I had been seeing handmade patchwork key fobs on Instagram for months and then when I was sent some back issues of Love Patchwork & Quilting I was lucky enough to get the key fob hardware as an inclusion. I took it as a sign that it was time I made one of my very own and so I did.
I loved it so much (it’s the perfect size to fit around my wrist so I can carry my keys while toddler wrangling and it’s chunky enough that I can find it blindfolded when searching in my bottomless handbag) that I ordered in some more hardware and started making them as little thank you gifts.
They make such a great little gift that I thought I’d share how to make a patchwork key fob with you all.
What you’ll need to make a patchwork key fob
1 x 10″ x 5″ piece of fabric.
1 x 10″ x 5″ piece of fusible fleece interfacing (I use Pellon sf 110)
1 set of key fob hardware
1 x set of pliers
Sewing supplies – sewing machine, scissors, rotary cutter, clover clips (or pins), iron, ironing board and a ruler.
Additional supplies to make a fussy cut patchwork key fob:
1 x piece of template plastic
Ruler
1 permanent marker (do a test to make sure it doesn’t wipe off the template plastic)
I’m going to show you 2 ways to do this – one way you’ll use a piece of fabric (the fabric pictured above is a drill cotton which makes it a little hardier to the wear and tear of life in a handbag) and the other way you’ll make a piece of patchwork fabric.
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Hooray for you Angie. I bought the chrome pieces ages ago when you mentioned these. Now you’ve filled in the blanks. Thanks x 6 as there are 6 chrome pieces???
Beautifully done. Can you tell me what stitch length you used?
Hi Carole – I just use a normal stitch length, 2.5, for the construction but I top stitch and quilt in a 3.5. Hope this helps! š
This tutorial made my day!
So glad you have this tutorial Angie! I have some of the metal fob ends and was doing research on how long people tend to make them so I don’t have to spend half my time second guessing the length of the fob.
I would like to see tutorials for small fast projects, like pillows, table runners and such. Thanks for the chance to win the gnome! jacklynnsteven at netzero dot com
I love new ideas for gifts, also stuffed toys, the ones that don’t need to making pieces of fabric to put together š
…that should say – ‘stuffed toys, the ones that don’t need too many pieces of fabric to put together’ :p
Thanks for posting this tutorial. I have had some hardware to make my own key fob for a while but didn’t know how to go about making one. I’m already on your mail list and have ‘liked’ your Facebook page (RiamDesigns). I love your little gnome rainbow key fob, it has inspired me to try making one this weekend – please wish me luck!
Luv these gorgeous fobs!
This patch worker would love one for her new car!
Thanks for the tutorial.
Annette
More tutorials of smaller pieces like this are my faves
I would like a tutorial how to get the ends of zippers neat in zip pouches. I have tried so many and find it really hit and miss (more miss if I am being honest). Drives me crazy
Oh wow, now this I think I can help with. Thanks for the suggestion – I’ve added it to the list and will get cracking on it. Stay tuned š
Great tutorial,love key fobs,they are on my list…
Thanks Zehrina – they’re so quick and easy to make, think I spend more time picking out fabrics then actually making them! š
love that little gnome – key fobs are fun to make and I like your fussy cutting pattern for them – thanks š would love to know where you got your fun little labels from too ?
Whoops, sorry about the delay in sending the information through. Have been busy sewing this week and neglecting my poor little blog. Let me know if you need anything further š
I love your key fobs! I think I am going to have to make one if I don’t win š They are great! (and your instructions and pictures are really clear š
thanks!
Thanks Emma – I’m new to making tutorials so I always worry that there’s not enough photos and I haven’t explained it clearly enough. Need a lot more practice š
I love these! I’ve got one that was made for us at a retreat I went on earlier in the year. I would love to see tutorials of things you love to make. I think they’re the best sort because you can see the passion for what you do coming out in the post.
They so fun and useful it seems like a crime not to make them. Thanks for the suggestion… I will be sharing “how to make a mess” very soon š
These are so adorable!
Thanks Kelly š
i love these. so cute. awesome tutorial!!
Thanks Sam š
Anything that makes finding the keys in the bottom of the handbag is a minor miracle. Great tute, would love to see more containing small gift ideas so we can share the fabric love. Thanks Angie!
Thanks for the ideas Tracee. I’ll see what I can come up with – especially given it’s nearly gift giving season! š