Key fobs are fantastic little accessories that are both practical and fun to make. If you’re looking for a quick, rewarding sewing project, or searching for the perfect handmade gift, look no further! Making your own Key And Fob is easier than you might think, and it’s a brilliant way to use up scrap fabrics. Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will show you how to create charming fabric key fobs that are perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, party favors, or just to add a personal touch to your own keys. Let’s dive into this simple and satisfying DIY project!
Materials You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather these readily available supplies:
- Scrap fabric (two coordinating pieces work wonderfully)
- Scrap batting
- Key ring
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Iron
- Clips or pins
Sewing Your Key Fob: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple sewing instructions to create your own adorable key fobs.
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric Pieces
Take your two pieces of scrap fabric and sew them together along one of the short ends. Ensure you are sewing with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Once sewn, press the seam open with your iron to create a neat, flat join. This combines your fabric scraps into a single strip ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Fold and Press the Fabric
Next, fold your fabric strip in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides of the fabric facing each other. Press along the fold to create a sharp crease. This crease will serve as a guide for centering the batting and shaping your key fob.
Step 3: Insert the Batting
Open the folded fabric and place the piece of batting inside, aligning it with the center crease you just pressed. Center the batting so that there’s approximately a 1/4″ fabric overhang on both ends of the batting. This overhang will allow for clean folded edges.
Step 4: Fold Bottom Edge
Fold the bottom raw edge of the fabric up and over the batting. Press this folded edge to create another crease. This fold starts to enclose the batting within the fabric.
Step 5: Fold Top Edge and Secure
Now, fold the top raw edge of the fabric down about 1/4″ over the batting, overlapping slightly with the previous fold. Press this top fold to create a neat edge. This fold completes the fabric enclosure around the batting, preparing it for sewing.
Step 6: Attach to Key Ring and Clip
Insert the raw edges of your fabric strip through the key ring. Fold the fabric in half at the key ring, bringing the raw edges together. Use clips to hold the folded edges in place, ensuring they are aligned and ready for sewing.
Step 7: Fold in Half
Fold the entire key fob in half at the key ring, aligning the raw fabric ends precisely. This step ensures a clean, even finish to the loop of your key fob.
Step 8: Align and Pin Raw Ends
Slightly unfold the raw ends to ensure all layers of fabric are aligned across the 3″ width. Move the batting out of the seam allowance to avoid stitching through it. Pin the layers together securely. This prepares the raw edges for a clean, enclosed seam.
Step 9: Sew the Loop Closed
Sew a 1/4″ seam across the raw edges. This seam will create a closed loop for your key fob, securely joining the ends.
Step 10: Press Seam Open
Use your fingers to gently press the seam you just sewed open. This helps reduce bulk and allows for a flatter, neater finish to the loop seam.
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 to reduce bulk.
Step 12: Refold and Clip Edges
Fold the fabric back over the batting as it was originally, encasing the batting again. Clip the edges together to keep them in place for the final stitching.
Step 13: Begin Edge Stitching
Bring your bobbin thread up through the needle plate. Pull both the needle and bobbin threads to have about 5″ of thread – this will be used for burying threads later. Start sewing approximately 1/8″ from the edge around the entire loop of the key fob. Remove clips as you sew.
Steps 14-17: Burying Threads for a Clean Finish
To ensure a clean, professional finish without backstitching, we’ll bury the threads. Stop sewing about 2-3 inches before your starting point, with the needle down. Gently pull one thread to bring the other thread to the same side. Tie these two threads in a knot close to the fabric. Thread a needle with both thread tails and insert it close to the knot, bringing it out 1-2 inches away, ensuring you don’t go through all layers. Gently pull the threads to pop the knot under the fabric surface. Trim the excess thread. Continue stitching to close the gap and bury threads again at the end of the seam using the same method.
Steps 18-21: Secure Hardware and Final Stitch
Repeat the edge stitching and thread burying process for the other edge of the key fob loop to ensure both sides are neatly finished. Arrange the key ring hardware in the middle of the accent fabric section. Clip the fabric around the hardware to hold it in place. Starting with 5″ thread tails again, stitch across the width of the key fob several times (forward, backward, forward) to securely attach the hardware. Bury the threads as before to finish.
Enjoy Your Handmade Key Fob!
Congratulations, you’ve created your own charming fabric key fob! These are not only incredibly useful but also make thoughtful, personalized gifts. Get creative with different fabric combinations and patterns to make each key fob unique. Be warned – crafting these can be quite addictive!
