Learn how to sew a fabric keychain, wristlet or key fob using my 3 favorite methods!
I first shared a tutorial on how to sew a fabric keychain on The Birch Cottage blog back in December 2018. I’ve learned a lot since then and perfected my method. But, if you’re looking for a more beginner friendly version of this fabric keychain tutorial, you might want to try my original keychain tutorial.
Having said that, let’s talk about this Fabric Keychain, Wristlet Keychain or Keychain Fob – whatever you want to call it.
Fabric Keychain / Wristlet / Key Fob
Why Use a Fabric Keychain or Wristlet
So, you may be wondering what is so special about these fabric keychains (besides being so darn cute). Well, if you make the wristlet version of this keychain it is long enough that it will slide easily over your hand and onto your wrist.
Using a wristlet keychain will help to keep your hands free, while keeping your keys handy. Groceries to carry in? No problem. Slide the wristlet onto your wrist, grab your bags of groceries and have your door key easily accessible.
Or how about carrying your baby or child? No need to set the baby down in her carrier or move your toddler to the other hip because your keys are right there on your wrist.
Easy access to your keys in a hands-free way!
As you can see, these wristlet keychains can come in pretty handy!
Video Tutorial
I put together a YouTube video tutorial to help you learn how to sew these keychain wristlets. You can CLICK HERE or on the below image to go to the video. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you’ll be notified when new videos are made available!
Why Use a Fabric Key Fob
But, what about the key fob? Well, don’t want the longer keychain/wristlet, but would like something to easily find or grab ahold of when searching for your keys? The fabric key fob is your answer!
Plus, you can customize the key fob with the fabrics of your choice. You can even embellish the fabric with decorative stitches, or even hand or machine embroidery!
How to Sew a Fabric Keychain, Wristlet or Key Fob
Today I’m going to share not one but three different ways to sew a fabric keychain. These keychains are often referred to as wristlets or even key fobs. They are super handy and fun to make. Once you make one, you’ll want to make more and more!
Supplies Needed
To make your fabric keychain you’ll need just a few supplies. I also highly recommend the hardware and the hardware pliers. The hardware has little teeth in it that helps to grab ahold of or sink into the fabric. The hardware pliers will help you to squeeze the hardware onto the fabric.
- 1-1/4″ keychain hardware (what I used)
- hardware pliers (what I used)
- E6000 adhesive
You will also need general sewing supplies, like:
- scissors
- rotary cutter
- acrylic ruler
- cutting mat
- Wonder clips or pins
- sewing machine
- thread
- fabric
- fusible fleece or interfacing
- fray check
- iron and ironing surface
Fusible Fleece/Interfacing
I typically use fusible fleece (Pellon 987F) in my fabric keychains. I like to use fusible fleece because it adds a little bit of stability without making the wristlet too stiff.
You can also use fusible interfacing. Typically, you should match the weight of the interfacing to the weight of the fabric you are using. If you are using cotton, quilting cotton, or cotton poly blends, I recommend either the 987F or the Pellon SF101.
I have also used stiffer interfacing, but I personally didn’t care for the stiffness of the wristlet.
Keychain Hardware
I used keychain hardware that is 1-1/4″ wide. The instructions provided in this tutorial are for a 1-1/4″ wide keychain. NOTE: IF YOU ARE USING HARDWARE THAT IS A DIFFERENT SIZE (a size other than 1-1/4″ wide), YOU WILL NEED TO ADJUST THE WIDTH OF YOUR FABRIC CUTS.
Having said that, I have provided you with links to the exact keychain hardware that I have used. I’ve also provided you with a link to the hardware pliers that I have used. Both have worked really well for me.
A note about the pliers. You may notice that my pliers have a protective piece of plastic over the ends of the pliers. This piece of plastic is important! Why? Because it helps to prevent the pliers from scratching your hardware when you squeeze the hardware with the pliers.
So, if you purchase a different brand, please be sure to look for a pair of pliers that have some sort of protection on the pliers that will help to prevent scratching.
Fabric Keychain Method #1 – One Piece of Fabric
This method is the quickest and simplest of the three methods. You simply use one piece of fabric and two pieces of fusible fleece/interfacing. Which means your keychain will have the same fabric on the inside of the wristlet as the outside.
Fabric Keychain Method #2 – Two Pieces of Fabric
In method #2, you’ll use two pieces of fabric. I like to use this method because it allows me to use two different (contrasting or complimentary) pieces of fabric.
Fabric Keychain Method #3 – Scrappy Fabric
And for the most fun and probably my new favorite method for sewing a fabric keychain is to use scrappy fabrics. I cut my fabric scraps about 3″ wide and various lengths from 1-1/2″ to 4″ long. Then I piece the scraps together using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Sew a Fabric Keychain / Wristlet / Key Fob
Learn how to make these fun and easy Fabric Keychain Wristlets. I'll show you three ways:
- Using one piece of fabric. Where you'll have the same fabric on the inside or lining of the wristlet as the exterior.
- Using two pieces of fabric. Here you'll get a chance to be a little more creative and use coordinating or contrasting fabrics. One for the exterior of the wristlet and one for the lining.
- Go scrappy! Have fabric scraps? This is a GREAT scrap buster project. Or use your favorite fabrics to create a one of a kind keychain!
Materials
- cotton fabric
- fusible fleece
- matching thread
- fray check
- E6000 adhesive
- keychain hardware
Tools
- keychain hardware pliers
- scissors
- rotary cutter
- acrylic ruler
- self-healing cutting mat
- iron & ironing surface
- sewing machine
- Wonder clips or pins
- sewing machine
Instructions
Method #1 - One Piece of Fabric
- Cut fabric and fusible fleece or interfacing as follows:
Fabric: 2-1/2"W x 13-1/2"L (1)
Fusible Fleece: 1"W x 13"L (2) - Place your fabric wrong side up on your ironing surface. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and wrong sides together. Press. Unfold fabric. Fold one long edge in towards the fold and press. Repeat with the other long edge. Unfold the fabric. Place the fusible fleece, adhesive (bumpy) side down, onto the wrong side of the fabric so that one long edge lines up with the center fold in the fabric. The other long edge will line up with the seam allowance fold. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to fuse the fleece to the fabric.
- With your sewing machine set to a long stitch length (I used 3.0mm), stitch 1/4" from the long edge. Repeat with the other long edge. Then add a second row of stitching 1/8" from both long edges. Trim any threads and the ends of the fabric so they are nice and even and straight.
- Apply Fraycheck to the raw edges (short ends) of your fabric.
- Carefully apply a bead of E6000 glue to the inside of your key fob hardware.
- Use your keychain pliers to hold the keychain hardware. Fold the fabric in half so that the raw edges are even and insert into the hardware. Make sure the fabric is centered and pushed all the way into the hardware. Squeeze the pliers to secure the hardware to the fabric.
Method #2 - Two Pieces of Fabric
If you want to use two contrasting on complimentary pieces of fabric, then follow these instructions.
- Cut fabric and fusible fleece or interfacing as follows:
Fabric: 2-1/4"Wx13-1/2"L (2)
Fusible Fleece: 1"Wx13"L (2) - Place one piece of fabric wrong side up on your ironing surface. Place the fusible fleece, adhesive (bumpy) side down, onto the wrong side of the fabric so that it is centered on the back of the fabric. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to fuse the fleece to the fabric. Repeat with the second piece of fabric.
- With your fused fabric still laying wrong side up on your ironing surface, fold one long edge up over the interfacing and finger press. Use your iron to press along this fold line. Repeat with the other long edges of both fabric pieces. Your fused fabric pieces should now measure 1-1/4" in width.
- Lay the two fused fabric pieces wrong sides together. Line up the edges and clip together. Using a long stitch length (I used 3.0mm) stitch fabric pieces together along one long edge about 1/4" away from the edge. Be sure to remove the clips/pins as you go. Repeat with the other long edge. Now, stitch again about 1/8" away from the long edges. Trim threads and short ends to make sure they are nice and straight and even.
- Repeat steps 4-6 above under Method #1.
Method #3 - Scrappy Fabric
Use this method if you want to use scrappy pieces of fabric. We'll use scrappy fabric on the outside of the keychain and a solid piece of fabric for the inside or lining of the keychain.
- You can piece together fabric scraps of any size. The pieces need to be big enough so that when you trim the fabric it measures 2-1/4"Wx13-1/2"L. Use a 1/4" seam allowance to sew the pieces of fabric together. Once you have your fabric pieces stitched together, press seams. I like to press my seams all one direction, but you can press the seams open if you prefer.
- Once you have your fabric scraps pieced together and your seams pressed, cut the fabric and fusible fleece or interfacing as follows:
Scrappy Fabric: 2-1/4"Wx13-1/2"L (1)
Liner Fabric: 2-1/4"Wx13-1/2"L (1)
Fusible Fleece: 1"Wx13"L (2) - Then follow steps 2-5 above under Method #2.
Notes
- This tutorial assumes you are using the same size hardware, 1-1/4"W, that I am using. If you are using different hardware, you will need to adjust the fabric cuts accordingly.
- The E6000 takes 24-72 hours to cure. I highly recommend using the E6000 adhesive. Without it you could possible pull the fabric out of the hardware and you don't want that!
- You can make your keychain wristlet any length. I have found the 13-1/2" length a great size to not only easily slip over my hand and onto my wrist, but to use the keys while the wristlet is still on my wrist. If you want the keychain to be more of a key fob, then cut the fabric shorter. Just keep in mind that the fabric is folded in half, so if you want a 3" key fob, cut your fabric using this formula (3"+3"+1/2"+1/2"). So, for a 3" key fob, you'll cut your fabric 7" long. The 1/2" is to allow for the two fabric ends that will be enclosed in the hardware.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Dritz Extra-Fine Glass Head Pins, 1-3/8-Inch (250-Count) -
Clover Wonder Clips -
OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter -
Fiskars Self Healing Cutting Mat, 24x36” -
Fiskars Acrylic Ruler, 6x24 Inch -
Fiskars Forged Embroidery Scissors, 4 Inch -
Dritz Fray Check Liquid -
Key Fob Hardware with Split Ring 1.25 Inch -
Heavy Duty Key Fob Pliers Tool -
E6000 231020 Adhesive with Precision Tips, 1.0 fl oz
Wasn’t this a fun sewing tutorial? I think so. Like I said, I’ve been making these fabric keychains for years and I’ve learned a lot about the construction and have improved my technique. Now I’m passing that knowledge on to you so you can make these fabric keychain wristlet key fobs with the best results!
How to Use the Fabric Keychain Wristlet
This wristlet is super easy and intuitive to use – or so I think! But, if you’re not sure, let me explain exactly how to use the fabric keychain wristlet.
- Insert your hand (if you’re right-handed, use your right hand; if you’re left-handed, use your left hand) into the loop of the fabric wristlet and slide onto your wrist.
- When you are ready to use your keys, simply bend your wrist and grab ahold of the keys. When you are done using the key, just let go of the key.
- Slide the wristlet off your wrist to store it or hang it on a hook.
More Sewing Tutorials
If you enjoyed (and I hope you did!) learning how to sew these super fun and easy keychain wristlets, you might also like these other sewing tutorials from Hooked on Sewing:
And if you’re totally new to sewing, you’ll want to follow along in my Learn to Sew series!
I made 52 of the Key Chains for my sales this summer, I use Cannabis printed Fabric of different prints. They turned out so professional looking, I love them.
Thanks for the pattern.
Pam
I’m glad they were a success for you! That’s awesome!! And you are so welcome!
Pam Baker
Hooked on Sewing
This is so cute! These DIY keychains would be perfect crafts to make and sell. I love this idea.
They are a fun and easy project. Thanks!!