DIY Key Fobs in Five Ways
Key fobs – also known as keychains – are a great craft for makers of all ages and skill levels, especially since the projects are quick to complete and can be used with materials on hand. The majority of online tutorials use sewing machines with quilt cotton, but key fobs can be made from a variety of materials or tools.
Materials
- New quilt cotton or canvas
- Upcycled fabrics from t-shirts, bags, or denim
- Webbing, new or upcycled from old bags
- Ribbons, new or upcycled from gift wrapping, hair ties, medals
Tools / Methods
- Sewing machine
- Hand sewing
- Hardware press
- Pliers
- Fabric glue
- Bonding tape
Most people use key fobs for their car or house keys, but key fobs can be used for any items that need to be kept close. Here are some ideas on creative ways to use key fobs:
- Cruise ID badges
- Doggy bags
- Earbud/AirPod cases
- Parking cards/passes or metro passes
- Work ID badges (instead of lanyards!)
- Zipper bags
Take a look at some of these great blogs that showcase different ways to make a key fob depending on the materials you have on hand. If you know of a fun way to use a key fob add yours in the comments!
No Sew Key Fob with Ribbon
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One of the simplest tutorials there is, Bring Home Magic shares a fantastic pattern using ribbon, bonding tape, and key fob hardware. Since this pattern doesn’t require a sewing machine or iron it is a perfect project to make with kids of all ages.
No Sew Key Fob with Fabric
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Don’t have any non-fraying fabric around? Not a problem with this tutorial from blogger Meredith at Wait ‘Til Your Father Gets Home. An iron is the star of this tutorial, making the edges crisp and ensuring the glue has a good hold. Well-loved (aka old) t-shirts would be a fun material to use for these key fobs, allowing you to take your memories with you wherever you go. Whatever material you use these key fobs are quick enough to make for every season and holiday.
Heavy Duty Key Fob with Webbing
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No need for irons or fabric for this heavy duty key fob! SewHungryHippie uses webbing as the foundation and adds vinyl as a special touch. A sewing machine ensure this make is a speedy one, but if you don’t have a sewing machine you can hand sew or use glue, just make sure to use a heavy duty glue.
Want to make this craft even easier? Use a fun ribbon instead of vinyl! The ribbon should be approximately 0.25″ narrower than the webbing.
Classic Key Fob with Fabric
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There is not much better than the classic key fob using just fabric and a key ring or clasp! Jennie at Clover & Violet uses flannel to give the quilt cotton heft but fusible fleece would be a better option, eliminating the need to feed the flannel through the sewn fabric tube. This pattern is a favorite because it doesn’t use any key fob hardware.
Two-Sided Key Fob with Fabric
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For the final pattern Alli at Woodberry Way showcases how small stitching details can elevate even the simplest of makes. Alli’s key fob uses two different fabrics with batting (or flannel) and adds not one but two rows of top stitching to make the finished edges clean and crisp. Just like with the classic key fob pattern using fusible fleece will make your easy craft even easier. Make this craft your own by use the fun stitches on your sewing machine or even quilting.
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