Different colorful lizards made from Hama Beads.

You've probably heard of Hama/Perler/melty beads before. You can create designs on different pegboards and iron them.

When I was younger I preferred creating lizards with the beads instead and they were everywhere! We were using them as backpack/pencil case charms and just making them for the fun of it. Some kids were even selling them. Making these bead lizards was one of my favorite summer holiday activity!

Below is a simple tutorial so you can create your own little bead lizard too. Depending on where you live, Hama beads might not be easily available. Luckily there are other options too, such as Perler Beads and Pony Beads!

Materials

In this tutorial I used sewing thread. If you want a sturdier bead lizard, yarn is a better option.

Scissors
Thread/Yarn
Hama/Perler/Pony Beads
Two needles (optional, but makes stringing the beads easier)

Step 1

First step of a Hama bead lizard tutorial. There are three beads on a thread.

Cut about 90 cm/35 inches of thread and string three beads to the middle of the thread.

Step 2

Three beads on a thread. There are two arrows ponting where the ends of the thread should go to begin the Hama bead lizard.

Separate the middle bead from the outer ones as shown in the photo above. Thread the left end of the thread through the bead on the right, and the right end of the thread through the left bead. Pull both ends to tighten the thread.

Step 3

Next, we'll add the eyes. Thread the left end of the thread through the three beads on the right.

Step 4

A tutorial showing how to add beads to make a Hama bead lizard.

We'll add two rows of beads the same way as we did in step 3. If your lizard looks a bit misshapen, you can adjust the beads by hand.

Step 5

Tutorial showing how to make Hama bead lizard's feet.

Then we’ll make the lizard's legs by adding 5 beads on each side. The three beads on the outer sides will be the lizard's toes. Thread the threads through the two beads closest to the main body. Pull the legs as close to the lizard's body as you can.

Step 6

We continue adding the beads the same way we did before. You can copy the number of beads I used for the lizard's body or make your bead lizard smaller or bigger.

Step 7

A tutorial showing how to make Hama bead lizard's feet.

Let’s add the remaining legs for our lizard friend. We make them the same way as we did in step 5.

Step 8

Let’s make a tail for our lizard. Add one bead at a time and make the tail as long as you want. After you have finished the tail, tie a few knots and cut the excess thread.