Looking for a quick and satisfying sewing project? Want to create personalized gifts that everyone will adore? Then you’re in the right place! Wristlet Key Fobs are not only incredibly useful but also a fantastic way to use up fabric scraps and unleash your creativity. These handy accessories are perfect for keeping your keys organized and easily accessible, all while adding a touch of handmade charm to your everyday carry.
I’ve been making wristlet key fobs for years, and they are consistently the most requested handmade item I gift. Just recently, the assistant principal at my daughter’s school made it very clear that her beloved wrist lanyard, a gift from me a couple of years prior, was showing its age and in need of replacement! This is a testament to how much people truly appreciate and use these little sewn wonders.
This tutorial will guide you through creating your own adorable and durable wristlet key fobs. They are so quick to sew, making them ideal for last-minute gifts or craft fair projects. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make them!
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know before you start:
- Perfect for Scraps: This project is fantastic for using up small pieces of fabric. Each wristlet key fob requires just a little fabric – two 2’’ x 14’’ strips of different fabrics (one for the outside and one for the inside). You’ll also need a small scrap, about 3’’ x 3 1/2’’, for the tab that secures the hardware.
- Stabilizer is Key: My go-to stabilizer is Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon. However, any light- to mid-weight fusible interfacing you have on hand from other projects will work perfectly. You’ll need a 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ strip of interfacing for each wristlet.
- Hardware Essentials: The final essential is a 1’’ swivel snap clip. While you can find these at craft stores like Joann or Hobby Lobby, I prefer Amazon for the best value and variety. Buying in bulk online is much more economical, especially if you plan to make many wristlet key fobs.
Many tutorials suggest using metal clamps to secure the strap ends, but I find sewn seams to be much more reliable and long-lasting. Plus, swivel snap clips are universally loved because they allow you to easily attach your keys to your purse, bag, or belt loop. It’s practical and secure!
To streamline the sewing process, I started thinking about thread choices. Constantly changing thread colors was slowing me down. My solution? Embrace bold thread choices! I began selecting thread colors that would complement both the inner and outer fabrics. For topstitching, I experimented with the triple stitch on my sewing machine. This stitch, which goes back and forth for a reinforced triple layer, looks particularly striking when lengthened to a 3 or 4 stitch length. Suddenly, pink thread looked glamorous on gray fabric, and yellow thread popped beautifully against turquoise!
The best part? Using just one thread color per key fob significantly sped up the process. If your machine doesn’t have a triple stitch, a regular straight stitch works just fine for topstitching. Just remember to lengthen your stitch length for a more professional finish.
Ready to get started? Let’s make some fabulous wristlet key fobs!
Sewing Your Own Wristlet Key Fobs: The Tutorial
Cutting Instructions
For each wristlet key fob, you will need to cut the following pieces:
- Outer Strap Fabric: 1 strip measuring 2’’ x 14’’
- Inner Strap Fabric: 1 strip measuring 2’’ x 14’’
- Wrap Around Tab Fabric: 1 rectangle measuring 3’’ x 3 1/2’’
- Fusible Interfacing: 1 strip measuring 3 1/2’’ x 14’’ of light to medium weight fusible interfacing (like Pellon Decor-Bond 809)
- Swivel Snap Clip: One clip with a 1’’ opening (find examples here)
Additional Supplies:
- Coordinating polyester thread
- Heavy duty sewing machine needle (size 90/14 or 100/16 recommended, Superior Topstitch Needles are excellent)
- Iron and ironing board
Sewing the Strap
- Join Strap Fabrics: Place the two 2’’ x 14’’ fabric strips right sides together. Sew along one long edge using a 1/4’’ seam allowance.
Pressing for a Professional Finish
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Press Seam Open: Press the seam you just sewed open to reduce bulk and create a flatter strap.
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Pre-Crease Fold: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. This ‘teaches’ the fabric to fold nicely and creates a crisp center crease which will be helpful later.
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Fuse Interfacing: Open the strap back up. Place the fusible side of the interfacing strip against the wrong side of one side of the fabric strap (it doesn’t matter which side). Press firmly with a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Ensure you press well from the fabric side as cotton can withstand heat better than interfacing.
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Fold in Long Edges: Fold each long raw edge of the fabric strip towards the wrong side by approximately 3/4’’. This folding amount is designed so that the raw edges will meet and slightly overlap over the edges of the interfacing underneath. Look closely at the photo example to guide you. Press these folds in place.
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Fold and Press Strap Again: After folding and pressing both long edges, refold the entire strap in half along the center crease you made earlier, enclosing the raw edges inside. Press the entire strap flat. Set aside the main strap piece for topstitching.
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Prepare Wrap Around Tab: Now, take the 3 1/2’’ x 3’’ fabric rectangle for the wrap-around tab. Fold one of the 3 1/2’’ sides to the wrong side by about 1’’. Press. Then, fold the other 3 1/2’’ side over, overlapping slightly so that the raw edge is about 1/8’’ past the first folded edge. Press again. This double-fold ensures no raw edges will be visible on the finished tab. You should now have a finished tab piece that is approximately 1’’ x 3 1/2’’.
Topstitching and Final Assembly
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Topstitch the Strap: Set your sewing machine to a longer stitch length for topstitching (around 3-4). For a bolder look, you can use a triple stitch if your machine has one. Topstitch along both long edges of the 1’’ x 14’’ strap, sewing approximately 1/8’’ from the edge. This topstitching not only looks decorative but also securely closes the strap and gives it a professional finish.
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Attach Swivel Snap Clip: Switch your sewing machine to a wide zig-zag stitch (as wide as your machine allows). Slide the swivel snap clip onto the fabric strap. Bring the two ends of the strap together, butting them closely. Place the joined ends under your sewing machine foot and zig-zag stitch back and forth several times across the ends, securely joining them together.
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Position Wrap Around Tab: Move the zig-zag stitched seam so it is about 1 1/2’’ away from the swivel snap clip. Take the prepared wrap-around tab and position it around the zig-zag seam, with the raw edge of the tab aligned against the wristlet strap (so it will be hidden). Tuck the short raw ends of the tab to the inside of the strap, creating a neat finish.
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Secure the Tab: Adjust the wrap-around tab until it is snug and encases the zig-zag seam securely. Use a clip to hold it in place temporarily. Sew two short lines of topstitching to attach the tab, connecting them to the existing long topstitching lines on the strap. Backstitch neatly at the beginning and end of each line of stitching to secure them. While these two lines are sufficient, you can add more topstitching for extra security and decorative effect if desired. Some people prefer to topstitch a square around the tab, but simple lines are often easier to sew neatly.
Consider which tab finishing style you prefer – the simple lines or a square. Both are effective and add a personal touch to your wristlet key fobs.
Now you’ve created a beautiful and functional wristlet key fob! Whether you’re making these for yourself or as thoughtful handmade gifts, I would love to see your creations. Share a picture on Instagram and tag me @sewcanshe or use #sewcanshe so I can see your amazing work!
Happy Sewing!
