How to create a key fob
You need
- 25mm / 1 inch Key Fob and Split Ring
- 30cm / 12″ x 10 cm / 4″ of quilting weight cotton, linen, medium weight fabric –
- Optional: for extra sturdiness and feel, have a 25mm / 1″ x 28cm / 11″ strip of fleece ready for step 3 – our tutorial doesn’t include the fleece for the purpose of photography.
- A hammer and fabric coaster/fleeced fabric off cut to protect the fob from the hammer edge
Step 1
Start with a rectangle of material, 30cm / 12″ long x 10cm / 4″ wide.
With Wrong side facing up, fold in half lengthways, press to create a centre crease
Step 2
Fold each long edge in to meet the centre crease and press
Step 3
Open out to reveal a segmented rectangle.
Optional: If you are using your fleece for extra body, attach it lengthwise to one of the middle segments, iron in place.
Step 4
Fold your short ends in 1 cm to create a neat edge.
Step 5
With the short ends still folded in, fold the long edges in to meet the centre crease.
Step 6
Fold once more to enclose the raw edges and pin to hold in place. You will now have a very neat looking rectangle that is 28cm long x 2.5cm wide – ready to become a Key Fob.
Step 7
Edge stitch 2mm in from the outer edge down both long edges.
Step 8
Fold in half to create a loop and place the open ends into the Fob Grips
Step 9
Place onto some old fleeced fabric and a chopping board (area safe to hammer on)
Step 10
Fold the Fleece over to protect the Fob from the hammer and hit down to secure the ends into the Fob grips
Step 11
Check it’s gripped in well, if not hammer again.
Step 12
Thread on your split ring and you’re done
Tip on closing the Fob: Some of us tend to be a bit heavy with the hammer (I’m one of them!) which can lead to dents in the Fob face. To distribute the load of your hammer blows, place a thin wood coaster over the fob (cork back is best) and then hit down.
There are also many other variations including, using webbing and ribbon, cork and fabric overlay, leather, kraftex, this tutorial gives you the basics, let your imagination do the rest!
Some tips on creating the more popular variations are below for your inspiration.
Key fob using webbing
Step 1
30cm length of 25mm wide Cotton webbing.
Step 2
30cm length of vinyl/leather/cork (anything that doesn’t fray) x 15mm wide.
Step 3
Using a longer stitch length attach the 15mm vinyl down the centre of the webbing.
Step 4
Fold in half and attach the key fob and split ring as normal.
Key fob using leather
Tools
- Leather craft glue
- Wonderclips
- Hole punch (2mm)
- 6mm x 6mm Rivets
Fabric
- 30cm x 50mm leather
- 30cm x 15mm of contrasting leather
Step 1
Take the 30cm x 50mm length of leather and fold the long edge into the centre creating a 25mm wide length of leather.
Step 2
Open along one edge slightly to insert glue along the length and fold back down. Secure with clips.
Wait until fully dry
Step 3
Once the glue is dry, run the contrast leather down the centre of your leather, covering the joined edges.
Step 4
Using a longer stitch length on your machine, stitch your contrast leather into place. (Note you can also hand stitch if you have a saddlers awl and leather needles.)
Step 5
Mark and insert your rivets along the length, down the centre, leaving a 20mm area at each end of the length to make room for you fob closure.
Step 6
Attach your key fob and split ring and you’re done!
Enjoy!