Key Fobs are incredibly handy accessories that keep your keys organized and add a touch of personal style to your everyday carry. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying sewing project, or a thoughtful handmade gift idea, crafting your own key fobs is the perfect solution! Using just scraps of fabric, batting, and a key ring, you can create a unique and functional key fob in minutes. Let’s dive into this simple and rewarding DIY project.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to get started on your key fob project:
Sewing Instructions
- Begin by sewing your two fabric pieces together along the short ends. Once sewn, press the seam open for a neat finish.
- Next, fold your fabric strip in half lengthwise, ensuring the wrong sides are facing each other. Press a crease along the fold to create a center line.
- Place the batting inside the folded fabric, aligning it against the crease you just pressed. Center the batting, leaving approximately a 1/4″ fabric overhang on both ends.
- Fold the bottom edge of the fabric pieces up and around the batting. Press another crease to secure this folded edge.
- Fold the top edge of the fabric down about 1/4″ over the batting. Press this fold to create a clean top edge.
- Insert the key fob material into the key ring. Use clips to hold the folded fabric edges together around the key ring hardware, ensuring everything is aligned.
- Fold the key fob in half, aligning the two raw ends of the fabric together.
- Slightly unfold the raw ends, aligning the entire 3″ of fabric pieces. Move the batting out of the seam allowance area to avoid sewing over it. Pin the fabric in place for sewing.
- Sew a 1/4″ seam across the raw ends. This will create a closed loop for your key fob.
- Use your fingers to gently press the seam open, reducing bulk and allowing the fabric to lay flat.
- Return the batting pieces to their original position inside the fabric fold, ensuring they are evenly placed within the key fob loop.
If the batting pieces overlap after sewing, trim them so they butt against each other without overlapping to maintain a flat finish.
- Refold the fabric back over the batting, returning it to its original folded state. Use clips to hold everything in place, preparing for the final stitching.
- Bring both the bobbin thread and needle thread to the top of your needle plate, pulling about 5″ of thread. Begin sewing approximately 1/8″ from the edge around the loop. Adjust the hardware and clips as you sew.
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To secure the seam invisibly, stop sewing about 2-3 inches before your starting point, with the needle in the down position.
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Gently pull one thread to bring the other thread to the topside. Tie these two threads together in a knot close to the fabric surface. Insert a needle near the knot and bring it out 1-2 inches away, ensuring you only go through the top layers of the key fob.
- Gently pull the thread, causing the knot to disappear underneath the fabric surface. Trim the excess thread tails for a clean finish.
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Continue stitching from where you stopped until you reach your original starting point, completing the seam around the loop. Bury the threads again to secure the end of the seam invisibly.
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Repeat steps 13-16 for the opposite edge of the key fob, ensuring both long edges are neatly stitched.
- Arrange the hardware in the center of the accent fabric section of your key fob. Clip the fabric around the hardware, positioning it for the final stitch across the width.
- Starting with about 5″ of bobbin and needle thread pulled out, stitch across the width of the key fob to secure the hardware. For extra strength, stitch forward, backward, and then forward again. Bury the thread tails as described in steps 15-16 to finish.
- Congratulations, your stylish handmade key fob is now complete and ready to use!
A word of warning: creating key fobs can be delightfully addictive! Enjoy making these charming and practical accessories for yourself, friends, and family.
