How to Make Key Fobs: A Simple Sewing Tutorial

Looking for a quick and easy sewing project that everyone will love? Wrist strap key fobs are the perfect answer! As a DIY gift, they’re always a hit, and once you learn How To Make Key Fobs, you’ll find yourself creating them for every occasion. I’ve personally gifted these for years, and they are consistently requested again and again. Just recently, my daughter’s assistant principal made it very clear that her well-loved key fob from me was ready for a replacement! This is a fantastic scrap-busting project and a great way to use up those lovely fabric pieces you’ve been saving.

If you need last-minute gifts that are both quick to sew and universally appreciated, this tutorial on how to make key fobs is exactly what you need.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to know to get started making your own key fobs:

Fabric Scraps are Ideal: This project is perfect for using up your fabric scraps. Each key fob requires only small pieces of fabric – two 2’’ x 14’’ strips, one for the outer fabric and one for the lining. You’ll also need a small scrap, about 3’’ x 3 1/2’’, for the tab that secures the hardware. I like to use a coordinating fabric for this tab, often the same as the lining.
Stabilizer is Key: My go-to stabilizer for key fobs is Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon. However, any light- to mid-weight fusible interfacing you have leftover from other projects will work just as well. You’ll need a 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ strip of interfacing for each key fob to give it structure and durability.
Hardware Essentials: The final essential is a 1’’ swivel snap clip. While you can find these at craft stores like Joanns or Hobby Lobby, I recommend checking out Amazon for a wider selection and often better value, especially if you plan on making many key fobs.

Many tutorials use metal crimp ends, but I find sewn ends to be much more secure and reliable. Plus, it eliminates the need for special tools! Swivel snap clips are fantastic because they allow you to easily attach your keys to your purse, bag, or belt loop – a feature everyone appreciates.

To add a touch of personality and efficiency to my key fob making, I started experimenting with thread colors. Instead of constantly changing threads to match each fabric, I chose thread colors that would complement both the outer and inner fabrics. For topstitching, I decided to use the triple stitch on my sewing machine, which creates a bold and decorative finish. Lengthening the stitch to a 3 or 4 really makes this stitch stand out. For example, pink thread looks surprisingly stylish on gray fabric, and yellow thread provides a vibrant pop against turquoise.

The beauty of this approach is using just one thread color per key fob. If your machine doesn’t have a triple stitch, a regular straight stitch works perfectly for topstitching. Just remember to lengthen your stitch length for a more professional look.

Ready to learn how to make key fobs? Let’s get started with this easy-to-follow sewing tutorial.

DIY Key Fob Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide

This tutorial will guide you through each step to create your own stylish and functional wristlet key fobs.

Materials You Will Need:

Fabric Strips:
- One 2’’ x 14’’ strip for the outer fabric
- One 2’’ x 14’’ strip for the lining fabric
- One 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ rectangle for the wrap-around tab
Fusible Interfacing: One 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ strip of light to medium weight fusible interfacing (e.g., Pellon Decor-Bond 809)
Swivel Snap Clip: One 1’’ swivel snap or alligator clasp (available on Amazon)
Coordinating Polyester Thread
Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Needle: Size 90/14 or 100/16 (e.g., Superior Topstitch Needles)
Iron and Ironing Board
Scissors or Rotary Cutter, Ruler, and Cutting Mat
Sewing Clips or Pins

Cutting Instructions:

Accurately cutting your fabric and interfacing is the first step in learning how to make key fobs that look professional.

Outer Fabric Strap: Cut one strip of fabric 2 inches wide by 14 inches long.
Lining Fabric Strap: Cut one strip of fabric 2 inches wide by 14 inches long.
Wrap Around Tab: Cut one rectangle of fabric 3 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches long.
Interfacing: Cut one strip of fusible interfacing 3 1/2 inches wide by 14 inches long.

Sewing the Key Fob Strap:

Follow these sewing steps to assemble the main strap of your key fob.

Sew Long Edge: Place the outer fabric strip and the lining fabric strip right sides together. Sew along one long edge using a 1/4’’ seam allowance.

Pressing for a Crisp Finish:

Pressing is crucial for achieving clean lines and a professional finish when you make key fobs.

Press Seam Open: Open the sewn fabric strip and press the seam allowance open. This reduces bulk and helps create a flatter strap.
Fold and Press in Half: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, with wrong sides together, aligning the long raw edges. Press along the fold to create a crisp center crease. This ‘teaches’ the fabric to fold nicely and makes topstitching easier.
Fuse Interfacing: Open the fabric strip again. Place the fusible side of the interfacing strip against the wrong side of one side of the fabric (either the outer or lining fabric). Ensure the interfacing is centered on one half of the fabric strip. Press with a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Press firmly from the fabric side to ensure good adhesion, as cotton fabric can withstand higher heat than interfacing.
Fold Long Edges to Center: Fold each long raw edge of the fabric strip towards the center back, overlapping the edge of the interfacing by about 3/4’’. This creates a clean, finished edge and encloses the raw edges within the strap. You should be able to see that the folded edges meet or slightly overlap the edges of the interfacing underneath.
Fold in Half Again and Press: Refold the entire strap in half along the original center crease, enclosing all raw edges inside. Press flat to secure the folds and create the final strap shape. Set aside the strap for topstitching.
Prepare Wrap Around Tab: Take the 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ fabric rectangle for the wrap around tab. Fold one of the 3 1/2’’ sides over to the wrong side by about 1’’ and press. Then fold the other 3 1/2’’ side over so that the raw edge is about 1/8’’ away from the first fold and press again. This creates a double-folded hem, concealing the raw edges. You’ll end up with a finished tab piece approximately 1’’ x 3 1/2’’. Press and set aside.

Topstitching and Final Assembly:

Topstitching adds a professional touch and secures all layers of the key fob. Finishing involves attaching the hardware and securing the wrap-around tab.

Topstitch Strap Edges: Set your sewing machine to a longer stitch length for topstitching (3-4 mm). 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 folded edges and adds a decorative finish.
Attach Swivel Snap Clip: Switch to a wide zigzag 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 against each other. Place the joined ends under the sewing machine foot and zigzag stitch back and forth several times across the join, securely catching both ends of the strap within the zigzag stitching. This creates a strong and durable loop for the key fob.
Position Wrap Around Tab: Move the zigzag stitched join on the strap so it is about 1 1/2’’ away from the swivel snap clip. Take the prepared wrap around tab and position it around the zigzag join, with the raw edge of the tab aligned against the key fob strap so it will be hidden. Tuck the short raw ends of the tab to the inside of the strap, between the tab layers.
Secure Wrap Around Tab: Adjust the wrap around tab until it is snug around the strap, concealing the zigzag stitching as much as possible. Secure it in place with sewing clips or pins. Sew two short lines of topstitching through all layers of the tab, connecting with the existing topstitching lines on the strap. Backstitch neatly at the beginning and end of each line of stitching to secure them. This firmly attaches the tab and completes the key fob. For extra security or a different look, you can sew a square or rectangle of topstitching around the tab area, but simple lines are often sufficient and easier to sew neatly.

Your key fob is now complete! You’ve successfully learned how to make key fobs that are both practical and stylish.

Finishing Touches and Inspiration

Congratulations on making your wristlet key fob! These little accessories are perfect for keeping your keys organized and accessible, and they make wonderful personalized gifts. Experiment with different fabric combinations, thread colors, and even decorative stitches to create unique key fobs for every style.

If you make wristlet key fobs using this 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!