Digging through a bag, purse, or backpack to find a set of keys is so frustrating, and these fabric key fobs are the perfect remedy for just that problem! Made in your favorite fabrics and secured with a metal clamp and key ring, these DIY key fobs are great for organizing your keys, with a fabric loop that fits perfectly around your wrist. One of these key fobs can be made in as little as 15 minutes, and since each one only requires a small amount of fabric to make, these are terrific for using up fabric scraps from other projects.
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More projects to use up your fabric scraps!
What will I need to make fabric key fobs?
- 2 strips of fabric cut to 1.5×11″
- 1 strip of fusible fleece cut to 1×11″
- 1″ key fob hardware set
- Coordinating thread
Equipment:
- Tube turning tool
- Pliers (see note below)
- Sewing machine
- Other basic sewing tools (See my recommended list of essential sewing tools here)
What You’ll Love About This Fabric Key Fob Pattern
This pattern is a snap to make. Once you get the hang of it, you can easily whip up a key fob in as little as 10 minutes from start to finish! The fabric loop of the key fob allows you to slip it over your wrist to keep keys handy and accessible, and the length of the strap can be shortened or lengthened to fit hands of any size.
Project FAQ
What type of fabric is best for making DIY key fobs? I recommend quilting cotton, as heavier fabrics are harder to turn right-side out. Using scraps or fat quarters for this project is a terrific economical option.
Do I really need a tube turning tool for this project? In a word: yes! I highly recommend the Dritz Quick Turn Set for this project, or any project that requires turning tubes of fabric for straps, ties, and more right-side out. The tools allow you to turn tubes of various sizes right side out in just seconds!
Is a special set of pliers needed for attaching the key fob hardware? I have found that the flat nose pliers used for jewelry making are perfect for the job, but there are also pliers made specifically for key fobs, too, that I have heard work well. If using the flat pliers, make sure to place a piece of fabric between the metal piece and the pliers to prevent scratching.
Now, let’s get sewing, shall we?
How to Make DIY Key Fobs
Scroll below for a printable version of this tutorial.
Prepare and Assemble Fabric Pieces
To begin, make your cuts (detailed above). Center the fusible fleece rough side down on the wrong side of one of the fabric strips so that the fleece is positioned at the center of the fabric with 1/4″ on either side. Press the fleece to affix it into place using a scrap of fabric as a pressing cloth.
Place the fabric pieces together, right sides facing, lining up all of the outer edges. Pin.
Using a 1/4″ seam, stitch the pieces together along each long side and one of the short sides.
Turn Right-Side Out
Next, use the tube turning tool to turn the piece right side out. To do this, insert the 1/2″ tube piece into the open end of the stitched pieces. Poke the stitched end of the fabric up through the concealed tube using the wood stick including with the tube turning set, carefully guiding the fabric through the inside of the tube until it turned completely right side out.
Press the turned piece flat. Top stitch along each of the long edges.
Add Key Fob Hardware
Fold the completed strap in half, and affix the key fob hardware clip to the place where the short ends of the loop overlap, as shown. (See my note on the type of pliers to use for this in the notes above.) I have found that it helps to position the clip as desired, and then press down firmly on the clamp by hand to close it slightly before clamping it down firmly with the pliers. Make sure to use a small piece of scrap fabric to protect the clip from becoming scratched as you clamp it.
Finally, attach the key ring to the key fob hardware clip. Your DIY key fob is finished!
These DIY fabric key fobs make terrific gifts! You can personalize them with different fabrics, or even by adding a name or monogram with iron-on vinyl or machine embroidery.
Using bold, bright colors for these makes these fabric key fobs especially fun to make and use!
DIY Fabric Key Fobs
Equipment
- Tube turning tool
- Pliers (see note in the original post)
- Sewing Machine
- Other basic sewing tools (see my list of essential sewing tools linked in the original post)
Materials
- 2 strips of fabric cut to 1.5x11"
- 1 strip of fusible fleece cut to 1x11"
- 1 " key fob hardware set
- Coordinating thread
Instructions
- To begin, make your cuts: (2) 1.5x11" fabric pieces and (1) 1x11" piece of fusible fleece.
- Center the fusible fleece rough side down on the back side of one of the fabric strips so that the fleece is positioned at the center of the fabric with 1/4" on either side. Press the fleece to affix it into place using a scrap of fabric as a pressing cloth.
- Place the fabric pieces together, right sides facing, along all of the outer edges. Pin. Using a 1/4" seam, stitch the pieces together along each long side and one of the short sides.
- Use the tube turning tool to turn the piece right side out. To do this, insert the 1/2" tube tool into the open end of the stitched pieces. Poke the stitched end of the fabric through the concealed tube using the wood stick included with the tube turning set, carefully guiding the fabric through the inside of the tube until it is completely turned right side out.
- Press the turned piece flat. Top stitch along each of the long edges.
- Fold the completed strap in half, and affix the key fob hardware clip to the place where the short ends of the loop overlap. (See my note in the original post on the type of pliers to use for this step.) I have found that it helps to position the clip as desired, and then press down firmly on the clamp by hand to close it slightly before clamping it down firmly with the pliers. Make sure to use a small piece of scrap fabric to protect the clip from becoming scratched as you clamp it.
- Attach the key ring to the key fob hardware clip. Your DIY key fob is finished!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.