Wristlet Key Fobs are not just practical; they’re a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your everyday carry. As a DIY enthusiast, I’ve found that sewn key fobs are consistently the most requested handmade gifts. People simply love them for their convenience and charm!
Just recently, the assistant principal at my daughter’s school subtly (or not so subtly!) hinted that the wrist lanyard I gifted her years ago was showing its age. It was the perfect nudge to refresh my wristlet key fob tutorial and share it with you.
This blog post provides a free and easy DIY key fob tutorial, perfect for sewers of all levels. Whether you need a last-minute gift that’s quick to make or want to treat yourself to a bit of handmade flair, this project is ideal.
Here’s what makes this wristlet key fob tutorial stand out:
- Scrap Fabric Friendly: This project is perfect for using up those beautiful fabric scraps you’ve been saving. You only need small pieces – two 2’’ x 14’’ strips of different fabrics, one for the inside and one for the outside of the fob. Plus, a small 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ scrap for the tab that secures the hardware.
- Simple Materials: Beyond fabric scraps, you’ll need fusible interfacing to give your wristlet key fob structure. Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon is my go-to, but any light to midweight fusible interfacing you have on hand will work. You’ll need a 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ strip of interfacing.
- Essential Hardware: The final essential is a 1’’ swivel snap clip. These are readily available at craft stores like Joanns or Hobby Lobby. For the best value and selection, I recommend checking out Amazon.
Many tutorials use metal crimp ends to finish key fobs, but I find sewing much more reliable and secure. Plus, who wants to buy a specialized tool for just one project? A swivel snap clip is universally loved because it allows you to easily attach your keys to your purse, belt loop, or bag – a feature I personally rely on daily!
To add a touch of personality to my key fobs and streamline the sewing process, I started experimenting with thread colors. Instead of changing threads constantly, I chose a thread color that coordinated with both the inner and outer fabrics. For topstitching, I embraced the bold look of a triple stitch on my sewing machine, lengthening the stitch to a 3 or 4 for added emphasis. The result? Pink thread looking surprisingly chic on gray fabric, and yellow thread making a vibrant statement on turquoise. Using a single thread color for each wristlet key fob simplifies the process and adds a unique design element. If your machine doesn’t have a triple stitch, a regular straight stitch with a lengthened stitch length will still create a beautiful topstitched finish.
Ready to create your own stylish wristlet key fob? Let’s get sewing!
DIY Wristlet Key Fob Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide
Materials You’ll Need
For each wristlet key fob, gather the following:
- Fabric Strips:
- 1 strip of fabric 2’’ x 14’’ (outer fabric)
- 1 strip of fabric 2’’ x 14’’ (inner fabric)
- 1 rectangle of fabric 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ (wrap around tab)
- Fusible Interfacing: 1 strip 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ of light to medium weight fusible interfacing (e.g., Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon)
- Swivel Snap Clip: 1 swivel snap or alligator clasp with a 1’’ opening (examples available here)
- Coordinating Polyester Thread
- Heavy Duty Sewing Needle: Size 90/14 or 100/16 (I recommend Superior Topstitch Needles)
- Iron and Ironing Board
Image: Supplies needed to make a wristlet key fob, including fabric strips, interfacing, and a swivel clip.
Cutting Your Fabric and Interfacing
Accurate cutting is key to a professional-looking wristlet key fob. Take your time and ensure your fabric pieces are the correct dimensions.
- Outer and Inner Fabric: Cut one 2’’ x 14’’ strip from your chosen outer fabric and one 2’’ x 14’’ strip from your inner fabric.
- Wrap Around Tab: Cut one 3’’ x 3 1/2’’ rectangle for the tab that will secure the swivel clip.
- Interfacing: Cut one 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ strip of fusible interfacing.
Sewing the Wristlet Strap
Now, let’s start constructing the main strap of your wristlet key fob.
- Sew Fabric Strips Together: Place the 2’’ x 14’’ outer and inner fabric strips right sides together. Sew along one of the long edges using a 1/4’’ seam allowance.
Image: Sewing two fabric strips right sides together along the long edge to create the wristlet key fob strap.
Pressing for a Crisp Finish
Pressing is crucial for achieving clean lines and a professional finish on your wristlet key fob.
- Press Seam Open: Open the sewn fabric strips and press the seam allowance open. This will reduce bulk and create a flatter strap.
- Fold and Press in Half: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, 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.
- Fuse Interfacing: Open the fabric strap again. Place the fusible side of the interfacing strip against the wrong side of one side of the fabric (it doesn’t matter which). Center the interfacing strip so there is a little fabric overhang on each side. Press firmly with a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Ensure the interfacing is fully adhered to prevent shifting later.
- Fold Long Edges In: Fold each long raw edge of the fabric strip towards the center, overlapping the edges by about 3/4’’. The raw edges should meet or slightly overlap over the edge of the interfacing underneath. Press these folds in place.
Image: Step-by-step process of folding and pressing the fabric strap for the wristlet key fob, including folding edges to the center.
- Fold in Half Again and Press: Fold the entire strap in half again along the original center crease, encasing the raw edges inside. Press firmly to create a neat, finished strap.
- Prepare Wrap Around Tab: Take the 3 1/2’’ side of the wrap around tab piece and fold it over to the wrong side by about 1’’. Press flat. Then, fold the opposite 3 1/2” side over, overlapping the first fold by about 1/8’’, concealing the raw edge. Press to create a finished tab approximately 1’’ x 3 1/2’’.
Topstitching and Final Assembly
Topstitching adds a decorative touch and durability to your wristlet key fob.
- Topstitch the Strap: Set your sewing machine to a topstitching length of 3-4. 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.
Image: Topstitching along the edges of the folded wristlet key fob strap to secure layers and add a decorative finish.
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Attach Swivel Snap Clip: Switch your sewing machine to a wide zig zag stitch (as wide as possible). Slide the swivel snap clip onto the strap. Bring the two ends of the strap together, overlapping slightly if necessary. Place the ends under the sewing machine foot and zig zag back and forth several times across the joined ends, securely attaching them.
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Secure with Wrap Around Tab: Position the zig zagged join about 1 1/2’’ away from the swivel clip. Wrap the prepared tab piece around the joined strap ends, with the folded edge of the tab facing outwards. Tuck the short raw ends of the tab to the inside of the strap, ensuring no raw edges are visible. Adjust the tab for a snug fit and secure it temporarily with a clip or pin.
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Topstitch the Tab: Sew two short lines of topstitching through all layers to secure the tab. Align these lines with the existing long topstitching lines on the strap, creating a continuous look. Backstitch neatly at the beginning and end of each topstitched line. You can reinforce further by adding a square of topstitching around the tab for extra security, though straight lines are often cleaner and easier to sew.
Image: Securing the swivel clip and strap ends with a wrap-around fabric tab and topstitching for a finished wristlet key fob.
Show Off Your DIY Wristlet Key Fobs!
Congratulations, you’ve sewn your own stylish and practical wristlet key fob! These are perfect for keeping your keys easily accessible and make wonderful handmade gifts.
If you create wristlet key fobs using this tutorial, I’d love to see your creations! Share a photo on Instagram and tag me @sewcanshe or use #sewcanshe so I can admire your handiwork.
Happy Sewing!
