Have you ever needed a quick, satisfying sewing project? Or perhaps you’re searching for the perfect handmade gift that’s both practical and charming? Look no further than the humble key fob! If you’ve been following DIY crafting trends, you might know that creating key fobs is a fantastic way to use up scrap fabrics and add a personal touch to your keys or bags. In this easy-to-follow tutorial, we’ll guide you through each step to make your own stylish and durable key fobs. They’re incredibly fun to create, surprisingly fast, and wonderfully rewarding.
While I once made countless key fobs for my Etsy shop, I still find joy in crafting them occasionally. They make excellent teacher appreciation gifts, thoughtful stocking stuffers, unique party favors, or just a little something special for yourself! The best part? You likely already have all the supplies you need: some leftover fabric scraps, a bit of scrap batting, and key rings. So, gather your materials, and let’s dive into this fun project!
Looking for a handy, printable version of this guide? You can download a condensed PDF tutorial for your convenience here.
Here’s what you will need to gather before starting to make your key fob:
Materials You’ll Need to Make a Key Fob
- Fabric scraps (two coordinating pieces recommended for visual appeal)
- Scrap batting (adds padding and structure)
- Key ring
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Iron
- Clips or pins
- Needle for burying threads (optional, but recommended for a clean finish)
- Ruler or measuring tape
Sewing Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Create Your Key Fob
Let’s get started with the sewing process to make your own key fob. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric Pieces
Take your two pieces of fabric and place them right sides together. Sew them along one of the short ends using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Once sewn, press the seam open with your iron to ensure a flat, neat finish.
Step 2: Fold and Press the Fabric
Next, fold your fabric piece in half lengthwise, ensuring the wrong sides are facing each other. Press along the fold to create a crisp crease. This crease will serve as the center line for the next steps.
Step 3: Insert the Batting
Open the folded fabric and place the piece of batting inside, aligning it with the crease you just pressed. Center the batting so that there is approximately a ¼ inch of fabric extending beyond the batting on both ends. This slight overhang will help in creating a clean edge later.
Step 4: Fold Bottom Edge and Press
Now, fold the bottom edge of the fabric up and over the batting, encasing the batting within the fabric fold. Press this folded edge to create another crease. This fold will help create a clean finished edge for your key fob.
Step 5: Fold Top Edge and Press Again
Fold the top edge of the fabric down approximately ¼ inch over the batting, overlapping slightly with the previous fold. Press this top fold to create a neat, layered edge. You should now have both top and bottom edges folded in towards the center, encasing the batting.
Step 6: Attach to Key Ring Hardware
Insert the folded fabric strip into the key fob hardware (key ring). Fold it over so the raw edges meet. Use clips to hold the folded edges of the fabric together, close to the hardware. This keeps everything in place for sewing and ensures the hardware is securely attached.
Step 7: Fold in Half
Fold the entire key fob in half at the hardware, aligning the two raw ends of the fabric strip together. This step prepares the ends for sewing to create the loop of the key fob.
Step 8: Align and Pin Raw Ends
Slightly unfold the two raw ends so that the entire 3-inch length of the fabric pieces are aligned. Gently move the batting aside, ensuring you won’t sew through it in the seam allowance area. Pin the fabric ends in place to secure them for sewing.
Step 9: Sew the Loop Closed
Sew a ¼ inch seam across the pinned raw edges. This seam will create a closed loop, forming the key fob strap. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam for added durability.
Step 10: Press Seam Open with Fingers
Use your fingers to gently press the seam open. Since it’s a small area, finger pressing is sufficient to reduce bulk and help the seam lie flat.
Step 11: Reposition Batting
Replace the batting pieces back to their original position inside the fabric fold. Ensure they are neatly placed within the fabric layers.
Step 12: Trim Batting if Necessary
If the batting pieces overlap at the seam, trim them so they butt against each other without overlapping. This reduces bulk within the seam and allows for a smoother finish.
Step 13: Refold Fabric and Clip
Fold the fabric back over the batting as it was originally, encasing the batting within the fabric folds again. Clip the edges in place to secure the layers together for the final stitching.
Step 14: Prepare to Stitch Around the Loop Edge
Bring your bobbin thread up through the needle plate. Pull both the needle and bobbin threads to ensure you have enough thread to tie a knot later – about 5 inches should suffice. Start sewing approximately ⅛ inch from the edge around the fabric loop. Move the hardware and clips as you sew, being careful not to stitch over them.
Step 15: Knot and Bury Threads (Optional but Recommended)
To achieve a clean, professional finish, especially where seams start and stop in the same visible area, bury your threads 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. Tie both threads in a secure knot. Thread a needle with both thread tails, insert the needle close to the knot, and bring it out about 1-2 inches away, ensuring you only go through the top layers of the key fob.
Step 16: Trim Buried Threads
Gently pull on the threads so the knot “pops” underneath the fabric surface. Trim the thread tails close to the fabric. The thread tails are now neatly hidden inside the key fob.
Step 17: Continue Stitching and Bury Threads Again
Continue stitching from where you left off until you reach the beginning of your seam, completing the loop edge. Repeat the thread burying process from Steps 15-16 to neatly finish the seam.
Step 18: Repeat for the Other Edge
Repeat Steps 13-17 for the opposite edge of the key fob loop. This will secure and finish both long edges of your key fob strap.
Step 19: Position Hardware and Clip for Final Stitch
Arrange the key ring hardware in the middle of the accent fabric section of your key fob. Fold the key fob around the hardware, ensuring it’s centered and balanced. Clip the fabric in place around the hardware to prepare for the final stitch that secures the hardware.
Step 20: Stitch Across the Width to Secure Hardware
Starting with about 5 inches of bobbin and needle thread, stitch across the width of the key fob, close to the hardware. For extra security, stitch forward, backward, and then forward again over the same line. Bury the thread tails as explained in Steps 15-16 to finish neatly.
Step 21: Enjoy Your New Key Fob!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your own key fob. Now you can attach it to your keys, backpack, or give it as a thoughtful, handmade gift.
Fair warning: making key fobs can become quite addictive! Once you start, you’ll want to create them in every fabric combination imaginable.
Download the printable PDF for this tutorial here.
Happy Sewing!
