Ok, here goes………my first tutorial!
This is how I make, my version, of the ever useful Fabric Key Fob Wristlet.
To make it, you will need
Designer Fabric Key Fob Wristlet
Gather your materials
2 x fabric strips 11″ long x 2″ wide
2 x interfacing strips (medium or firm / sew in or iron on)
Key Fob Hardware, nickel plated 1″ (including 1″ split ring)
When selecting your fabric, you will need to choose one fabric for the outside and another, less visible, for the inside of the Wristlet.
When cutting the fabric for the outside make sure you centre the pattern along the middle of the strip (along the 1″ mark).
I found an 11″ strip of fabric was a good size for my hand. You can check this measurement yourself with a piece of string and adjust the size as necessary. About 1/2″ of the length, of the strap, will be lost in the Key Fob Hardware in the final stages.
Lay fabric right side down and place interfacing on top along the centre.
Turn your fabric strips face down on the table and position the 1″ interfacing strips along the centre. Feel free to pin if you wish, personally I don’t use pins….ever! I used firm sew in interfacing as this is what I had to hand. However iron in interfacing maybe easier as it won’t wriggle around!
Fold fabric over the interfacing, towards the centre.
Fold fabric over the interfacing, towards the centre and iron. Only apply heat to the fabric, not the interfacing. If you are using sew in interfacing like me you will need to make sure this doesn’t move as you iron. Once you get the hang of it is possible to fold (fabric) and hold (interfacing) as you iron!
Fold fabric over interfacing and iron as you fold down the length of the strip
Fold over and iron the fabric along all 4 lengths of your Key Fob Wristlet. Careful not to burn your fingers or interfacing neither will like it much! Turn over your fabric strips and iron on the right side too. This will make the next steps easier.
Lay one fabric interfaced strip on top of the other.
Take one of your fabric interface strips and place it on top of the other, wrong sides together. Once you have two short ends lined up (pin if you wish), you can start sewing.
Sew fabric strip sandwich together
Topstitch along one length of the fabric strip sandwich. I set my stitch legth to 3. You need to sew close to the edge, but not so close that you fall off the edge. Both pieces of fabric need to be sewn together. Turn at the end and zigzag (1) across the width, with a shorter stitch length (1.5). Repeat along the other length and width.
Trim and align both ends of the fabric strap
When you have sewn the two fabric strips together, trim the ends to neaten. Align both short ends, one on top of the other. Make sure your chosen fabric is on the outside. Push the ends gently into the Key Fob Hardware.
Push Key Fob Hardware closed on a hard surface
When you are happy that your strap is central in the Hardware, hold fabric in place with your left hand and press the clasp shut with the thumb of your right hand. The prongs will hold the fabric gently in place while you wack it tightly shut with a rubber mallet. Wrap the wristlet in a towel first to prevent damage to all your lovely hard work.
Finished Key Fob Wristlet
Stand back and admire your very own Key Fob Wristlet!
If you don’t fancy making one yourself, I have a small selection of handmade Fabric Key Fob Wristlets in my online shops here;
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/jellybeanseams
http://folksy.com/shops/Jellybeanseams
When I began making these Wristlets I found Key Fob Hardware really tricky to find in the UK. I ended up bulk buying. You can grab yourself some here in my shop
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/158202267/5-x-1-key-fob-hardware-for-making
Thanks to Bubba and Bubba Wacki for entertaining Kiddy Wink and Wonk while I worked on this. ‘Yes’ it did take all day and ‘No’ I didn’t get to sew or have a cup of tea! Maybe tomorrow………….
