Quilted Key Fob Tutorial

Have some leftover quilted scraps?

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a wristlet keyring from those scraps that create a cute way to carry your car keys or any keys – a quilted key fob wristlet!

This key fob wristlet not only makes for perfect gifts, but it’s also a fun way to reduce the pieces of fabric headed to the bin when you’re crafting. 

This fairly easy sewing project is a great way for beginners to get in some practice.

These are great little quilted gifts as you can make several key fob wristlets in one evening. 

What are Quilted Scraps?

When I’m talking about quilted scraps, I’m referring to the bits that you trim off when you’re squaring something off or trimming something down.

So say for example you have quilted a large quilt or even just a placemat and you have cut everything a little bit bigger to make sure you aren’t cut short at the end – so then when you trim down and square off before binding you will be left with some strips of quilted fabric.

Sometimes these are one-sided – like when you’ve cut a wider backing than your quilt top, and sometimes they are a full 3 layer quilted sandwich.

It’s just all those little leftover pieces you end up with that would normally end up in your thread catcher bin. 

Double-sided quilted key fob tutorial

You can make either single- or double-sided wristlet key fobs, but in this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make a double-sided one.

Craft Supplies Needed:

This post contains affiliate links – please see my disclosure policy for more details.

• Quilted scraps – longish strips that get cut off when trimming down quilt projects.
• Alternatives: cotton scraps, leftover jelly roll strips, ribbon and other trim
• Scrap batting (optional)
• Key fob hardware
• Pair of pliers
• Sewing machine
• Sewing thread
• Ruler
• Safety pin
• Chopstick (or similar pointy but not sharp object)
• Rotary cutter

This is what the key fob hardware I used looks like:

Quilted Key Fob Video Tutorial

Step 1: Measure the width of your Keychain Finding

The metal bit that you attach your keys to on a wristlet like this is usually called key fob hardware or keychain findings (findings is a term used in jewelry making).

The larger metal bit has two sharp clasps inside to hold your fabric in place when you squeeze it shut.

This key fob wristlet hardware can come in different widths though – so you need to measure the one you bought to determine what size your wrist strap should be!

• If you don’t have something that is the exact same, you can cut it down to reach the desired size.
  • If you are using separate back and front pieces, you will need to add ½” as you will sew down two sides with a ¼” seam allowance (see steps below for more on this or watch the video tutorial above). 
• If you’re piece of scrap is too wide, you can fold it over (long sides) to where the folded piece equals the same width as your keychain finding.
  • If you are folding one piece over, add ¼” to the size of your keychain hardware.

Time to find those favorite fabric scraps you’ve got around!

Don’t be afraid to try out some different things. Even the simplest of colors and designs make gorgeous stylish key fobs for your house keys.

Other fabric choices you could use include faux leather, the pretty side of the ribbon, or leftover jelly roll strips. 

• Modern Quilt-As-You-Go Scrappy Coasters
• Scrap Fabric Quilt Block Tutorial for Floral Scraps!
• How to make a Scrap Fabric Bookmark from Teeny Tiny Trimmings
• Easy Drawstring Fabric Gift Bag – No Measuring!

Step 2: Decide how long to make the Key Fob Wristlet

You’re going to want to make sure your length of fabric is not too short or too long for a wrist strap.

You can just fold the short ends towards each other (mimicking a bracelet) and measure it against your wrist and how you would want it to fit when “wearing” it. 

If you’re making these for holiday gifts or just someone else in general, you could leave a small allowance of room. However, using your wrist as an example should do the trick just fine.

Making some a different size wouldn’t hurt either as some people may like theirs to fit snugger than others. 

Step 3: Sew your Quilted Scrap to Hide the Raw Edges

If you are using one wide piece of quilted scrap then fold it over right sides together before sewing.

Sew your folded piece of fabric scrap all the way down the open long edge.

I used a straight stitch and a 2.2 stitch length (but that’s just my personal preference!).

Alternative: Use a non-folded piece of quilted scrap with a cotton side.

In this case you would place the quilted scrap and the cotton scrap right sides to right sides and sew down both long sides to make an inside-out tube.

Optional Step 3a! Topstitching vs no Topstitching

I originally didn’t topstitch my wrist straps but I then decided to go back and add the topstitching in!

It just gives it a more finished look.

To topstitch your wrist strap, lengthen your stitch length to about 3 or 3.5, and sew as close to each long edge as you can. See my video above for the difference between both finished looks!

Step 4: Turn Tubes right side out

Using this hack, you’re going to turn the tubes right side out using a safety pin and a chopstick. 

• Pin your safety pin on one end.
• Take a chopstick and butt it up against the safety pin on the inside of the tubing.
• Gently push/guide the safety pin through using the chopstick.
• Once tubing is turned right side out, remove your safety pin. 
• Trim off raw edges so they’re clean.

It can be frustrating and a bit of a hard time trying to maneuver the safety pin through, but you’ll get the hang of it!

If you have ever made a fabric bag strap and had to turn it right side out, this is pretty much the same but shorter! 

Alternative: Using the same trick as above is a great way even if you’re using the quilted/cotton combo. Because it’s less thick, it takes about half the time to turn it right side out.

Step 5: Attach the Keychain Finding

Using your key fob pliers (or any small pair of pliers), partially close your keychain finding.

Put both ends inside and use pliers to finish closing all the way.

Hack – Use a thick piece of fabric between your metal clasp and pliers to avoid scratching up the metal. 

Step 6: Remove any Stray Edges

If you have any stray edges sticking out on the side after you finish closing the clasp, this hack will help you hide them.

Using the chopstick again, use the skinny end to push that end in as much as you can until you can’t see the stray bit anymore. Then use the pliers to tighten again, as much as you can. 

How to re-open the keychain finding after closing

If you do need to reopen your keychain finding because you need to fix or change something, use a simple butter knife to pry it open enough to get your fabric out. 

Finished Key Fob Wristlets! 

Here’s a look at the finished product.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that it’s given you some ideas for using up those long quilted scraps you sometimes end up with after finishing off a quilt project!

Happy sewing!