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How to Sew an Easy Key Fob (Free Pattern)

Always wanted to know how to make key fobs out of fabric? This simple diy key fobs tutorial will show you exactly how. A quick and easy sewing project perfect even for beginners!

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simple easy fabric key fobs pinterest image

What are Fabric Key Fobs Used For?

Every wanted to go out without having to carry your entire purse? These fabric key fobs are exactly what you need! They go around your wrist so you can hold on to your keys without needing to carry a purse.

Additionally, you can use them as zipper extenders by clipping them to zippers on backpacks, duffel bags, or luggage. This way, there will be more surface to grab onto next time you need to pull open the zipper.

Fabric Key Fobs

fabric key fob dimensions

These fabric key fob wristlets measure about 7.25″ (18.4cm) across and are 7/8″ (2.22cm) wide. Each key fob has a lobster claw clasp at the end.

Please note that dimensions are approximate and your finished project may differ slightly from the measurements listed.

I know these days you can purchase key fob hardware which also looks nice and sleek. Nevertheless, I like how the lobster clasp allows you to immediately clip your key fob to key rings, zippers, hooks, and other things. The key fob hardware doesn’t allow for this function.

On top of that, I didn’t want to have to purchase an extra set of pliers just to close the key fob hardware. Additionally, I like the lobster clasps because I can use it in other sewing projects as well.

Enough said about why I prefer the lobster clasp!

How to Make Key Fobs Out of Fabric

Today, I will be showing you step-by-step how to sew a quick and easy fabric key fob. The entire project is done on the sewing machine. No hand sewing required. You can make one from start to finish in about 10 minutes!

These fabric key fobs also make great gifts. They are perfect as stocking stuffers, teacher appreciation gifts, party favors, and more. Once you realize how quick and easy they are, you’re going to want to sew a whole bunch!

How to Make My Own Key Fob?

finished lot of diy fabric key fobs

In today’s tutorial, I will first show you how to make a basic key fob out of fabric. You will need an OUTER FABRIC and an INNER FABRIC if you want to have contrasting colors. Otherwise, you can also use the same fabric for both the outside and inside.

Then, if you want to add a personal touch to your key fob, I will also show you how to add text to the key fob after it is made. This is done with heat transfer vinyl (HTV) on a cutting machine (i.e. Silhouette or Cricut).

MORE Variety of Key Fobs

Want to make a colorblock variety of this simple key fob wristlet? The Regular and Colorblock Key Fob Patterns are available in My Shop.

This version features 3 extra pattern pieces for you to create color-blocked stripes at the bottom of the key fob. Use a variety of colors and print fabrics to create your own unique and beautiful key fob wristlets!

In addition to your purchase, you will receive an ad-free, printer friendly PDF version of the Key Fob Wristlet Tutorial. This way, you can easily print a copy and keep it next to you as sew!

Key Fob Sewing Pattern

For this easy sewing project, there are no paper patterns to print. All you have to do is draw out the following dimensions on fabric:

measurements to draw out on fabric and interfacing for making key fob. How to sew a key fob.
  • OUTER FABRIC (x1) – 15”x 2” (38.1 cm x 5.08 cm)
  • INNER FABRIC (x1) – 15”x 2” (38.1 cm x 5.08 cm)
  • FUSIBLE INTERFACING (x1) – 15”x 1.75” (38.1 cm x 4.44 cm)

NOTES:
1. If using the same fabric for the inside and outside of key fob, just cut 2 pieces each measuring 15″ x 2″ (38.1cm x 5.08cm).
2. Make sure to cut the longer length of the fabric (the side measuring 15”) along the selvedge of the fabric*. The selvedge is the least stretchy direction of the fabric. This minimizes the possibility of your fabric stretching (causing distortion) as you sew.

*The selvedge is the edge of the fabric that has a different colored border, usually (though not always) printed with information about the fabric manufacturer. Cutting along the selvedge means you are cutting parallel to this border.

Materials & Tools

Materials

  • OUTER FABRIC -100% Cotton, see key fob sewing pattern for amount.
  • INNER FABRIC – 100% Cotton, see key fob sewing pattern for amount.
  • FUSIBLE INTERFACING – light or medium weight
  • MATCHING THREAD
  • LOBSTER CLAW CLASP – 0.78” or 1” wide. I use the 0.78” wide clasp in this tutorial
  • HEAT TRANSFER VINYL (optional, for adding text) – I am using White HTV

Tools

  • HOME SEWING MACHINE – I LOVE my SINGER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE
  • FABRIC SCISSORSGINGHERS are my favorite. I’ve tried other brands such as Fiskars, but they just don’t compare.
  • ROTARY CUTTERS (optional, very handy for cutting rectangular strips of fabric, perfect if you are wanting to make in bulk for gifts).
  • SEWING PINS and/or SEWING CLIPS
  • CLEAR RULER
  • FABRIC CHALK
  • THAT PURPLE THANG great for feeding fabric into machine so it doesn’t get eaten up!
  • IRON – for pressing
  • CUTTING MACHINE – such as Silhouette or Cricut
  • CUTTING MAT (optional, for adding text)
  • WEEDING TOOL (optional, for adding text)

How to Sew an Easy Key Fob

materials needed to make diy fabric key fob

Gather your fabric pieces, interfacing, and lobster claw.

Sewing Fabric Pieces Together

stitching outer and inner fabric together. How to sew a fabric key fob

First, place outer fabric and inner fabric right sides together. Sew together at 1/4”(6mm), as indicated by red line.

pressing seam open of outer and inner fabric

Press open seams with iron.

pressing inner fabric to seam. How to sew a key fob.

Next, fold inner fabric to seam line and press down.

crease on inner fabric

This creates a crease line once you open the inner fabric.

applying fusible interfacing to diy fabric key fob

Then, take your fusible interfacing (fusible side facing fabric, see note 1) and line it up with the crease line. Fuse interfacing to fabric.

Note 1: The fusible side is the side of interfacing that feels rough. This “roughness” is due to the presence of fusible glue.

applying fusible interfacing to diy fabric key fob

Next, fold inner fabric up to midline and press.

pressing outer fabric to seam. How to sew fabric key fob

Then, repeat for outer fabric.

inner and outer fabric folded and pressed to seam

You will now end up with a strip of fabric that looks something like this.

pressing diy fabric key fob in half. How to sew a key fob

Now fold fabric strip in half and press down again.

Sewing Key Fob Loop

threading key fob through lobster clasp

First, thread fabric strip through lobster clasp loop. Make sure the outer fabric is facing towards the lobster clasp.

pulling lobster clasp to middle of fabric

Next, pull lobster clasp (red arrow) to about the middle of fabric strip.

pulling ends of fabric to meet each other. How to sew a key fob

Then, open both ends of fabric strip as shown in photo. Next, we are going to pull end A to meet end B (red arrow).

ends of key fob together

Now match ends together, right sides together.

matching and pinning ends together

Then, use a pin to match seam allowance of end A to seam allowance of end B.

stitching ends together. How to sew a key fob

Then sew together in place at 1/4” (6mm) seam allowance (red line).

guiding end of fabric into sewing machine with that purple thang

That Purple Thang is very handy tool for guiding the fabric strip into the machine so the machine doesn’t eat up your fabric at the start!

diy fabric key fob with ends stitched together.

View of your key fob loop with ends stitched together.

pressing open seam of ends of diy fabric key fob

Next, press open seams.

fabric key fob loop sewn together with lobster clasp. How to sew a key fob

Now turn and adjust your fabric strip so the wrong side of fabric faces together. You will end up with a closed loop with a lobster clasp threaded through like in the photo.

Top stitching key Fob Loop

removing free sewing arm on singer heavy duty sewing machine

First, remove free arm of sewing machine.

line where to sew fabric key fob

Then, we are are going sew outer fabric to inner fabric, 1/8” (3mm) from edge (yellow lines).

stitching edges of diy key fob with sewing machine

Do this by looping key fob through machine and sewing. Once you reach the end of the loop, sew a few stitches past where you originally started. Be sure to backstitch.

How to sew a key fob. Aligning lobster clasp and seamline of key fob loop

Next, position lobster clasp loop so that it is at the top midline of loop. The bottom midline of loop is the seamline.

arrow and red line showing where to stitch right below lobster clasp to keep it in place.

Then, we are going to stitch a line at the top (red line) right below the lobster clasp to keep it in place.

sewing across diy key fob to keep lobster clasp in place. how to sew a key fob.

Again, That Purple Thang is super handy to feed the fabric into the machine. Finally, make sure to backstitch and forward stitch a coupe times across the width of key fob to reinforce.

finished diy fabric key fob

Finished! You have just learned how to sew a key fob from start to finish! Wasn’t that easy?

Now…I know since you bought a big bag of lobster clasps, go make a whole bunch as gifts! These make great presents as stocking stuffers, teacher appreciation gifts, and more!

How to Personalize Fabric Key Fob

In this section I am going to show you how to add text (using heat transfer vinyl) to your key fob. You will need either a Silhouette, Cricut, or other cutting machine to be able to this.

You can add a name, a motivational phrase, or any text you like to personalize the key fob.

set of 4 finished key fobs with personalization

Notes:
I recommend making the key fob using solid colored fabrics so the text shows up better. Otherwise, choose a fabric with a light colored print (see bottom key fob in photo).
If you want your text on both sides of your key fob, make sure to cut 2 sets. Otherwise, just cut 1 set.

First, open your cutting machine software (I’m using Silhouette Studios) and type in the name or phrase you want written on your key fob. In this example my text is “Pray without Ceasing”.

Silhouette Studios screenshot with max height and length dimensions for text to be sent to cut.

Once you have the text you want, we will need to make sure it fits on the key fob. As you can see in this example (see photo), my text measures about 5/8” (1.58cm) in height and 5” (12.7cm) length.

Just note that you don’t want your text to be taller than 5/8”(1.58 cm) or longer than about 6.25”(15.8 cm) in width. Otherwise, it won’t fit on your key fob. However, please note that these measurements are approximate. It is always a good idea to measure your own key fob to determine your max length and height.

Silhouette Studios screenshot with optional cut lines added

Also note that I created some extra cut lines around the text to make it easier for me to know where the border of the text is. However, this is completely optional.

Silhouette Studios screenshot with mirrored image of text to be sent to cut

Don’t forget to mirror your text before hitting send!

Applying HTV To Key Fob

how to apply HTV to diy fabric key fob.

Once you have cut and weeded out the text, place it on the center of your key fob with the lobster clasp to the left. You can use a ruler for accuracy or just eyeball it (like I did).

Ironing HTV onto diy fabric key fob

Next, place teflon paper over and iron the vinyl on (be sure to follow the manufacturer heat transfer setting).

applying HTV to diy fabric key fob.

Then, flip the key fob to the other side.

applying HTV to other side of diy fabric key fob.

Note that after your flip the fabric, the lobster clasp is still to the left of the key fob. Now apply and heat transfer the text on this side in the same way

removing plastic sheath from HTV

Once your vinyl is cool to the touch, carefully remove the plastic sheet.

Finished diy fabric key fob with motivational phrase

You are done! Your key fob is now personalized!

Grab the ad-free, printer friendly PDF Pattern and Tutorial of the Key Fob Wristlet today! Print a copy and keep it next to your sewing machine for easy reference as you sew. Additionally, you will receive patterns and step-by-step tutorial for the color-block version.

DIY Fabric Key Fob

Finished fabric key fobs square image

Learn how to make a simple DIY key fob that goes over your wrist to keep your keys in place. Add a name or inspirational phrase for an extra personal touch!

Materials

Tools

Instructions

    1. Gather your fabric pieces, interfacing, and lobster claw.
    2. Place outer fabric and inner fabric right sides together. Sew together at 1/4” (6mm).
    3. Press open seams with iron.
    4. Fold inner fabric to seam line and press down. This creates a crease line once you open the inner fabric.
    5. Take your fusible interfacing (fusible side facing fabric (see note 1) and line it up with the crease line. Fuse interfacing to fabric.
    6. Next, fold inner fabric up to midline and press. Repeat for outer fabric.
    7. Fold fabric strip in half and press down again.

    SEWING KEY FOB LOOP

    1. Thread fabric strip through lobster clasp loop. Make sure the outer fabric is facing towards the lobster clasp.
    2. Pull lobster clasp to about the middle of fabric strip.
    3. Open both ends of fabric strip so the wrong sides aren’t facing each other anymore
    4. Pull end A to meet end B, right sides together.
    5. Use pin to match seam allowance of end A to seam allowance of end B.
    6. Sew together in place at 1/4” (6mm) seam allowance. Press open seams.
    7. Turn and adjust your fabric strip so the wrong side of fabric faces together. You will end up with a closed loop with a lobster clasp threaded through.

    TOP STITCHING KEY FOB LOOP

    1. Remove free arm of sewing machine.
    2. Loop key fob through machine and sew outer fabric to inner fabric, 1/8” (3mm) from both edges. Once you reach the end of the loop, sew a few stitches past where you originally started. Be sure to backstitch.
    3. Position lobster clasp loop so that it is at the top midline of loop. The bottom midline of loop is the seamline.
    4. Stitch a line at the top right below the lobster clasp to keep it in place.
    5. Backstitch and forward stitch a coupe times across to reinforce.

    Personalizing Key Fob

    1. Open your cutting machine software (I’m using Silhouette Studios) and type in the name or phrase you want written on your key fob (See Note 2).
    2. Once you have the text you want, we will need to make sure it fits within the dimensions of the key fob (See Note 3).
    3. Once you are happy with the size of your text, mirror it and send it to be cut.
    4. Weed out your text and place it on the center of your key fob with the lobster clasp to the left. You can use a ruler for accuracy or just eyeball it (like I did).
    5. Place teflon paper over and iron the vinyl on (be sure to follow the manufacturer heat transfer setting).
    6. Flip key fob to other side and apply and heat transfer the text on the other side in the same way
    7. Once your vinyl is cool to the touch, carefully remove the plastic sheet.
    8. You are done!


Notes

Note 1: The fusible side is the side of interfacing that feels rough. This “roughness” is due to the presence of fusible glue.

Note 2: Cut two pieces of the same text if you want the key fob to have the text on both sides. Otherwise, you'll only need to cut 1 piece of the text.

Note 3: You don’t want your text to be taller than 5/8” (1.58 cm) or longer than about 6.25” (15.8 cm) in width. Otherwise, it won’t fit on your key fob. However, please note that these measurements are approximate. It is always a good idea to measure your own key fob to determine your max length and height.

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