Are you searching for a quick, satisfying sewing project that doubles as a thoughtful gift? Look no further than the Key Fob Bracelet! Also known as a wristlet key fob, this handy accessory is not only incredibly useful but also a fantastic way to use up fabric scraps. I’ve personally sewn countless of these key fob bracelets, and they consistently rank as the most requested DIY gifts among my friends and family. Just recently, the assistant principal at my daughter’s school subtly hinted that the wrist lanyard I gifted her years ago was showing its age – a clear sign that it was time for a new, stylish key fob bracelet!
This easy-to-follow sewing tutorial will guide you through creating your own charming key fob bracelets. They are perfect for last-minute presents that are both personal and practical – everyone appreciates a little handmade touch that simplifies their daily routine.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes this key fob bracelet project so great:
- Scrap-Friendly Sewing: This project is ideal for using up those beautiful fabric remnants you’ve been saving. You only need small strips of fabric, making it a wonderfully economical and eco-conscious craft. Each key fob bracelet utilizes two coordinating fabrics – one for the outer layer and one for the inner lining. We’re talking about strips as small as 2’’ x 14’’. You’ll also need a tiny 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ piece for the hardware tab, which can be matched to your inner fabric for a cohesive look.
- Stabilizer Savvy: For structure and durability, I highly recommend using Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon as a stabilizer. However, if you have any light to medium weight fusible interfacing leftover from other sewing projects, that will work perfectly too! You’ll need a 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ strip of interfacing for each key fob bracelet.
- Hardware Essentials: The final essential is a 1’’ swivel snap clip. While you can find these at local craft stores like Joanns or Hobby Lobby if you’re in a hurry, I’ve found Amazon to be the best source for variety and value. Buying in bulk online is a cost-effective way to stock up for multiple key fob bracelet projects.
While some tutorials suggest metal clamps to secure the key fob bracelet ends, I prefer a sewn method for better durability and security. Plus, who needs another specialized tool cluttering their drawers? Swivel snap clips are universally loved for their functionality – easily attaching keys to purses, bags, or belt loops. It’s my preferred method too!
As I started making more and more of these delightful key fob bracelets, I realized how often I was changing thread colors to match each fabric combination. That’s when I decided to get creative with my thread choices!
I began selecting thread colors that would complement both the inner and outer fabrics. For topstitching, I experimented with the triple stitch on my sewing machine, which creates a bold, three-layered stitch. Lengthening the stitch to a 3 or 4 really makes it stand out. Suddenly, pink thread looked fabulous on gray fabric, and yellow thread popped vibrantly against turquoise!
The best part? I only needed one color of thread for each key fob bracelet. If your sewing machine doesn’t have a triple stitch, don’t worry! A regular straight stitch for topstitching works just as well. Just remember to lengthen your stitch length for a professional finish – it truly elevates the look.
Ready to create your own stylish and practical key fob bracelets? Let’s dive into the sewing tutorial!
Materials You’ll Need to Sew a Key Fob Bracelet
For each key fob bracelet, gather the following materials:
- Fabric Strip (Outer): 1 strip measuring 2’’ x 14’’ for the exterior of the key fob bracelet.
- Fabric Strip (Inner): 1 strip measuring 2’’ x 14’’ for the interior lining of the key fob bracelet.
- Fabric Rectangle (Tab): 1 rectangle measuring 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ for the wrap-around hardware tab.
- Fusible Interfacing: 1 strip measuring 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ of light to medium weight fusible interfacing (like Pellon Decor-Bond 809).
- Swivel Snap Clip: 1 swivel snap or alligator clasp with a 1’’ opening (similar to these on Amazon).
- Coordinating Polyester Thread
- Heavy Duty Sewing Needle: Size 90/14 or 100/16 (I recommend Superior Topstitch Needles).
- Iron and Ironing Board
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Sewing Your Key Fob Bracelet
Cutting the Fabric Pieces
For each key fob bracelet, precisely cut out the fabric and interfacing pieces according to the measurements listed in the materials section above. Accuracy in cutting ensures a neat and professional finished product.
Sewing the Strap
- Take your two 2’’ x 14’’ fabric strips (outer and inner fabrics). Place them right sides together, aligning all edges.
- Sew along one long edge using a 1/4’’ seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure the stitches.
Pressing for a Crisp Finish
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Open the Seam: Carefully press the seam you just sewed open using your iron. This reduces bulk and creates a flatter strap.
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Fold and Press in Half: Fold the entire strap in half lengthwise, with wrong sides together, aligning the long raw edges. Press firmly along the fold to create a crisp center crease. This ‘trains’ the fabric and makes topstitching easier.
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Fuse the Interfacing: Open the folded strap again. Place the fusible side of your interfacing strip against the wrong side of one half of the fabric strap (it doesn’t matter which half). Ensure the interfacing is centered. Press with a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Press firmly from the fabric side to ensure a strong bond.
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Fold Edges to Center: Fold each long raw edge of the fabric strip towards the center, overlapping the edge of the interfacing by about 3/4’’. The raw edges should meet or slightly overlap in the center, concealing the raw edges within the fold. Press these folds in place.
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Fold in Half Again: Refold the entire strap in half along the original center crease, encasing the raw edges and interfacing within the folds. Press flat to create a neat, finished strap.
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Prepare the Hardware Tab: Take your 3 1/2’’ tab piece. Fold one of the 3 1/2’’ sides over to the wrong side by approximately 1’’ and press. Then, fold the opposite 3 1/2’’ side over, ensuring the raw edge slightly overlaps the first folded edge by about 1/8’’. Press to create a clean, double-folded tab with no raw edges showing. You’ll now have a tab approximately 1’’ x 3 1/2’’.
Set both the strap and tab pieces aside, ready for topstitching and final assembly.
Topstitching and Final Assembly
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Topstitch the Strap: Set your sewing machine to a lengthened stitch (3-4mm). For a bolder look, use 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 folds and adds a professional touch.
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Attach the Swivel Snap Clip: Switch to a wide zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine (set it to the widest setting possible). Slide the swivel snap clip onto the fabric strap. Bring the two ends of the strap together, butting them closely. Place the joined ends under your sewing machine foot and zig-zag stitch back and forth several times across the ends, securely joining them. Ensure you catch both ends of the strap firmly within the zig-zag stitches.
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Add the Wrap-Around Tab: Position the zig-zagged join on the strap approximately 1 1/2’’ away from the swivel snap clip. Take your prepared hardware tab and wrap it around the zig-zagged join, positioning the neatly folded edge of the tab outwards and the raw edge against the key fob bracelet strap (hiding the raw edge). Tuck the short raw ends of the tab inwards, between the tab layers, for a clean finish.
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Secure the Tab: Adjust the tab so it fits snugly around the strap join, concealing the zig-zag stitches. Use a clip to hold it in place temporarily. Sew two short lines of topstitching vertically through all layers of the tab, connecting with the existing topstitching lines on the strap. Backstitch neatly at the beginning and end of each topstitched line to secure.
This simple topstitching is sufficient to secure the tab and your key fob bracelet hardware. For added security or a different look, you can add more topstitching – perhaps a square around the tab. However, sewing a perfect square in this small space can be a bit trickier.
Consider which tab finishing style you prefer!
If you sew up your own wristlet key fob bracelets, whether for yourself or as gifts, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Please post a picture on Instagram and tag me @sewcanshe or use #sewcanshe so I can admire your handiwork.
Happy Sewing!
