Are you searching for a quick and satisfying sewing project? Look no further! Wristlet key fobs are incredibly popular for a reason. They make fantastic handmade gifts that everyone appreciates, and they are so fast and easy to sew, you’ll want to make dozens. This free key fob sewing pattern will guide you through creating your own stylish and practical keychains in no time.
Just like the assistant principal at my daughter’s school, who hinted more than once that her old wrist lanyard needed replacing, people genuinely love and use these key fobs. They are the perfect last-minute gift when you need something thoughtful and handmade without spending hours at your sewing machine.
This tutorial is ideal for using up those charming fabric scraps you’ve been saving. Each key fob requires only small pieces of fabric, making it a wonderful scrap-busting project. You’ll need two coordinating fabrics – one for the outer strap and one for the inner lining. We’re talking about strips of fabric that are just 2 inches by 14 inches. Plus, a tiny scrap for the tab that secures the key fob hardware and keeps everything neatly in place. For this tab, a piece around 3 inches by 3 ½ inches, matching your inner fabric, works perfectly.
To give your key fob structure and durability, fusible interfacing is key. My go-to is Decor-Bond 809 from Pellon. However, any light- to midweight fusible interfacing you have on hand from other projects will work just as well. You’ll need a strip of interfacing measuring 3 ½ inches by 14 inches for each key fob.
Finally, you’ll need a 1-inch swivel snap clip. While you can find these at local craft stores like Joann Fabrics or Hobby Lobby if you’re in a hurry, I recommend checking out Amazon for a wider selection and often better prices, especially if you plan to make many key fobs.
Some tutorials suggest using metal crimp ends to finish key fobs, but I find sewn ends much more reliable and secure. Plus, who wants to buy another specialty tool? Swivel snap clips are universally loved because they easily attach keys to purses, bags, or belt loops – so practical!
To add a touch of personality and efficiency to my key fob making, I started experimenting with thread colors. Instead of changing thread for every fabric combination, I chose thread colors that coordinated with both the inner and outer fabrics. For topstitching, I got adventurous and used the triple stitch on my sewing machine, also known as a reinforced stitch. By lengthening the stitch to 3 or 4, it creates a bold, decorative look. Suddenly, pink thread looks intentionally stylish against gray fabric, and yellow thread adds a vibrant pop to a turquoise wristlet.
The best part? Using just one thread color per key fob streamlines the process. If your sewing machine doesn’t have a triple stitch, don’t worry – a regular straight stitch for topstitching works perfectly too. Just remember to lengthen your stitch length for topstitching to enhance the look.
Ready to start sewing? Let’s make some wristlet key fobs! Here’s your free key fob sewing pattern and tutorial:
Cutting Instructions for Your Key Fob
For each key fob, you will need to cut the following pieces:
- Outer Strap Fabric: 1 strip measuring 2 inches x 14 inches
- Inner Strap Fabric: 1 strip measuring 2 inches x 14 inches
- Wrap Around Tab Fabric: 1 rectangle measuring 3 inches x 3 ½ inches
- Fusible Interfacing: 1 strip measuring 3 ½ inches x 14 inches of light to medium weight fusible interfacing (such as Pellon Decor-Bond 809)
- Swivel Snap Clip: 1 swivel snap or alligator clasp with a 1-inch opening (find examples here)
You will also need to gather these essential sewing supplies:
- Coordinating polyester thread
- Heavy duty sewing machine needle, size 90/14 or 100/16 (I highly recommend Superior Topstitch Needles for durability)
- Iron and ironing board for crisp, professional results
Sewing the Key Fob Strap
- Prepare the Fabric Strips: Place the outer and inner 2-inch x 14-inch fabric strips right sides together. Sew along one long edge using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
Pressing for a Professional Finish
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Open the Seam: Press the seam open carefully using your iron. This reduces bulk and creates a flatter strap.
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Create a Center Crease: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, with wrong sides together, and press. This ‘teaches’ the fabric to fold nicely along the seam and makes topstitching easier.
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Fuse the 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). Press firmly with a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric. Ensure the interfacing is securely bonded to the fabric – this adds essential structure to your key fob. Press from the fabric side to protect the interfacing from direct heat.
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Fold in the Long Edges: Fold each long edge of the fabric strip over to the wrong side by approximately ¾ inch. You’ll notice this neatly aligns the raw edges with the edges of the interfacing underneath. Press these folds sharply.
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Fold and Press Again: After folding and pressing both long edges, fold the entire strip in half again along the original center crease, enclosing the raw edges inside. Press the entire strap flat. This creates a clean, professional-looking strap ready for topstitching.
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Prepare the Wrap Around Tab: Set the strap aside. Now take your 3-inch x 3 ½-inch wrap around tab fabric piece. Fold one of the 3 ½-inch sides over to the wrong side by about 1 inch and press. Then, fold the opposite 3 ½-inch side over so the raw edge is just about ⅛ inch away from the first folded edge, creating a double-folded hem. Press this fold firmly. This creates a finished tab that is approximately 1 inch x 3 ½ inches, with no raw edges showing.
Topstitching and Final Assembly
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Topstitch the Strap: Set your sewing machine to a longer stitch length for topstitching (around 3-4mm). For a bolder look, use a triple stitch if your machine has one. Topstitch along both long edges of the 1-inch x 14-inch strap, approximately ⅛ inch from the edge. This secures the layers and adds a decorative touch.
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Attach the Swivel Snap: Switch your sewing machine to a wide zig-zag stitch, set to the widest width possible. 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 the strap and capturing both ends within the zig-zag stitching.
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Position the Wrap Around Tab: Slide the zig-zag stitched join so it’s about 1 ½ inches away from the swivel snap clip. Take the prepared wrap-around tab and position it around the zig-zag join, with the raw edge of the tab against the key fob strap (so it will be hidden). Tuck the short raw ends of the tab to the inside of the strap, encasing the raw edges of the strap join.
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Secure the Tab: Adjust the wrap-around tab until it is snug and tight against the strap join. Use a clip to hold it in place temporarily. Sew two short lines of topstitching through all layers, connecting with the existing topstitching lines on the strap. Backstitch neatly at the beginning and end of each line of stitching to secure. This firmly attaches the tab and completes the key fob. You can add more topstitching for extra security or a decorative look, such as a square around the tab, if desired.
Whether you choose to topstitch a square or keep it simple, your handmade wristlet key fob is now complete!
If you sew these wristlet key fobs using this free key fob sewing pattern, 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!
