Crafting Your Own Key Fob Wristlets: Essential Supplies and Tools July 15 2024

Creating personalized key fobs can be a fun and rewarding craft project, whether you’re making them for yourself, as gifts, or to sell. To get started, you’ll need a couple of supplies and tools to ensure your key fobs are both durable and stylish. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential hardware and crafting supplies you’ll need.

1. Key Fob Hardware

Key Fob Hardware Sets: These sets typically include metal fob hardware and key rings. The metal hardware is used to clamp the end of your fabric or material, while the key ring is attached to hold your keys. These sets come in various finishes like silver, gold, bronze, and even colorful options to match your design preferences.

Key Rings: In addition to the ones that come with sets, you can purchase extra key rings in different sizes and shapes (round, heart-shaped, etc.) to add a unique touch to your key fobs.

2. Material for the Key Fob Strap

Webbing: Durable and versatile, webbing is a popular choice for the strap part of key fobs. It comes in various widths (commonly 1 inch) and a multitude of colors and patterns.

Fabric: For a more customized look, you can use fabric. Cotton quilting fabric is a good choice because it’s easy to work with. You’ll need to interface it to give it the required stiffness.

Leather: For a more luxurious feel, leather or faux leather is an excellent option. It’s durable and adds a touch of sophistication to your key fobs. When choosing leather, pick a leather that is similar in thickness to cotton webbing so that the key fob hardware teeth will embed themselves giving it a good strong hold.

3. Sewing and Cutting Tools

Rotary Cutter and Mat: These are essential for cutting fabric and webbing accurately. A rotary cutter allows you to make clean, straight cuts, and a cutting mat protects your work surface.

Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors is indispensable. You’ll need sharp scissors for cutting fabric, webbing, and interfacing.

Sewing Machine: While it’s possible to make key fobs by hand, a sewing machine speeds up the process and ensures even stitching. Make sure your machine can handle thick layers if you plan to use webbing or leather.

Pins and Clips: These will help hold your materials in place while you sew. Clips are particularly useful for thicker materials where pins might not be practical.

4. Adhesives and Finishes

Fabric Glue: This can be handy for holding layers together before sewing, especially for intricate designs or when working with small pieces of fabric.

Fray Check: This liquid sealant prevents fraying on fabric edges, ensuring your key fobs remain neat and durable over time.

5. Other Useful Supplies

Key Fob Pliers: A pair of pliers is essential for attaching the key fob hardware securely. Some crafters prefer using a key fob hardware tool, which is specifically designed for this purpose.

Interfacing: If you’re using fabric, fusible interfacing will add the necessary stiffness to your key fobs. It comes in various weights; medium to heavy-weight interfacing is usually best for key fobs.

Iron and Ironing Board: An iron is essential for applying fusible interfacing and for pressing your fabric pieces to ensure they are smooth and easy to work with.
Final Thoughts

With the right supplies and tools, crafting your own key fobs can be a straightforward and enjoyable project. Start with basic designs and as you gain confidence, experiment with different materials and embellishments. Whether you’re aiming for practicality or a personal touch, handmade key fobs are a delightful way to express your creativity.

Have a great crafty day!

Scrunchie Key Fob Wristlets with I Like Big Buttons! Key Fobs November 06 2023

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Works wonderful for all types of key fobs

-- Tammy

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#keyfobhardware #wristlets #customerlove #customerreviews #ilikebigbuttons #craftstore #mamaboss #supportlocal #smallbusiness

Cute Camper Key Fob Wristlet with I Like Big Buttons! Key Fob Hardware October 02 2023

Wristlets with I Like Big Buttons! Key Fob Hardware Starter Kits September 11 2023

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Exactly what I needed to start making keychains. This is a perfect way to try it before making a larger investment with supplies. Everything worked perfectly!

-- Jessica

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#keyfobs #keyfobhardware #ilikebigbuttons #craftstore #customerlove #customershare #letsbecrafty #customerreview #smallbusiness

Key Fob Wristlets with I Like Big Buttons! Key Fob Hardware July 28 2023

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nice hardware. We will purchase again. katskeyfobs.etsy.com

-- KAT

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#keyfobs #keyfobhardware #ilikebigbuttons #craftstore #customerlove #customershare #letsbecrafty #customerreview #smallbusiness

Key Wristlets with I Like Big Buttons! Key Fob Hardware July 06 2023

Key Fob Wristlets with I Like Big Buttons! Key Fob Hardware July 03 2023

Key Fob Hardware Tip @ ILikeBigButtons.com April 18 2023

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Key Fob Hardware Tip @ ILikeBigButtons.com March 14 2023

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Sometimes, you just got to craft! December 28 2022

Sometimes, you just have to craft! December 21 2022

😍 Sometimes, you just got to craft! Last-minute Christmas craftiness! What should I turn it into???

A. Key Fob Wristlets
B. Cover Buttons
C. Something KAM Snappy

#craftstore #ilikebigbuttons #craftsupplies #allthefabric #letsbecrafty #itstheseasonforcraftiness #keyfobs #coverbuttons #kamsnaps #pendantbezels #earrings #paperclips #pacifierclips #pineapple

Sometimes, you just have to craft! December 07 2022

😍 Sometimes, you just got to craft! A little fabric for the Marvel fans in my house! What should I turn it into???

A. Key Fob Wristlets
B. Cover Buttons
C. Something KAM Snappy

#craftstore #ilikebigbuttons #craftsupplies #allthefabric #letsbecrafty #itstheseasonforcraftiness #keyfobs #coverbuttons #kamsnaps #pendantbezels #earrings #paperclips #pacifierclips

Sometimes, you just have to craft! November 30 2022

😍 Sometimes, you just got to craft! I found this gorgeous clearance fabric at Walmart the other day! What should I turn it into???

A. Key Fob Wristlets
B. Cover Buttons
C. Something KAM Snappy

#craftstore #ilikebigbuttons #craftsupplies #allthefabric #letsbecrafty #itstheseasonforcraftiness #keyfobs #coverbuttons #kamsnaps #pendantbezels #earrings #paperclips #pacifierclips

Sometimes, you just got to craft! November 16 2022

😍 Sometimes, you just got to craft! More Pretty Fabric!!! What should I turn it into???

Sometimes, you just got to craft! November 02 2022

How to Make An Embroidered Key Fob Hardware Wristlet by I Like Big Buttons! October 27 2022

How to Make An Embroidered Key Fob Hardware Wristlet by I Like Big Buttons! Sew Easy! 💕💕💕

Check out our Inspiration Board for more Key Fob Hardware crafty projects. 

See all our Key Fob Hardware How-To Videos here.

How to Make A Key Fob Wristlet with KAM Snaps by I Like Big Buttons! October 20 2022

How to Make A Key Fob Wristlet with KAM Snaps by I Like Big Buttons! Sew Adorable!

Check out our Inspiration Board for more Key Fob Hardware crafty projects. 

See all our Key Fob Hardware How-To Videos here.

How to Make A Fabric Key Fob Wristlet by I Like Big Buttons October 13 2022

How to Make A Fabric Key Fob Wristlet by I Like Big Buttons! Sew Fun!

Check out our Inspiration Board for more Key Fob Hardware crafty projects. 

See all our Key Fob Hardware How-To Videos here.

How to Make A Ribbon & Cotton Webbing Key Fob Wristlet by I Like Big Buttons! October 12 2022

How to Make A Ribbon & Cotton Webbing Key Fob Wristlet by I Like Big Buttons! Easy Peasy Tutorial!

Check out our Inspiration Board for more Key Fob Hardware crafty projects. 

See all our Key Fob Hardware How-To Videos here.

How to Make Key Fob Wristlet by I Like Big Buttons! October 11 2022

We our Key Fob Hardware! Elegance and functionality all rolled into one!

Check out our Inspiration Board for more Key Fob Hardware crafty projects. 

See all our Key Fob Hardware How-To Videos here.

What You Can Do Key Fob Hardware @ ILikeBigButtons.com September 14 2022

Fabric and Cotton Webbing Key Fob Hardware Wristlet May 24 2022

How to Make a Fabric and Cotton Webbing Key Fob Hardware Wristlet by ILikeBigButtons.com

Christmas Gift Idea #2: Key Fob Wristlets @ ILikeBigButtons.com December 02 2021

• 11"x2.25" fabric strip (of your choosing)
• 1" or 1.25" cotton webbing (depending on Key Fob Hardware Size)
• Heat N Bond or Fusible Tape
• 1" or 1.25" Key Fob Hardware set 
• Key Fob Hardware Pliers
• Sewing Clips
• Fray Stop
• Sewing Machine
• Iron
  
  

6.  Fold the Cotton Webbing in half, right sides facing out and match up the ends.  Secure with Sewing Clips and stitch the ends together with a zigzag stitch.  Trim any loose threads and lightly coat the end in Fray Stop or equivalent liquid to help resist fraying over time.

9.  Add the Key Ring and Yay!!! You are done.  Good Job!!!

* Instructions for 1.25" Key Fob Hardware (adjust accordingly if using 1" Hardware)

To see all our Key Fob Hardware Tutorials, visit our Projects section here.

Top DIY Craft Project Picks @ ILikeBigButtons.com October 08 2021

😍 These Marvel Key Fob Wristlets are a favorite in the I Like Big Buttons! household. 😍

ILikeBigButtons.com Supply List:

• Key Fob Hardware
• Pendant Bezels (Size 36)
• Cover Buttons (Size 36)

So many 😍 Key Fob Wristlets @ ILikeBigButtons.com September 01 2021

So many 😍 Key Fob Wristlets.

ILikeBigButtons.com Supply List:

• Key Fob Hardware

• Pendant Bezels (Size 36)

• Cover Buttons (Size 36)

To see other great Key Fob Hardware, Pendant Bezel, and Cover Button ideas, visit our DIY Project section here.

Brand New! Hearts & Stars & Flowers! Oh my! @ ILikeBigButtons.com August 10 2021

Brand New! Hearts & Stars & Flowers! Oh my!

Check out I Like Big Buttons! Key Fob Hardware with shaped split rings!!!

Crafty Friday - Key Fob Wristlet and Key Chain @ ILikeBigButtons.com May 14 2021

😍 Made a WSU Key Fob Wristlet and Key Chain for a friend's daughter today using ILikeBigButtons.com supplies. I love how they turned out! 😍

ILikeBigButtons.com Supply List:

• Key Fob Hardware
• Pendant Bezels (Size 36 and Size 60)
• Cover Buttons (Size 36 and Size 60)
• Lobster Clasps

For more Crafty Inspiration, visit our Key Fob Hardware Inspiration Boards.

Fabric Key Fob Hardware Wristlets by ILikeBigButtons.com October 27 2020

Supplies:

• 11" x 5" Fabric of your Choosing
• 11″ x 2.5" Piece of Fusible Fleece or 10" x 5" Fusible Interfacing
• 1 Key Fob Hardware and Split Ring
• Key Fob Hardware Pliers
• Sewing Clips
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Fray Check

Instructions:

1. Cut a 11" x 5" section of Fabric of your choosing and 11" x 2.5" Fusible Fleece.
2. Iron Fusible Fleece to the center of the fabric.  Fold and iron the Fabric in half with the wrong sides together.
3. Unfold and iron the Fabric in half again long sides to the center.
4. It will look like this when you get done.
5. Use your Sewing Clips to pin the Wristlet flat.
6. Stitch along the edge of your Fabric strip, I stitched 1/4" in.  Remove the Sewing Clips as you go.  Work slowly, keeping close to the edge and as straight of a line as possible.
7. Repeat 1/4" stitching along the opposing edge.
8. Fold the Fabric Wristlet Strip in half, right sides facing out and match up the ends.
9. Stitch the ends together with a zig zag stitch.  I went back and forth a few times to ensure it held.
10. Trim any loose threads.  Use Fray Check to seal the end of the exposed Fabric edge.
11. Tuck the sewn seam ends into the Key Fob Hardware, making sure that the Fabric Wristlet is centered.
12. Using Key Fob Hardware Pliers squeeze the Key Fob Hardware closed with gentle pressure.  Sometimes, I go back and forth from left to right added a little bit of pressure to each side until it eases together.  Our Key Fob Hardware Pliers make this easy to do.
13. Note the adjustable screw set to the distance I want the pliers to go to.
14. Add the Split Ring and Yay!!!
15. I love them and now I have a few sets to share!!!

How to Make a Key Fob Lip Balm Holder by I Like Big Buttons! October 21 2020

Fabric and Cotton Webbing Key Fob Tutorial October 14 2020

Ribbon and Cotton Webbing Key Fob Tutorial October 05 2020

How to make a Ribbon Key Fob Wristlet:

You will need:

• Scissors
• Sewing Machine
• Iron

Supplies:

• 1.25" Cotton Webbing
• Ribbon (Narrower than the Cotton Webbing)
• Coordinating color thread
• Heat N Bond or Fusible Tape
• 1.25" (32 mm) Key Fob Hardware
• Key Fob Hardware Pliers

Instructions (adjust accordingly for 1" hardware):

1. Cut a 11" section of the Cotton Webbing and Ribbon of your choosing.
2. Cut a 11" section of Heat N Bond, keeping it thinner than your ribbon.
3. Iron the Heat N Bond to your Cotton Webbing, making sure to center it. This is not a necessary step but it makes it easier to sew the Ribbon on especially with embroidered ribbon.
4. Iron the Ribbon to the Cotton Webbing.
5. Sew up one side of the Ribbon and down the other. The Ribbon should now be securely attached to the Cotton Webbing.
6. Trim the edges so they are even.
7. Fold the Cotton Webbing in half, right sides facing out and match up the ends.
8. Stitch the ends together with a 1/4" seam allowance.
9. Trim any loose threads.
10. Tuck the sewn seam ends into the Key Fob Hardware, making sure that the Cotton Webbing is centered.
11. Using your Key Fob Hardware Pliers with silicone tips to protect the metal from getting scratched, squeeze the Key Fob Hardware closed a little at a time. I like to go back and forth a couple times so that I don't over crimp one side.
12. Add the Key Ring and Yay!!! You are done. Good Job!!!

How to make a Ribbon and Cotton Webbing Key Fob Hardware Wristlet by ILikeBigButtons.com March 18 2019

1.  Cut a 11" section of Cotton Webbing and Ribbon of your choosing.

2.  Iron Heat N Bond (11" by thinner than ribbon) to Cotton Webbing making sure to center it, this is not a necessary step but it makes it easier to sew the Ribbon on especially with embroidered ribbon.

3.  Iron the Ribbon to the Cotton Webbing.

4.  Now sew up one side of the Ribbon and down the other.  The Ribbon is attached securely to the Cotton Webbing now.  Trim the edges so that they are even.

5.  Fold the Cotton Webbing in half, right sides facing out and match up the ends.  Stitch the ends together with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Trim any loose threads.

 

6.  Tuck the sewn seam ends into the Key Fob Hardware, making sure that the Cotton Webbing is in there evenly and not hanging out one end or the other.

7.  Using your Pliers wrapped in duct tape or a scrap of fabric to protect the metal from getting scratched, squeeze the Key Fob Hardware closed a little at a time.  I like to go back and forth a couple of times so that I don't over crimp one side too much.

8.  Add the Key Ring and Yay!!! You are done.  Good Job!!!

To see all our Key Fob Hardware Tutorials, visit our Projects section here.

How to make a Fabric and Cotton Webbing Key Fob Hardware Wristlet by ILikeBigButtons.com February 28 2019

Supplies:

• 11"x1.25" Fabric strip (of your choosing)
• 1" or 1.25" cotton webbing (depending on Key Fob Hardware Size)
• Heat N Bond or Fusible Tape
• 1" or 1.25" Key Fob Hardware set 
• Key Fob Hardware Pliers
• Sewing Machine
• Iron
  
  

1.  Cut a 11" section of Cotton Webbing and Fabric strip, create a 11"x1.25" strip of Fabric and a 11"x0.75" strip of Heat N Bond.

2.  Center and Iron Heat N Bond to the wrong side of Fabric strip.

3.  Remove backing and on each side fold 1/4" seam over and iron.

 4.  Turn finished Fabric Strip right side up and iron to Cotton Webbing making sure to center it.

5.  Stitch along the edge of your Fabric strip, securing the edge onto the webbing.  Work slowly, keeping close to the edge.  Go the whole length and around the ends of the fabric strip for added stability.

6.  Fold the Cotton Webbing in half, right sides facing out and match up the ends.  Stitch the ends together with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Trim any loose threads.

7.  Tuck the sewn seam ends into the Key Fob Hardware, making sure that the Cotton Webbing is in there evenly and not hanging out one end or the other.

8.  Using your pliers wrapped in duct tape or a scrap of fabric to protect the metal from getting scratched, squeeze the Key Fob Hardware closed a little at a time.  I like to go back and forth a couple times so that I don't over crimp one side too much.

9.  Add the Key Ring and Yay!!! You are done.  Good Job!!!

To see all our Key Fob Hardware Tutorials, visit our Projects section here.

NEW! DIY Starter Kits @ ILikeBigButtons.com February 11 2019

We have had a lot of requests for DIY Starter Kits for our most popular supplies. We have compiled our customers' favorite craft findings and supplies into great Starter Kits. Check them out!

--> 10% off all our DIY Kits through Friday (2/15/2019) no coupon necessary. <--

Cover Buttons Starter Kits:

We have assembled several Cover Button kits with our customer's favorite supplies. Jumbo Paper Clips, Pendant Bezels, Thumb Tacks, Jewelry Supplies, Bobby Pins, Snap Barrettes, and Badge Reels. Choose from 3 Cover Button sizes and a variety of finishes/colors. Everything that you need to get started (fabric and glue not included *).

Key Fob Hardware Starter Kits:

We have also put together ready-to-go Key Fob Starter Kits with Pliers in a mix of sizes, finishes, or both. Everything that you need to get started (fabric not included *).

To see other great DIY STARTER KIT options, visit our DIY KITS section here.

I Like Big Buttons! Key Fob Hardware February 05 2018

• 2 Sizes (1" and 1.25")
• 3 Finishes (Silver, Antique Brass, and Gunmetal)

Key Fob Hardware with Split Rings (1" - 25 mm) 

Key Fob Hardware is simple to use and produces amazing results.  Just add your fabric, ribbon, or webbing for an instant, elegant wristlet.

(Optional) Add Key Fob Hardware Crimping Tool (required to apply key fob hardware):

• Key Fob Hardware Setting/Crimping Pliers
• Adjustable Screw (to adjust pressure applied to hardware)
• Set of Rubber Tips (helps prevent scratching and denting of hardware)

You can do it! See how easy it is with one of our step by step tutorials:

• Key Fob Hardware Tutorials

An I Like Big Buttons Christmas! Idea #3: Five Ways To Make Key Fob Hardware Wristlets November 22 2017

Gift idea #3:  Key Fob Hardware Wristlets are a great useful and personal gift to give.  Key Fob Hardware is simple to use and produces amazing results.  Just add your fabric, ribbon, webbing, or embroidery for an instant, elegant wristlet.  Check it out!

Five fun and simple tutorials:

1. Fabric and Cotton Webbing Wristlet
2. Ribbon and Cotton Webbing Wristlet
3. Making a Smart Phone Case with Wristlet using Key Fob Hardware, KAM Snaps and PDF Pattern
4. Making an Embroidered Key Fob Hardware Wristlet
5. Fabric Key Fob Hardware Wristlets

See More

#ilikebigbuttons #keyfob #keyfobwristlets #christmasideas #shopilikebigbuttons #wristlets #fobs