Looking for a quick and satisfying sewing project? Or perhaps a thoughtful, handmade gift that everyone will adore? Look no further than the Cloth Key Fob! These charming wristlet keychains are not only incredibly easy to sew, even for beginners, but they are also endlessly practical and customizable. As a frequently requested item among my own circle, I can attest to their universal appeal. Just recently, the assistant principal at my daughter’s school made it clear her previously gifted wrist lanyard was showing its age – a perfect nudge for a fresh, handmade replacement!
This tutorial will guide you through creating your own durable and stylish cloth key fobs. They are fantastic for using up fabric scraps and can be personalized to match any style. Whether you need a last-minute gift or want to add a touch of handmade flair to your own keys, this project is a winner.
Here’s what makes this cloth key fob tutorial so great:
- Scrap-Friendly: You only need small pieces of fabric, making it ideal for using up those precious remnants from other sewing projects. Each key fob requires just two 2’’ x 14’’ strips of different fabrics – one for the outer and one for the inner part. A small 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ scrap is also needed for the tab that secures the hardware.
- Simple Materials: Beyond fabric scraps, you’ll need fusible interfacing to give your key fob structure. Decor-Bond 809 by Pellon is a great choice, but any light- to mid-weight fusible interfacing you have on hand will work. You’ll need a 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ strip of interfacing for each fob.
- Essential Hardware: The final piece is a 1’’ swivel snap clip. These are readily available at craft stores like Joanns or Hobby Lobby. For bulk purchases and better value, online marketplaces like Amazon offer a wide selection.
Many tutorials suggest using metal clamps to finish key fobs, but I find sewing to be a more secure and reliable method. Plus, it avoids the need for specialized tools! The swivel snap clip is universally loved for its functionality, allowing keys to be easily attached to purses, bags, or belt loops – a feature I personally appreciate.
To add a touch of creativity, experiment with thread colors! Instead of constantly changing threads to match each fabric, choose a thread that complements both your inner and outer fabrics. For topstitching, consider using a triple stitch on your sewing machine for a bolder, more decorative look. Lengthening the stitch to 3 or 4 enhances this effect. A vibrant pink thread can beautifully accent gray, while yellow thread pops against turquoise, creating eye-catching details.
Using a single thread color throughout each key fob simplifies the process without compromising style. If your machine doesn’t have a triple stitch, a regular straight stitch with a lengthened stitch length for topstitching will still look fantastic.
Ready to start sewing? Let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial for making your own wristlet cloth key fobs!
Sewing Your Own Cloth Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide
Materials You’ll Need:
For each cloth key fob, gather the following:
- Fabric Strips (Outer): 1 strip, 2’’ x 14’’
- Fabric Strips (Inner): 1 strip, 2’’ x 14’’
- Fabric Rectangle (Tab): 1 rectangle, 3’’ x 3 1/2’’
- Fusible Interfacing: 1 strip, 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ (light to medium weight, e.g., Decor-Bond 809)
- Swivel Snap Clip: 1 clip with a 1’’ opening (similar to these)
- Coordinating Polyester Thread
- Heavy Duty Sewing Needle: Size 90/14 or 100/16 (e.g., Superior Topstitch Needles)
- Iron and Ironing Board
Cutting Instructions:
Carefully cut out all your fabric and interfacing pieces according to the dimensions listed above. Precise cutting will ensure a neat and professional finish for your cloth key fob.
Sewing Instructions:
- Prepare the Strap: Place your two 2’’ x 14’’ fabric strips right sides together. Sew along one long edge using a 1/4’’ seam allowance. This joins the inner and outer fabric pieces to form the main strap of the key fob.
Pressing Instructions:
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Open the Seam: Press the seam you just sewed open. This reduces bulk and creates a flatter strap.
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Create a Center Crease: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, with wrong sides together, and press. This ‘teaches’ the fabric to fold nicely and creates a crisp center crease that will guide further folding.
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Fuse the Interfacing: Open the strap back up. Place the fusible side of your interfacing strip against the wrong side of one half of the fabric (it doesn’t matter which half). Press firmly with a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Ensure the interfacing is securely bonded to provide structure to the key fob.
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Fold in Long Edges: Fold each long raw edge of the fabric strip towards the wrong side by approximately 3/4’’. This should bring the raw edges to meet or slightly overlap the edges of the interfacing underneath. Press these folds firmly. This step encases the raw edges and prepares the strap for its final fold.
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Final Fold and Press: Fold the entire strap in half again along the center crease you made earlier, encasing all raw edges inside. Press the fold flat. The strap should now be neatly folded and ready for topstitching.
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Prepare the Tab: Take your 3 1/2’’ x 3’’ 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, overlapping the first fold by about 1/8’’, and press again. This creates a neat, double-folded tab with no raw edges showing. You should now have a tab piece approximately 1’’ x 3 1/2’’.
Topstitching and Finishing Instructions:
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Topstitch the Strap: Set your sewing machine to a topstitching 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, approximately 1/8’’ from the edge. This secures the folded edges and adds a professional finish to your cloth key fob strap.
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Attach the Swivel Snap Clip: Change to a wide zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine (as wide as possible). Slide the swivel snap clip onto the finished strap. Bring the two ends of the strap together, butting them up against each other. Place the joined ends under your sewing machine foot and zig-zag stitch back and forth across the join, securely attaching the two ends of the strap together.
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Add the Wrap-Around Tab: Position the zig-zagged join approximately 1 1/2’’ away from the swivel snap clip. Take your prepared wrap-around tab and center it around the zig-zagged join, with the raw edge of the tab facing the key fob strap (so it will be hidden). Tuck the short raw ends of the tab to the inside of the strap, ensuring a neat finish. Adjust the tab to fit snugly around the strap join and secure it temporarily with a clip.
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Final Topstitching on Tab: Sew two short lines of topstitching to secure the tab in place. These lines should connect with the existing topstitching lines on the strap, forming a neat, enclosed square or rectangle. Backstitch securely at the beginning and end of each line of topstitching. This firmly attaches the tab and completes your cloth key fob. You can add more topstitching around the tab for extra security and a decorative touch if desired.
Congratulations! You have successfully sewn your own cloth key fob.
These charming key fobs are perfect for personal use or as handmade gifts. Experiment with different fabric combinations and thread colors to create a variety of unique and stylish cloth key fobs. Share your creations on social media using #sewcanshe – I’d love to see them!
Happy Sewing!
