Looking for a quick and thoughtful handmade gift? Key fob wristlets are your answer! These little accessories are not only incredibly useful but also surprisingly easy and fast to make, especially when you get the Key Fob Measurements just right. I’ve been crafting these for years, gifting them to mail carriers, teachers, and friends, and they are always a hit. People love how practical and personal they are, often mentioning them months after receiving them. This year, as I was making my batch, I decided to share my go-to tutorial, focusing on ensuring your key fob measurements are perfect every time.
A visual guide showcasing the steps to create DIY key fob wristlets, perfect for handmade gifts.
If you are new here, welcome! I’m Laura, a quilt pattern designer and avid deal seeker. And if you love a good bargain for your sewing projects, make sure to join my Quilting & Sewing Deals Facebook group for the latest sales and coupons!
A collection of finished DIY key fob wristlets in various fabric patterns, demonstrating the charm of handmade keychains as gifts.
***For printable instructions, download them here!***
Gathering Your Supplies: Key Fob Essentials and Measurements
To get started on your key fob wristlets, you’ll need a few key materials. The key fob measurements we will be using are designed for 1-inch hardware, which is the most common and versatile size. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fabric: A fat quarter is perfect and can yield about 8 key fobs! Canvas is my preferred choice for durability, holding up better to daily wear and tear compared to quilting cotton. However, quilting cotton also works beautifully for a softer feel. Explore canvas options from Cotton + Steel or Ruby Star Society for stylish prints.
- Batting Scraps: Warm & Natural batting is my go-to, but any cotton or cotton/poly blend batting scraps will work wonderfully. Avoid polyester or wool batting for this project.
- Key Fob Hardware: Crucially, you’ll need 1-inch key fob hardware. This tutorial’s measurements are specifically tailored for this size. Silver is a classic choice, but antique bronze can add a unique touch, especially with canvas fabrics. You can find hardware at craft stores like JoAnn or online retailers.
- Optional but Highly Recommended: Quick Turn Tube Turners: These are a game-changer for turning fabric tubes right side out. While not essential, they save a lot of time and frustration.
- Thread: Aurifil thread is my standard. For canvas, I sometimes switch to a slightly heavier 40wt thread from the usual 50wt for added strength, though both work well. Color #2312 or any light tan is a versatile choice, or use a colorful thread for a pop of contrast.
- Safety Pin with String: A DIY tool that works wonders! Attach a 20-inch string (or 12wt Aurifil thread) to a curved safety pin.
- Pliers: Slip joint pliers from a standard toolbox or specialized key fob pliers will do the job for securing the hardware.
- Rotary Cutter, Acrylic Ruler, and Cutting Mat: For precise fabric cutting, ensuring accurate key fob measurements from the start.
Essential supplies for crafting key fobs, including fabric, hardware, and sewing tools, highlighting the variety of materials.
Close-up of Ruby Star Society canvas fabric, showcasing vibrant patterns and texture ideal for stylish key fobs.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Key Fob Wristlet
Now, let’s get to the fun part – putting it all together! Follow these steps to create your key fob wristlets, keeping in mind the crucial key fob measurements for a perfect finish.
Step 1: Cutting the Fabric Strips
For each key fob, cut two strips of fabric measuring 2 1/2″ x 12″. If you’re making a batch, like my 40, layer your fabrics to cut multiple strips at once. I used ten different canvas prints from my bundle, layering three at a time for efficient cutting. After trimming the selvage, I cut four 2 1/2″ x 12″ strips from each fabric. Precise cutting ensures consistent key fob measurements throughout your project.
Assorted canvas fabric prints by Ruby Star Society, ready to be cut into strips for crafting unique key fobs.
Step-by-step image demonstrating trimming selvages from canvas fabric using rotary cutter and ruler for key fob preparation.
Image showing the process of cutting canvas fabric into precise strips using a rotary cutter, essential for accurate key fob dimensions.
Neatly cut canvas fabric strips, ready for the next steps in creating durable and stylish key fobs.
Step 2: Sewing the Fabric Tube
Fold a fabric strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the raw edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance. For extra durability, especially with canvas, use a slightly shorter stitch length – I set my machine to “2”. When you are about 1/4″ from the end, pivot the fabric 90 degrees, keeping the needle down, and sew across the bottom edge. This little corner detail makes turning the tube easier later on.
Image demonstrating folding the fabric strip right sides together, preparing to sew the key fob tube.
Sewing along the raw edge of the folded fabric strip with a sewing machine, creating the initial tube shape for the key fob.
Detail shot of sewing the corner of the fabric strip to facilitate easier turning of the key fob tube, marked with an air erasable pen.
Completed sewn fabric tube for a key fob, showcasing the neat seam and corner detail essential for turning.
Multiple sewn fabric tubes for key fobs, illustrating batch sewing for efficiency in crafting handmade gifts.
Step 3: Turning the Tube Right Side Out
Use a Quick Turn tube turner to turn the sewn tube right side out. If you don’t have one, a safety pin can work, but tube turners are a worthwhile investment for ease and speed.
Demonstration of using a Quick Turn tube turner to efficiently turn the fabric tube right side out for key fob construction.
Inserting the tube turner into the sewn fabric tube to begin the process of turning it right side out for key fob creation.
Bunching the fabric onto the tube turner to facilitate the inversion process for making key fob tubes.
Turning the fabric tube right side out using a tube turner, a crucial step in preparing the key fob strap.
I like to use my thumb to open the seam as I turn the tube. An open seam reduces bulk, which is especially helpful with canvas.
Using a thumb to open the seam of the fabric tube while turning it, reducing bulk for a neater key fob finish.
Pushing the fabric through the tube turner to complete the process of turning the key fob strap right side out.
Pulling the fabric tube fully through the turner, resulting in a neatly inverted strap ready for the next key fob steps.
Step 4: Preparing for Batting Insertion
Cut off the sewn end of the tube, trimming as little as possible, no more than 1/2″. Repeat for all tubes. Press the tubes flat, centering the seam on the back.
Trimming the sewn end of the fabric tube to prepare it for batting insertion in the key fob making process.
Pressed flat fabric tubes for key fobs, with seams centered, ready for batting and further construction.
Step 5: Inserting the Batting
Cut batting scraps into strips of approximately 7/8″ x 13″. The exact length isn’t critical, anything close to 13″ works. Now, grab your safety pin with string tool! Feed the safety pin through the fabric tube, ensuring the string hangs out the other end. Attach the safety pin to one end of a batting strip, poking through twice for a secure hold.
Batting scraps cut into strips, prepared for insertion into the fabric tubes to add padding to the key fobs.
Multiple strips of batting ready to be inserted into key fob straps, providing cushioning and structure.
The DIY tool: a safety pin with string attached, used for easy insertion of batting into the key fob tubes.
Feeding the safety pin with attached string through the fabric tube, preparing to pull the batting through for key fob padding.
Attaching the safety pin to the end of a batting strip, ready to pull it through the fabric tube for key fob padding.
Pinch the end of the batting and gently pull on the string. The batting should just start to enter the tube opening. Ensure the tube and batting are straight and flat, without twists.
Pinching the end of the batting strip as it is about to be pulled into the fabric tube for key fob padding.
Pulling the batting strip into the fabric tube using the string and safety pin method for key fob padding.
Keep the tube and batting flat on the table, holding the end of the fabric tube. Gently pull the string, allowing the batting to slide into the tube. This technique prevents twisting and helps keep the seam open. Remove the safety pin and repeat for all tubes.
Holding the end of the fabric tube while pulling the string to insert batting, ensuring a smooth and even fill for the key fob.
Batting fully inserted into the fabric tube, creating a padded strap for the DIY key fob wristlet.
Multiple fabric tubes with batting inserted, ready for top stitching and hardware attachment in the key fob crafting process.
Step 6: Top Stitching for a Polished Edge
Top stitch along both long sides of the tube, about 1/8″ from the edge. A seam guide can be helpful here! I increase my stitch length slightly for this step to 2.5. Stitching with the seam side up can sometimes give better results, but it’s personal preference. Repeat for all tubes.
Top stitching along the edge of the fabric tube, adding a finished look and durability to the key fob strap.
Both sides of the key fob strap top stitched, creating a clean and professional edge finish.
Multiple top stitched key fob straps, demonstrating the uniformity and finished look after edge stitching.
Step 7: Trimming and Squaring the Ends
Trim off any extra batting extending beyond the fabric edges. Cut a tiny bit into the canvas to ensure the end is perfectly square. Repeat for all tubes.
Trimming the ends of the key fob straps to remove excess batting and create a square edge for hardware attachment.
Trimmed and squared key fob straps, prepared for hardware attachment in the DIY keychain making process.
Step 8: Attaching the Key Fob Hardware
Time for the hardware! To protect the hardware from scratches, put a couple of layers of batting scraps on the teeth of your pliers. Fold a tube in half, seam side inside, and insert the raw ends into the key fob hardware. Make sure the fabric is centered so no sides stick out.
Key fob hardware ready for attachment to the fabric straps, a crucial step in assembling DIY keychains.
Pliers padded with batting scraps to protect key fob hardware during crimping and attachment to fabric straps.
Inserting the folded fabric strap into the key fob hardware, preparing for crimping to secure the keychain loop.
Center the pliers over the end and squeeze firmly. Turn the pliers to the side and squeeze again, and repeat on the other side to ensure a tight grip. You don’t want the fabric to slip out with use!
Clamping the key fob hardware in the middle with pliers to begin securing it to the fabric strap.
Close-up of the pliers crimping the middle section of the key fob hardware onto the fabric strap.
Repositioning the pliers to clamp the sides of the key fob hardware, ensuring a secure and even attachment to the fabric strap.
Clamping the opposite side of the key fob hardware with pliers, completing the secure attachment to the fabric strap for durability.
The fabric ends should now be tightly secured inside the hardware.
Fabric ends tightly clamped within the key fob hardware, ensuring a secure and lasting keychain loop.
Step 9: Adding the Key Ring
Finally, add the key ring! And that’s it – your key fob wristlet is complete!
Adding the key ring to the hardware, completing the DIY key fob wristlet assembly.
Finished DIY key fob wristlet, showcasing the completed handmade keychain with key ring attached.
A batch of DIY key fob wristlets, highlighting the efficiency of making multiple handmade gifts at once.
A collection of completed DIY key fob wristlets in various fabric designs, showcasing the variety and charm of handmade keychains.
Repeat these steps for all your key fobs. I managed to make 40 in under two hours!
Front view of a finished DIY key fob wristlet, highlighting fabric pattern and hardware.
Back view of a DIY key fob wristlet, showing the seam and overall construction of the handmade keychain.
Personalizing Your Key Fobs
To give these key fobs an extra personal touch, I like to print tags with “Merry Christmas from The Piland family” on cardstock, hole punch them, and tie them to the key rings with string. Aurifil 12wt thread works perfectly for this!
DIY key fobs bundled together, ready to be gifted, highlighting their appeal as handmade presents.
It feels fantastic to have so many gifts ready to go! These key fob wristlets are truly the perfect quick and easy handmade gift.
Close-up of DIY key fob gifts, showcasing fabric details and the handmade quality ideal for personal presents.
Sets of DIY key fobs in coordinating fabric patterns, demonstrating options for gifting and customization.
If you love these but don’t feel like making your own, I have a few listed in my Etsy shop!
A close up to emphasize the size and craftsmanship of DIY key fobs made with canvas, ideal for everyday use.
Don’t forget to save this tutorial to Pinterest so you can easily find it again when you’re ready to make your own key fob wristlets!
A final visual reminder to save the DIY key fob tutorial for future crafting projects.
Explore More Handmade Gift Ideas!
November 17 – Inquiring Quilter – Christmas Card Holder
November 18 – Sandra Healy Designs – Dove Mini Quilt
November 19 – Powered by Quilting – Snowflake Table Runner
November 20 – JANDA Bend Quilts – Advent Christmas Ornaments
November 21 – Pretty Piney – Spiffy Card Case
November 22 – Kathleen McMusing – Drawstring Bag
November 23 – Slice of Pi Quilts – Key Fob Wristlets
November 24 – Sandy Star Designs – Folded Star Ornament
November 25 – Sparkily Blog – Tote Bag
Graphic promoting the Holiday Gifts to You Blog Hop, inviting readers to explore more DIY gift ideas.
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