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How to Sew Key Fobs in 3 sizes and several variations
Key Fobs are one of my favorite things to keep on hand for gifts, little thank you tokens, or just because. They are quick and easy to sew as long as you keep some hardware on hand.
The way you assemble and sew key fobs in any length is the same, how you prepare the fabric(s) is what varies.
When I was getting ready for a live event about how to sew key fobs on my YouTube channel, I’ll admit to going a little creatively overboard as I prepared. While I originally planned to keep it simple, I started wanting to multiple fabric options and angled cuts. A lot of key fobs were made that night and this tutorial was born.
MATERIALS
- Fabric and Fusible Fleece: Cut according to size key fob and chart below
BASIC SUPPLIES
- Rotary Cutter
- Rotary Mat
- Quilting Ruler
- Straight Pins or Fabric Clips
- Sewing Machine
- Walking Foot (optional but recommended)
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Wool Pressing Mat (optional)
- Quilter’s Clapper (optional)
- 1” Key Fob Hardware & Pliers
Buy a printed tutorial on Etsy
A lot of these techniques were covered in the Live event on YouTube but you can get more detail with step-by-step photos in the written PDF.
The is a great beginner project. It also includes suggestions to save time when making a lot a once.
12 page pdf with step-by-step directions, including 44 photos, showing you how to make key fobs and wristlets in 3 sizes and multiple variations.
The printed tutorial Includes:
- 3 sizes
- Simple one fabric fobs
- How to use Different outside & inside fabrics
- How to use directional fabric (so nothing is upside down)
- How to add straight accent bands
- How to add angled accent bands
- How to choose EXACTLY what part of the fabric shows when you’re done
- Tips to make lots of key fobs at once
- and more!
Some of the tools I use and love when sewing Key Fobs
WOOL PRESSING MAT
A wool pressing mat absorbs heat, allowing you to iron both sides of your fabric at the same time.
I like using a wool mat for key fobs because we are doing a lot of folding and pressing of fabric and the creases with be flatter. (It’s even better when used in combination with a Quilter’s Clapper.
QUILTER’S CLAPPER
A Quilter’s Clapper (or Tailor’s Clapper) is an unfinished piece of wood that works by quickly taking the heat out of the fabric producing flatter seams and creases with the added bonus of cooling off the fabric so you don’t burn your fingers.
WALKING FOOT
A walking foot is a sewing machine presser foot that helps move the fabric from the top, in the same way the feed dogs move fabric from the bottom. It helps keep things moving consistently when sewing multiple layers and thicker projects. Not required but will give you better and easier results if you have one.I made a few by folding scraps of fabric so they would be 8 pieces of fabric thick and sewing an end.
LEADER FABRIC
A leader fabric, also known as a leader or ender, is a small piece of scrap fabric used to start and end a line of sewing. You butt it up to the back of the key fob fabric and on top of the feed dogs so it’s easier for your machine to get started.
I made a few by folding scraps of fabric so they would be 8 pieces of fabric thick and sewing an end.
LOVE THIS IDEA?
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If you make this or other projects and post on Instagram, be sure to tag me (@artisttarareed). Follow my YouTube channel for new sewing projects and tips every week.
Tara Reed
P.S. Is there a sewing tutorial you’d love to see? Leave me a comment and I’ll add it to my idea list!
