Crochet Pony Bead Weighted Blanket | Crocheting a Weighted Bead Blanket from Scratch

All things old are new again, and this blanket is no exception. These pony bead blankets gained popularity in the late 80s, and now they're making the rounds again.
Please, do not make this type of blanket as a baby blanket. Babies love to chew, and they don't need anything with beads on it. Also, I highly suggest you hand wash this, and either hang or lay flat to dry. If you do need to toss it in the dryer for a few minutes, do so with no heat. Acrylic yarn dries very quickly.
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[@Mimionwheels7.6.14]

I'm working on a weighted blanket with these beads my beads are glow in the dark the same brand of beads you have fun project

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Yours is going to be awesome!

[@jacquemcbroom7279]

I am waiting that too. I thought glow in the dark would be fun. Lol

[@angieelliott8741]

This is really cool! I have never seen this, before!! I am totally making one! I think i have tons of beads, already. Not to mention the massive amounts of yarn I have! Cute!!! 🖤🖤🖤

[@kathrose336]

i don’t crochet yet but i wonder if i could do something similar with knitting?

[@TanyaAlexander-sm3vp]

Can this be washed and put in dryer with the beads?

[@hipchicksknit]

Depending on the yarn you use, delicate cycle in the wash should be ok. And it’s always best to lay out to dry, as it will last longer and not stretch, but some yarns can be dried. You just have to double check on the labels

[@Twinkletoes62]

Amber you brought me back to my Grandmother. She made me a beaded Afghan I the early 70's I loved my Afghan. Thank you. Love your channel.😊

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Thank you! 🥰

[@gingerjackson6787]

Wow Amber I'm older than dirt and I've never seen this done before, I love it. Going to send this to my sisters. Awesome idea!

[@theimperfectcrafterny]

😂😂😂

[@marlenelaverty7196]

Me too!

[@DennitaPierson]

Newborns are perfect for this. Adds extra secure feeling.

[@merlinshouseoffreereadings4641]

Maybe it’s regional. Before the internet, some fads didn’t make it everywhere. I’ve never seen this.

[@lacedreason]

Ive seen these before and always thought you would have to prestring all the beads, this is so much easier lol

[@kathypeachs6847]

This blanket would be awesome for people in wheelchairs who have dementia or any anxiety disorder. You could make them small enough to stay out of the wheels and crochet ties on the top corners so it could be tied on like an apron. I’m going to make one like that and take it to a memory care facility. Thank you so much for the tutorial.

[@keylimetea]

Weighted blankets are beneficial for many reasons too! Not just anxiety it helps me sleep at night

[@rosemaryreed1226]

These would make great fidget blankets, I think I'm going to make one for my grandson, he's 5 and nonverbal with FoxP1 , he loves fidgets

[@melodyshackelford8866]

I've always wondered how these were done! I'm sitting here grinning like a goofball because I'm loving it!! Thanks for the video!!

[@kellybrus8663]

You're not a goofball. 😁. I've never seen one like this. Totally awesome.

[@TheLightbright01]

Someone made me 1 back in late 60's. It had flannel on the back with peace signs on it.

[@deborahkeefer58]

Like the look of this beaded blanket have never seen or heard of it.

[@aprilgarcia3670]

I know ur teaching us to place beads in our projects. But I only subscribed because of your laughter 😂. Hella funny 😄

[@JaneDoe6000]

I'm an old bird and I do not remember these pony bead blankets at all - but I live under a rock! I'm a very visual learner and have spent the last month watching every video available. If you are wanting to learn how to make one YOUR SEARCH STOPS HERE! This tutorial is perfectly paced and each step is thoroughly explained. Lovely, lovely, lovely!! THANK YOU!!

[@wallysworld3435]

Longtime knitter/crocheter and this is new to me. Good idea, though. I’ve seen pony beads used to make fidget toys.

[@helenaalexandra4197]

I'm doing a loom weaving blanket with beads, using a garter stitch (yes I know it's a different discipline). I'm pre-beading the yarn before it goes on the loom and then sliding a bead between each peg while doing the purl section of the garter stitch. So I'm working in 5 row sections to make a crib sized blanked as a thunder blanket for my sister's dogs. This is the test piece for me. Im using Bernat Blanket yarn, so one side is effectively lined already. I never considered lining it to cover the other side (where the beads show), but that is a good idea, if the multi-color beads is too much! Just sharing that my project to show that this can be done in another medium, if anyone is interested.

[@stephanievanosten3496]

I never would have thought to use a loom! Thanks:)

[@violetcarson5532]

I'm interested in this project 🤭🤗

[@marycook2788]

I'm in my mid 50's and I've never seen this before! Thanks for the tutorial, this is going on my to do list!!

[@kellybrus8663]

I'm in my 50s too and I haven't seen anything like it either. Definitely on my to do list. 😁

[@sr2291]

I think this pattern would make a nice bag. I like how you staggered your beads.

[@nicodianime]

Dont let pwople tell you what to do slay with long daggers while u crochet better than them haters.

[@rethacordovano9879]

Personally, I LIKE my cats' hair in my crochet. It wouldn't be one of mine, if it's not woven with some cat hairs. LOL!

[@honeybee8194]

Amber you are an absolute hoot im so glad i found this channel:)

[@torakfett3351]

I love this idea! We got a weighted blanket for my son and he broke out in a HORRENDOUS rash! I asked if he’d like one of these instead and he LOVED the idea! ❤❤

[@Trippy_Space_Bunny]

😆 I made one of these blankets in high school in 2002, because I liked the one that was almost falling apart on my aunts couch. Now I'm thinking of making one for my daughter.

[@junkersc10]

Couldnt wait to start one myself, thank you! Doing a jewel multicoloured wool with random coloured beads. Very satisfying....so far.

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

I bet that is beautiful!

[@seonaelizabethcoster8465]

Oooooooooh. Sounds soooo pretty. I might have to do one of those, too.

[@sandynuber1509]

Amber, I love to crochet. My Grandma taught me when I was young. I picked it back up after my son was critically injured and I spent a lot of time in the hospital. So I wouldn't lose my mind, I had to find something to do with my hands, so I crocheted. I can't wait to try this. Thank you for the inspiration. Much love from Texas ♥️🤠

[@lindagunn3173]

Thanks 👍 for this pattern. I love it. Never saw a beaded blanket and I'm 78 yes old.

[@sonshineandsong]

Sandy, I truly hope your son is doing better. Can you please give an update?

[@sandynuber1509]

@@sonshineandsong my son Zac, has had over 40 surgeries and needs more, but thank God, he's doing well. He had God and youth on his side. Thank you for asking. ♥️🙏✝️

[@sonshineandsong]

@@sandynuber1509 oh wow that's a lot of surgeries. So glad you gave an update. I will add Zac to my prayer list. God is so good and I believe He has helped him and will continue to. God bless you both. 🙏❤️

[@sandynuber1509]

@@sonshineandsong thank you so much. God bless you. ♥️🙏✝️

[@sarahchapman532]

I just finished a blanket yesterday. I guess I found my next project 😂

[@suebigger5097]

I loved your tutorial, I’m glad you used Joann’s beads, as that’s what I just bought today. I can’t wait to start my blanket.!! I subscribed to all your videos. I haven’t seen your channel before. I was mesmerized by the tattoos on your hands🤗 thank you for sharing how to do this.

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you’re here 🥰

[@suebigger5097]

@@ThisSouthernGirlCan know I’m going to love this channel 🥰

[@christieller6408]

How pretty, you done a fantastic job on this! It's so colorful and happy💜 💅Nails look very pretty! I don't have a 😺 but do have a blonde hair Chow-Chow and the hair is everywhere🤦 Excellent video! Thank you

[@emmaconnell2586]

Hold on did you just say short nails! They are so long to me! Ha ha. Looks lovely on you though. And thanks for the tutorial! X

[@eviedun]

I like this. Even though I've been around for a while, I don't remember ever seeing them before (blankets with pony beads, that is) Great video 👍 I must try making a small one. Love the idea of person below for making them for dementia patients. 🥰 Thank you for sharing this😘

[@nettajar1938]

It's been a couple of decades since I've crochet. You explained this so well. 💜💜💜💜💜

[@melindamiller6070]

I am going to make bracelets and. Chokers for the kids .. thank you for a way to use up beads m

[@barbwissmann5576]

I will be at Joann’s when they open tomorrow to get beads. This looks so fun. Thank you for giving me something to get excited about. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@BonniesJourneys]

What is the mm size of the beads? Thanks for this tutorial!!

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Pony beads are generally all one standard size. There are mini pony beads, but those are harder to find. The standard sized ones are around 6x9mm.

[@yarnycat_crochet]

I couldn’t crochet with nails 😅 but if you can do it you should do it how you like not anyone else 😊thanks for the tutorial ❤

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

You’re welcome 😊

[@snapdragonfairies]

I just sent this on to my sister in Tucson...I just love this!!

[@gerilynne1955]

That would make a pretty purse, vest, scarf, or pillow.

[@StaticMango]

Wonder if you could do this with a thicker chenille yarn like Sweet Snuggles Lite. The yarn is puffy but you can compress it down to the two tiny strands of string in there. Gotta try this with chenille tomorrow!!

[@lindacook905]

Jelly bean blanket.

[@bonitaalexander2314]

I LOVE this, thank you so much. I have so many beads you are a lifesaver. 🥰🥰🥰

[@tanyabaylis5199]

Thankyou for another great tutorial Amber. I will have to give it a try. Love your channel and your videos. I learnt how to do the virus shawl from one of your videos. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@stephanievanosten3496]

Has anyone tried this with the shaped pony beads? Like if i got butterflies or stars, would it work? I wonder how many beads you would need for a blanket... i dont expect anyone to know that, but amazon sells them by amount of beads rather than weight. So, i wonder :)

[@anitra7709]

Irene Dr seeing them however I was a kid hadn’t learned to crochet yet. Can’t wait to practice this pattern. Thank you as always for sharing your talent.

[@debbietaranguld-bee]

I am 64 and have never heard of this type of project before a couple of weeks ago! I have watched a few tutorials before I found yours and I don't need to watch any more! Your teaching style is awesome and very clear. Thanks so much! But I have a question that I have not found the answer to. How do you wash these? Do they hold up in the dryer or do you have to air dry? Curious minds would like to know...at least this curious one...lol.

[@pam7436]

This is awesome! Thanks for the easy to follow instructions 😊 Yes I have cats and cat hair is in every project 🤭 until wash time. PS I love your nails and your ink ❤

[@Michael-gp5nb]

I like watching you crochet but I still can't get the hang of it I even watched others do my mom included and I just can't crochet. Mike's wife Linda

[@sheliaporter6795]

This is beautiful! I am definitely going to make a weighted blanket like this. ❤😊

[@phoeberuff475]

OMGosh!!! I love this - I have never heard of this before either - so glad I came across it! Thank you for the tutorial and ALL tutorials you do - I’ve been a follower for a while - definitely adding this to my project list ♥️

[@fragilexmom9511]

I've never been able to get my tension right with crocheting! That blanket looks cool and I don't remember them from the 80's. Tfs another one of your amazing talents!!

[@CL-kn1rq]

I'd love to do it with the beads doing an ombre

[@miriamjenkins3560]

Question for a 2 year old artistic child. How many beads would be a good amount for a small blanket

[@gingeratterbury8291]

I forgot about these. One of the first blankets I made in late 70's when I first started crocheting. Going to make another 😊

[@barbaraculwell4812]

I love the look of the beads. I want to use that idea and make a notions pouch. Thanks for sharing.

[@maggieworthy8103]

I've made your purse pattern and really like how you explain and show us what to do. Thank you for another great pattern! I have lots of pony beads and plan on making one of these blankets!

[@estherharper3098]

My grandmother made macrame I think is what it's called beaded car seat covers and that's what this reminds me of

[@saberhawks4074]

Are you going to post a copy of the written pattern? Trying to find a good blanket for my mom in law for Christmas

[@lindadickson9547]

Amber I thank you for teaching me how to do this blanket.

[@iammeganmk]

😂 those are short nails girl that’s long to me I have nail envy . Love your nails 💅

[@paulinehooper7938]

Brilliant,going to try this. Love your nails ❤

[@tawanajones-smith1379]

Thank you so much for this video, because i have seen this for a while and i wasn't sure how to start it.

[@dianejohnson9904]

I’m curious. Is it really that uncomfortable just having one layer as the finished blanket? Do you feel the beads when it is over you? I’d rather not have to put a backing on it if I don’t have to.

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

I don’t think it’s uncomfortable at all personally

[@jocelia4622]

My Mom loved to crochet, she made so many blankets and socks etc😊😊

[@denisedegani4087]

Amei demais, obrigada por ensinar tão bem, abraço.❤️👏👏

[@crazybadcuber9492]

If your like me and don’t wanna do the hole thing at once make patches and sew them together at the end

[@Kari-qs6ms]

And you crochet! You are talented girl. Thank you for sharing all your amazing ideas. I love you videos.

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Thank you 🥰

[@saberhawks4074]

I'm trying a twist on the pattern where the soild odd rows are DC not HDC

[@quiettornado1970]

No cat. but I shed like a cat and get my hair inside my crochet.

[@mariaelenairizarry149]

Wow thanks l been looking around to use the beats for blankets a bag🙏🏼😘

[@eljones5752]

I never saw anything like this before. My Mother and Grandmother crocheted and knitted all the time. This is very nice. Thank you for showing us one more of your many talents. ❤

[@annemarie7682]

I did a scarf for my granddaughter , it was knitted with pearls in different places , using nearly the same technique

[@ericaparis8327]

Thank you for making this so easy to follow!!

[@stephanieboshnack6100]

how many chains for the blanket did u do ? I chain 150 ..bought beads at dollar tree 3 little bags to try ...........................and how many bags of beads did u buy

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

I honestly didn’t even count the chains that I do for these blankets. I just chained it as wide as I want it. The current one I’m working on isnt done yet, so I don’t know how many bags of beads I’ll use. So far I’ve used six bags of them from Joannes.

[@RatCakeParty]

probably the best toturial ive seen in a long time

[@Kitty76]

subbed,i love your personality :)

[@sweet_chaos]

I love your nails!!! Thank you for the video. Can't wait to make one. (My only request is please do tutorial videos in yarn that isn't white. Stitches can be difficult to see under the lighting.

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

I’ve had people to complain about every color of yarn I have used lol. So I stick with white lol

[@stickitydoodah]

Most standard pony beads have a 9mm diameter (including the plastic) as far as I know, so if you don't have your hook while bead hunting you can be pretty sure 7 or 7.5 hook will almost definitely fit. I want to make one of these so bad, I have so many leftover Kandi beads I can't use bc I'll have like 8-20 of each color

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

A 7mm hook is way too big. The beads are roughly 9mm wide, and 6mm tall. The hole is around 4mm or smaller, depending on the brand. Your hook needs to be 4mm (and that’s a snug fit, or a 3.75mm, or smaller.)

[@yellowfuzz292]

Gracious this looks neat 😃😃😃😃😃😃 im absolutely gonna havta give this a try! You explained it so simply too🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 i just subscribed 💛💛💛

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Thank you! I’m glad you’re here 🥰

[@mieleselvaggio965]

I was supposing that the word Pony was about little horse...maybe a little blanket for a pony? No. Bye from Sardegna

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Pony bead is a term has been used for a very long time. They were originally called trade beads, and were brought to Western North America on pony trade trains.

[@emiliafree422]

What else can you make like this besides blanked

[@barbarakoeppe2623]

I really like this I might make a purse with these beads

[@theredrockstorm]

Very Cool! Love the bright colors.

[@scootskie]

How come you don’t string the beads onto the yarn before you start instead of fussing with pulling back through the bead?

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

@@scootskie these blankets can use anywhere from hundreds to thousands of beads. It’s much easier to do it this way than to try to pre-string them all.

[@lisaloonmorris7913]

This is amazingly easier to follow than other beaded crochet I have seen so thank you so much also I am thinking weighted scarf would be nice May I ask would dk yarn work too?

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

That should work just fine

[@sharolrich5412]

Thank you, I love this ..and your instructions were great also could follow along perfectly. ❤😊

[@lizsanabria5541]

Hope you are having a great weekend Amber you go lady this is so prettty 🩷💛❤️💙

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Thank you so much!!

[@melissadale9109]

I’ve started doing one it’s fun

[@lindadickson9547]

Amber you are a very good teacher.

[@karleedu]

I finished my first throw (40 inches long and 100 sts wide). I used pony beads from Walmart with a 4mm hook and a 5mm hook for the rows without beads, and I used Big Twist yarn in ivory for the yarn. I made mine with 1 row of beads and 2 rows hdc. I'm in the process of making the second blanket with a different stitch style.

[@joannefleet5546]

I started one . thanks so much

[@rosesrose9131]

Thank you for making this video. I was wondering how to do this.

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Glad I could help!

[@laurawhicker3813]

Can I just use the smallest hook for the whole blanket instead of using two different sizes?

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

If you use the small hook for the entire blanket, your beaded rows are going to be lumpy, and not lay flat, unless you make your non-beaded rows very loose. It’s not gonna look very nice. The bigger size hook on the alternating rows, helps to make up for the bulk of the beads.

[@DorothyWade-rh1ld]

Good morning Amber 🌞 my name is Dottie from Sunny San Diego 😊 I love this pattern with the beads. I've been wanting to do this for a long time and now I found your KZbin channel and it's easy to understand 👌 thank you Amber have a beautiful weekend 🧶🧶🧶🧶

[@serenasmith7885]

That is soooo cute!😊

[@marybethtanner959]

Hey you let me tell you I am hooked ❤

[@katrinagreely5399]

That’s interesting. I learned to add beads to crochet awhile back, also using the add-as-you-go method (versus pre-stringing and pulling beads forward). You are using a slightly different technique, while accomplishing same thing. Now I know there are options. This has been very informative.

[@jk4271]

How many beads did you use?

[@marydickey1350]

Wonderful tutorial! You did such a great job showing and explaining everything and gave great tips. Can't wait to try it! Thank you!

[@sharonm3677]

I love this! Never heard of pony bead blankets. Yup, now I know what to do with my yarn! Great tutorial❤❤

[@LindaLMcHugh]

Hi Amber. I just watch your video and it was so much informative. I was surprise and appreciate your comment about the baby blanket as I was considering doing that. Thank you so much. Happy crocheting! Linda ❤😂

[@mrs.harris1520]

OMG that's so cute!!! I love to crochet. I've been watching your videos for years. You're so talented.

[@ThisSouthernGirlCan]

Thank you! 😊

[@mrs.harris1520]

@ThisSouthernGirlCan it's my pleasure love! May you and your family always be blessed. 😊🙏

[@LoriWheeler-cu7rt]

Wow Amber this brought me back to my mom & grandma making these blankets. And I started singing “Wiggle It” just a second before you did🤣🤣🤣. I always reference things I say to songs.