Looking for a quick and satisfying sewing project? Wristlet key fobs are not only incredibly useful but also make fantastic personalized gifts. As a seasoned auto repair expert and DIY enthusiast at keyfobx.com, I’ve found that these little accessories are consistently the most requested handmade items I gift. People simply love them!
Just recently, the assistant principal at my daughter’s school subtly (or not so subtly!) hinted that the wrist lanyard I gifted her a couple of years prior was showing its age. This sparked the idea to share my go-to, super easy Key Fob Sewing Pattern with you. It’s perfect for using up fabric scraps and creating thoughtful, practical presents in no time.
This free sewing tutorial will guide you through each step to create your own durable and stylish key fobs. They are ideal for keeping your keys secure and easily accessible, whether attached to your purse, backpack, or simply worn on your wrist. Let’s dive into making these wonderful wristlet keychain fobs!
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and what makes this key fob sewing pattern so simple:
- Scrap-Friendly Project: This is a fantastic project for using up those beautiful fabric scraps you’ve been saving. You only need small pieces of fabric, making it economical and eco-friendly.
- Dual Fabric Design: Each key fob utilizes two coordinating fabrics – one for the exterior and one for the lining. You’ll need fabric strips measuring just 2’’ x 14’’ for each.
- Reinforcement Tab: A small fabric scrap is used to create a neat tab that secures the key fob hardware and prevents it from sliding around. A piece of fabric approximately 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ works perfectly.
- Interfacing for Durability: To give your key fob structure and ensure it lasts, fusible interfacing is key. My preferred choice is Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon. However, any light- to mid-weight fusible interfacing you have on hand will work. You’ll need a strip of interfacing measuring 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ for each key fob.
- Essential Hardware: The final essential is a 1’’ swivel snap clip. While you can often find these at local craft stores like Joanns or Hobby Lobby, Amazon offers a great selection at competitive prices, especially if you plan on making multiple key fobs.
Many tutorials suggest using metal crimp ends to finish key fobs, but I find sewing much more reliable and secure. Those metal clamps can sometimes fail over time. Plus, sewing eliminates the need for specialized tools. A swivel snap clip is universally loved because it easily attaches keys to bags and purses – a feature I personally appreciate daily!
To add a touch of creativity and minimize thread changes when batch sewing, I started experimenting with bold thread choices. Using a thread color that complements both the inner and outer fabrics creates a cohesive look. For topstitching, I love using a triple stitch on my sewing machine with a slightly lengthened stitch (around 3 or 4). This gives a beautiful, pronounced finish. Imagine pink thread adding a pop of glamour to a gray key fob, or vibrant yellow thread standing out against turquoise!
The beauty of this method is using just one thread color per key fob. If your sewing machine doesn’t have a triple stitch, a regular straight stitch for topstitching works perfectly too. Just remember to lengthen your stitch for a more professional look.
Ready to sew your own wristlet key fobs? Let’s get started with this easy-to-follow key fob sewing pattern!
Key Fob Sewing Pattern – Step-by-Step Tutorial
Materials You’ll Need for One Key Fob:
- Fabric Strip (Outer): 1 piece, 2’’ x 14’’
- Fabric Strip (Inner/Lining): 1 piece, 2’’ x 14’’
- Fabric Rectangle (Wrap Around Tab): 1 piece, 3’’ x 3 1/2’’
- Fusible Interfacing (Light to Medium Weight): 1 strip, 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ (Decor-Bond 809 recommended)
- Swivel Snap Clip: 1 piece with a 1’’ opening
- Coordinating Polyester Thread
- Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Needle: Size 90/14 or 100/16 (e.g., Superior Topstitch Needles)
- Iron and Ironing Board
Cutting Instructions:
Carefully cut out all fabric and interfacing pieces according to the dimensions listed above. Precise cutting will ensure a neat and professional finish for your key fob.
Sewing the Key Fob Strap:
- Sew Fabric Strips Together: Place the outer and inner 2’’ x 14’’ fabric strips right sides together. Sew along one long edge using a 1/4’’ seam allowance.
Pressing for a Crisp Finish:
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Press Seam Open: Open the sewn fabric strip and press the seam allowance open with your iron. This reduces bulk and creates a flatter strap.
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Pre-Crease Center Fold: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press firmly. This ‘teaches’ the fabric to fold nicely and creates a crisp center crease.
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Fuse Interfacing: Unfold the strap. Place the fusible side of the interfacing strip against the wrong side of one side of the fabric (either inner or outer – it doesn’t matter). Press with a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Ensure the interfacing is securely bonded by pressing well from the fabric side, as cotton can withstand higher heat than the interfacing itself.
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Fold Long Edges In: Fold each long raw edge of the fabric strip towards the wrong side by approximately 3/4’’. You should fold them in just enough so the raw edges meet or slightly overlap the edges of the interfacing underneath. Press these folds firmly.
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Fold in Half Again: Fold the entire strip in half again along the center crease you made earlier, enclosing the raw edges within the fold. Press flat to create a clean, finished strap. Set aside the strap and prepare the wrap-around tab.
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Prepare Wrap Around Tab: Take the 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ fabric rectangle for the wrap-around tab. Fold one of the 3 1/2’’ sides to the wrong side by about 1’’. Press. Then, fold the opposite 3 1/2’’ side over, positioning the raw edge approximately 1/8’’ away from the first folded edge. Press again. This creates a neat, double-folded tab of roughly 1’’ x 3 1/2’’, concealing all raw edges.
Topstitching and Final Assembly:
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Topstitch the Strap: Set your sewing machine to a topstitching stitch length of 3-4. For a bolder look, switch to a triple stitch if your machine has one. Topstitch along both long edges of the 1’’ x 14’’ strap, sewing approximately 1/8’’ from the edge. This secures the layers and adds a professional touch.
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Attach Swivel Snap Clip: Switch to a wide zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, using the widest setting possible. Slide the swivel snap clip onto the sewn strap. Bring the two ends of the strap together, butting them closely. Place the joined ends under the sewing machine foot and zig-zag stitch back and forth several times across the join, securely catching both strap ends.
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Position Wrap Around Tab: Move the zig-zagged seam of the strap so it is approximately 1 1/2’’ away from the swivel snap clip. Wrap the prepared fabric tab around the zig-zagged join, positioning the raw edge of the tab against the key fob strap (so it will be hidden). Tuck the short raw ends of the tab neatly to the inside of the strap.
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Secure Wrap Around Tab: Adjust the tab until it is snug and sits neatly around the strap join. Use a clip to hold it in place. Sew two short lines of topstitching to secure the tab, connecting them to the existing topstitching lines on the strap. Backstitch neatly at the beginning and end of each line of stitching. This is sufficient to secure the tab and key fob effectively, but you can add more topstitching if desired. A simple square of topstitching can further reinforce the tab if you prefer, though straight lines are often easier to sew neatly in this small area.
Congratulations! You’ve just completed your own stylish and practical wristlet key fob using this easy key fob sewing pattern!
Whether you’re making these key fobs for yourself, as quick gifts, or to sell at craft fairs, they are sure to be a hit. Their versatility and the ease of customization make them a truly wonderful sewing project.
If you sew up some wristlet key fobs using this tutorial, I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Please share a picture on Instagram and tag me @sewcanshe or use the hashtag #sewcanshe so I can admire your handiwork.
Happy Sewing!
