As a content creator for keyfobx.com and an auto repair specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to keep your car keys safe and accessible. And what better way to do that than with a stylish and functional wristlet key fob? These little accessories aren’t just practical; they also make fantastic personalized gifts. In fact, the assistant principal at my daughter’s school has been dropping hints for a while now that her old wrist lanyard is looking a bit tired – a subtle reminder of how much these handmade keychains are appreciated!
This easy Key Fob Pattern Sewing tutorial is perfect for anyone, from beginners to experienced sewers, and it’s especially great for using up fabric scraps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch of these charming wristlet keychains. They are ideal last-minute gifts that everyone will love.
Here’s a rundown of what you need to get started with this key fob pattern sewing project:
- Fabric Scraps: This project is scrap-friendly! For each key fob, you’ll need two fabric strips measuring just 2’’ x 14’’. One will be for the outer part of the fob and the other for the inner lining. You’ll also need a small scrap for the tab that secures the hardware – a 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ piece works perfectly.
- Stabilizer: My go-to stabilizer is Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon. It provides the perfect structure without being too bulky. However, any light- to mid-weight fusible interfacing you have leftover from other sewing projects will also work. You’ll need a 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ strip of interfacing for each key fob.
- Swivel Snap Clip: The essential hardware for a wristlet key fob is a 1’’ swivel snap clip. You can find these at craft stores like Joanns or Hobby Lobby, but for a wider selection and often better prices, I recommend checking out Amazon. Buying in bulk is cost-effective if you plan to make many key fobs.
Some tutorials use metal crimp ends to finish key fobs, but I find sewn ends to be much more durable and secure. Plus, who wants to buy a special tool just for key fobs? Swivel snap clips are universally loved because they easily attach keys to purses, bags, or belt loops – functionality that everyone appreciates.
To add a bit of flair to my key fobs and streamline the sewing process, I started experimenting with thread colors. Instead of changing thread for every step, I chose thread colors that coordinated with both the inner and outer fabrics. For topstitching, I used a bold triple stitch on my sewing machine, lengthening the stitch to 3 or 4 for a more pronounced look. A pink thread on gray fabric? Glamorous! Yellow thread on turquoise? Striking! Using a single thread color for each fob simplified the process and added a unique design element. If you don’t have a triple stitch, a regular straight stitch with a lengthened stitch length works just as well for topstitching.
Ready to start sewing? Let’s dive into this easy key fob pattern sewing tutorial!
Key Fob Pattern Sewing Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide
This tutorial provides a detailed key fob pattern sewing guide to create your own wristlet keychains. Follow these steps to craft professional-looking key fobs at home.
Materials and Cutting for Your Key Fob
Before you begin sewing your key fob pattern, gather your materials and cut the fabric pieces as follows:
- Outer Fabric Strip: 1 piece, 2’’ x 14’’
- Inner Fabric Strip: 1 piece, 2’’ x 14’’
- Wrap Around Tab Fabric: 1 piece, 3’’ x 3 1/2’’
- Fusible Interfacing: 1 strip, 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ (Decor-Bond 809 recommended)
- Swivel Snap Clip: 1 piece with a 1’’ opening
You will also need:
- Coordinating polyester thread
- Heavy-duty sewing machine needle (size 90/14 or 100/16, Superior Topstitch Needles are great)
- Iron and ironing board
Sewing the Key Fob Strap
Follow these simple sewing instructions to assemble the strap of your key fob pattern:
- Sew Fabric Strips: Place the outer and inner 2’’ x 14’’ fabric strips right sides together. Sew along one long edge using a 1/4’’ seam allowance.
Alt text: Sewing two fabric strips right sides together along the long edge to create the key fob strap, demonstrating the initial step in key fob pattern sewing.
Pressing and Interfacing the Strap
Proper pressing is crucial for a crisp and professional finish in key fob pattern sewing. Follow these pressing steps:
- Press Seam Open: Open the sewn fabric strip and press the seam allowance open with an iron.
- Fold and Press in Half: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press to create a center crease. This helps to shape the fabric for the key fob pattern.
- Fuse Interfacing: Open the strap again. Place the fusible side of the interfacing strip against the wrong side of one half of the fabric (it doesn’t matter which half). Press with a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Ensure the interfacing is securely bonded for durability. Press from the fabric side to protect the interfacing.
Alt text: Pressing fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of the fabric strip, a step in reinforcing the key fob strap using key fob pattern sewing techniques.
- Fold Long Edges: Fold each long edge of the fabric strip towards the interfaced wrong side by 3/4’’. The raw edges should meet or slightly overlap over the edge of the interfacing underneath. Press these folds to create clean edges for your key fob strap.
Alt text: Folding and pressing the long edges of the fabric strip to the wrong side to prepare for topstitching the key fob strap, part of the key fob pattern sewing process.
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Fold in Half Again and Press: Refold the entire strip in half along the original center crease, enclosing the raw edges within the fold. Press firmly to create a neat, finished strap. Set the strap aside.
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Prepare Wrap Around Tab: Take the 3 1/2’’ x 3’’ fabric piece for the wrap around tab. Fold one of the 3 1/2’’ sides to the wrong side by about 1’’ and press. Then, fold the opposite 3 1/2’’ side over so that the raw edge is approximately 1/8’’ away from the first fold. Press again to hide the raw edges and create a clean tab. You’ll end up with a tab roughly 1’’ x 3 1/2’’.
Alt text: Pressing the fabric tab to create a neat wrap around piece for securing the key fob hardware, an important detail in key fob pattern sewing.
Topstitching and Finishing Your Key Fob
The final steps in this key fob pattern sewing tutorial involve topstitching and attaching the hardware:
- Topstitch Strap: Set your sewing machine to a topstitching length of 3-4. Optionally, use a triple stitch for a bolder look. Topstitch along both long edges of the 1’’ x 14’’ strap, approximately 1/8’’ from the edge. This secures the layers and adds a professional touch to your key fob.
Alt text: Topstitching along the edges of the folded key fob strap to secure the layers and enhance the design, a finishing technique in key fob pattern sewing.
- Attach Swivel Snap Clip: Switch your sewing machine to a wide zig zag stitch (as wide as possible). Slide the swivel snap clip onto the topstitched strap. Butt the two short ends of the strap together, overlapping slightly if needed. Place the joined ends under the sewing machine foot and zig zag stitch back and forth across the ends to securely join them.
Alt text: Using a wide zig zag stitch to attach the swivel snap clip to the key fob strap, ensuring a secure and durable connection in this key fob pattern sewing project.
- Apply Wrap Around Tab: Position the zig zagged join on the strap about 1 1/2’’ away from the swivel snap clip. Wrap the folded fabric tab around the zig zagged seam, with the raw edge of the tab against the key fob strap (hiding it). Tuck the short raw ends of the tab to the inside of the wrap. Adjust the tab to fit snugly and secure it in place with a clip or pin.
Alt text: Wrapping the pressed fabric tab around the joined ends of the key fob strap to create a clean and finished look, a key step in the key fob pattern sewing process.
- Topstitch Tab in Place: Sew two short lines of topstitching to secure the wrap around tab. Align these lines with the existing topstitching on the strap and sew across the tab ends, backstitching neatly at the beginning and end of each line. This securely fastens the tab and completes your key fob. You can add more topstitching, such as a square around the tab, for extra security and decoration if desired.
Alt text: Sewing the final topstitching lines to secure the wrap around tab and finish the wristlet key fob, completing the key fob pattern sewing tutorial.
And there you have it – a beautifully sewn wristlet key fob using this simple key fob pattern sewing tutorial! Whether you make these for yourself or as thoughtful handmade gifts, they are sure to be appreciated.
If you create wristlet key fobs using this tutorial, I’d love to see your creations! Share a picture on Instagram and tag me @sewcanshe or use #sewcanshe so I can take a look.
Happy Sewing!
