Hey there, fellow DIY enthusiasts! As a content creator for keyfobx.com and a passionate auto repair expert, I’m excited to revisit a crafting favorite of mine: key fobs! For those who have been following my journey, you might know that crafting key fobs was one of my early passions. I used to create countless variations and fill my Etsy shop with these handy little accessories. They’re incredibly fun to make, quick to complete, and offer a really satisfying crafting experience.
While I no longer sell them, I still genuinely enjoy making key fobs now and then. They are perfect for so many occasions – thoughtful teacher gifts, delightful stocking stuffers, unique party favors, or just a little something special for yourself! The best part? You probably already have most of the supplies you need: scrap fabric, leftover batting, and a key ring. So, gather your materials, and let’s dive into creating your own personalized key fob!
Looking for a convenient, printable version of this tutorial? You’re in luck! We’ve condensed these instructions into a handy, printable PDF guide just for you. Download it here.
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
Sewing Instructions: Crafting Your Key Fob
Let’s break down the process of sewing your key fob into easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric Pieces
Begin by taking your two pieces of fabric and sewing them together along the shorter ends. Once sewn, press the seam open with an iron to ensure a flat, neat finish.
Step 2: Fold and Press the Fabric
Next, fold your joined fabric piece in half lengthwise, making sure the wrong sides of the fabric are facing each other. Press along the fold to create a sharp crease. This will help define the shape of your key fob.
Step 3: Insert the Batting
Now, take your piece of batting and place it inside the folded fabric, aligning it with the crease you just pressed. Center the batting carefully, leaving approximately 1/4 inch of fabric overhang on each end. This ensures the batting is neatly enclosed within the fabric.
Step 4: Fold Bottom Edge Over Batting
Fold the bottom edge of the fabric pieces up and around the batting. Press along this fold to create another crease. This step starts to encase the batting securely.
Step 5: Fold Top Edge and Press
Fold the top edge of the fabric down about 1/4 inch over the batting. Press this fold to create a clean, finished edge. You’re now layering the fabric to enclose the batting completely.
Step 6: Attach Key Fob Hardware
Insert the fabric into the key fob hardware (key ring). Use clips to hold the folded fabric edges together securely. This prepares the fob for stitching while keeping the hardware in place.
Step 7: Fold Key Fob in Half
Fold the entire key fob in half, aligning the two raw ends of the fabric. This step shapes the fob into its recognizable loop form.
Step 8: Align and Pin Raw Ends
Slightly unfold the raw ends so that the full 3 inches of fabric are aligned. Carefully move the batting out of the seam allowance area to avoid sewing over it. Pin the fabric layers in place to secure them for sewing.
Step 9: Sew the Loop Closed
Sew a 1/4 inch seam across the raw ends. This seam creates a closed loop, forming the main structure of the key fob.
Step 10: Press Seam Open
Use your fingers to gently press the seam you just sewed open. This reduces bulk and helps the seam lay flat.
Step 11: Reposition Batting
Return the batting pieces to their original position within the fabric fold.
If the batting pieces now overlap due to the seam, trim them so they are butted against each other without overlapping. This ensures a smooth finish.
Step 12: Refold Fabric and Clip
Fold the fabric back over the batting as it was originally. Use clips to hold everything in place, preparing it for the final stitching around the edges.
Step 13: Stitch Around the Loop Edge
Bring your bobbin thread up through the needle plate. Pull both the needle and bobbin threads to have about 5 inches of thread—enough to tie a knot later. Start sewing about 1/8 inch from the edge around the entire loop. Adjust the hardware and clips as you sew.
Step 14 & 15: Bury Threads for a Clean Finish
For a seamless look, especially where seams start and stop in the same place, burying threads is recommended instead of backstitching. Stop sewing with your needle down about 2-3 inches before your starting point. Gently pull one thread to bring the other thread to the same side, and tie them in a knot. Thread a needle close to the knot, insert it into the fabric, and bring it out about 1-2 inches away, ensuring you don’t go through all layers.
Step 16: Trim Thread Tails
Gently pull the thread so the knot “pops” and is hidden underneath the fabric. Trim the excess thread tails for a neat finish.
Step 17: Continue Stitching and Bury Threads Again
Continue stitching until you reach your starting point, completing the loop seam. Repeat the thread burying process from steps 14-16 to neatly finish the seam.
Step 18: Repeat for the Other Edge
Repeat steps 13-17 for the opposite edge of the key fob, ensuring both long edges are neatly stitched.
Step 19: Position Hardware and Clip for Final Stitch
Arrange the hardware in the middle of the fabric section. Clip the key fob around the hardware, positioning it for the final securing stitch.
Step 20: Stitch Across the Width
Starting with about 5 inches of bobbin and needle thread, stitch across the width of the key fob to secure the hardware. For extra security, stitch forward, backward, then forward again. Bury the thread tails as you did in steps 15-16.
Step 21: Enjoy Your New Key Fob!
Congratulations! Your DIY key fob is now complete. Get ready to show off your handmade creation or gift it to someone special.
Fair warning: crafting these can become quite addictive! 🙂
Download the printable PDF for this tutorial here.
Happy Sewing!
