of about the same length hanging from the key ring.
2. Start with the first row of beads shown in the alligator pattern. String the beads onto one cord, then pass the other cord back through those same beads from the opposite direction, as shown in the illustration. Pull both cords until the beads meet in the middle. Continue weaving one row at a time, following the colors and number of beads shown in the pattern. Each new row should sit against the previous one.
3. To make each leg, string 5 beads onto your cord, then pass the cord back through the 4th bead. Add another bead, then pass the cord back through the 1st bead. Continue following the pattern for the remaining legs.
4. After finishing the alligator pattern, tie a secure double knot or surgeon's knot in the cords at the bottom. Apply a small drop of glue to the knot to keep it from coming untied. Allow the glue to dry, then trim the excess cord.
Optional: If you'd like a stiffer lizard/gator, weave a little wire or a pipe cleaner through one of the widest rows in the middle of your beaded alligator keychain. You probably won't need it, but it's an option if your cord doesn't hold the shape as well as you'd like.
Seed beads or E-beads can be used in place of pony beads to make smaller alligators and crocodiles.
The illustration below shows how each cord is threaded through the beads. You can view a larger, better resolution image if you click on it.
Lanyard Hook
Key Ring
Monofilament Cord
2mm Metallic Cord
84 - Green Glitter Pony Beads
44 - Crystal Pony Beads with Gold Glitter
Beading Wire
Pipe Cleaners
