Are you looking for a quick, satisfying sewing project? Or perhaps you need a thoughtful, handmade gift that everyone will adore? Look no further! Creating a Key Fob Diy wristlet keychain is the perfect solution. These charming accessories are not only incredibly useful but also surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner sewers.
In this easy-to-follow tutorial, we’ll guide you through each step of crafting your own stylish wrist strap key fob. Inspired by the popularity of these little lifesavers – even my daughter’s school assistant principal hinted for a new one! – this project is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those lovely fabric scraps you’ve been saving.
Whether you’re making them for yourself, friends, family, or as last-minute gifts, these DIY key fobs are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to get started on your key fob DIY adventure.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this key fob DIY project:
- Fabric Scraps: This is a scrap-friendly project! You’ll need two fabric strips, each 2’’ x 14’’. One will be for the outer part of your key fob and the other for the inner lining. For the small tab that secures the hardware, a 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ piece of coordinating fabric works perfectly.
- Stabilizer: My go-to is Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon. However, any light to mid-weight fusible interfacing you have on hand will do. You’ll need a strip of interfacing measuring 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ for each key fob.
- Swivel Snap Clip: The essential hardware! A 1’’ swivel snap clip is ideal for attaching your keys. You can find these at craft stores like Joanns or Hobby Lobby, but for a wider selection and better value, I recommend checking out Amazon.
Many tutorials suggest using metal crimp ends to finish key fobs, but I find sewing much more reliable and secure. Plus, who needs another specialized tool? Swivel snap clips are universally loved for their practicality – easily clip your keys to your purse or bag, just like I do!
To add a personal touch to your key fob DIY, consider playing with thread colors. Instead of constantly changing threads to match each fabric, I started choosing thread that coordinated with both the inner and outer fabrics. For topstitching, I experimented with the triple stitch on my sewing machine, which creates a bold, layered look, especially when lengthened to a 3 or 4 stitch length. A vibrant pink thread against gray fabric? Glamorous! Yellow thread on turquoise? Striking!
Using a single thread color throughout each key fob DIY project simplifies the process and adds a unique design element. If your machine doesn’t have a triple stitch, a regular straight stitch for topstitching is perfectly fine. Just remember to lengthen your stitch for a more professional finish.
Ready to start making your own wristlet key fobs? Let’s get sewing with this key fob DIY tutorial!
Key Fob DIY Tutorial: Sewing a Wristlet Keychain
Let’s begin our key fob DIY project with cutting the fabric pieces.
Cutting – Key Fob DIY
For each key fob, prepare the following pieces:
- Outer Strap Fabric: 1 strip measuring 2’’ x 14’’
- Inner Strap Fabric: 1 strip measuring 2’’ x 14’’
- Wrap Around Tab Fabric: 1 rectangle measuring 3’’ x 3 1/2’’
- Fusible Interfacing: 1 strip measuring 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ (e.g., Decor-Bond 809)
- Swivel Snap Clip: 1 with a 1’’ opening
You will also need:
- Coordinating polyester thread
- Heavy duty sewing machine needle (size 90/14 or 100/16 recommended, such as Superior Topstitch Needles)
- Iron and ironing board
Now that we have all our pieces cut, let’s move on to sewing our key fob DIY.
Sewing – Key Fob DIY
- Sew Strap Seam: Place the 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 base strap of our key fob DIY.
Pressing – Key Fob DIY
Proper pressing is crucial for a professional-looking key fob DIY.
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Press Seam Open: Press the seam you just sewed open. This helps to reduce bulk and create a flatter strap.
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Press in Half: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, with wrong sides together, aligning the long raw edges. Press firmly along the fold. This ‘teaches’ the fabric to create a crisp, clean edge along the seam, which will be the center of your key fob DIY strap.
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Fuse Interfacing: Open the folded strap. Place the fusible side of the 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ interfacing strip against the wrong side of one half of the fabric strap (it doesn’t matter which half). Press to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Ensure you press well from the fabric side, as cotton can withstand heat better than interfacing. The interfacing adds structure and durability to your key fob DIY.
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Fold Long Edges: Fold each long raw edge of the fabric strip towards the wrong side by approximately 3/4’’. You should fold it just enough so that the raw edges meet or slightly overlap with the edges of the interfacing underneath. Look closely at the photo – you’ll see how the folded edge aligns with the seam allowance under the interfacing. Press these folds firmly. This step neatly encloses the raw edges of your key fob DIY strap.
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Fold in Half Again: After folding and pressing both long edges, fold the entire strip in half again along the original center seam. Press flat to secure all layers. Set the strap aside.
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Prepare Wrap Around Tab: Now, let’s prepare the wrap-around tab for our key fob DIY. Take the 3 1/2’’ square fabric piece. Fold one of the 3 1/2’’ sides to the wrong side by about 1’’. Press flat. Then, fold the opposite 3 1/2’’ side over so that the raw edge is about 1/8’’ away from the first fold, encasing the raw edge. Press again. This creates a neat, folded tab approximately 1’’ x 3 1/2’’, concealing all raw edges for a professional key fob DIY finish.
Topstitching and Finishing – Key Fob DIY
Almost there! Let’s finish our key fob DIY with topstitching and hardware attachment.
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Topstitch Strap: Set your sewing machine to a longer stitch length for topstitching (3-4). If you have a triple stitch, you can use it for a bolder look. Topstitch along both long edges of the 1’’ x 14’’ strap, approximately 1/8’’ from the edge. Topstitching adds a professional touch and durability to your key fob DIY.
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Attach Swivel Snap: Switch to a wide zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine (as wide as possible). Slide the swivel snap clip onto the fabric strap. Bring the two ends of the strap together, butting them against each other. Place the joined ends under your sewing machine foot and zig-zag back and forth several times across the joint, securely attaching both ends of the strap together. This creates the loop for your key fob DIY.
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Apply Wrap Around Tab: Position the zig-zagged join on the strap so it’s about 1 1/2’’ away from the swivel snap clip. Take the folded wrap-around tab and position it around the zig-zagged seam, with the raw edge of the tab against the key fob DIY strap (so it will be hidden). Tuck the short raw ends of the tab to the inside of the strap, encasing the raw edges.
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Topstitch Tab: Adjust the tab until it is snug and secure. Use a clip to hold it in place if needed. Sew two short lines of topstitching to attach the tab, connecting with the existing topstitching lines on the strap. Backstitch neatly at the beginning and end of each line of stitching. This secures the tab and completes your key fob DIY. You can add more topstitching for extra security or decorative effect, such as a square around the tab.
Congratulations! You’ve completed your key fob DIY project! Whether you prefer the simple lines of the double topstitch or a more decorative square, your handmade wristlet keychain is ready to use or gift.
If you make these wristlet key fobs using this key fob DIY tutorial, I’d love to see your creations! Share a picture on Instagram and tag me @sewcanshe or use #sewcanshe so I can admire your handiwork.
Happy Sewing!
