Wrist Strap Keychain (in two sizes) Tutorial and Kit! (She Sews!)

I'm so excited to share this tutorial with you because for a couple of years now my friend Sarah and I have been making wrist strap keychains for our own use (they are so handy!), for friends, for teacher gifts, and even for craft fairs. There are other tutorials out there, but I have gradually experimented with different sizes and techniques until I came up with this perfect (IMHO) design. Why is it perfect??? Well, it fits the 1" swivel clip exactly, you can sew it up in a snap without breaking any needles, it comes in two sizes (both made with exactly the same fabric pieces), and you get to mix and match your favorite prints!

Of course I hope you'll have lots of fun with this tutorial sewing your little heart out on wrist strap keychains.

But I'm also going to use it to reduce my own alarmingly sized stash of designer fabrics.

Because who likes cutting? Wouldn't you love to just 'cut' to the sewing part on a project for once? So I put together a {limited number} of keychain kits using some of my absolute favorite designer fabric combinations. Each kit has everything you'll need to make two keychains. You can see them in the new {SEWCANSHE Shop} now or later... let's get to the tute!

To make two wrist strap keychains using two coordinating fabrics, you'll need:

four 3.75" x 12" strips of fabric (two of each fabric)
two 2" x 3.75" strips of fabric (one of each fabric)
two .75" x 12" strips of heavyweight double-sided fusible interfacing (I use Peltex 72F)
two 1" swivel snap clips (available at joanns and michaels)

Of course, the kit comes with all of this and I'm in the process of adding more and more fabric combos as I sort through my stash.

So after cutting (or opening your cute little kit from me <3), separate out one of each long strip print. Fold in half the long way and press. Then open and fold the edges toward the center and press. The edges should come about 1/8" from the center, but they don't have to touch it. Fold along the center crease and press again, like a fat piece of bias trim.

Stack your strips with the piece of Peltex in the middle.

Take care that the center folds of your strips are on opposite sides.

Now you will carefully press your stack with a hot iron to fuse the layers. Press one side and then the other.

Okay, I think you're ready to start sewing! Set your stitch length a bit longer than normal. I use a 4 here. You'll need a medium to heavy sharp needle here, about a 90/14.

Topstitch 1/8" from both edges on the side that you want to be the outside of your keychain.

Trim both end of your strap to cut off any threads or uneven fabric.

Put the swivel snap clip on now. I know, you can't see it in the first picture, but it's pushed over to one side.

Set your stitch to the widest zig-zag you have. Form a circle with your strap by butting the ends right up against each other. Sew a zig-zag stitch right down the center. Backstitch to hold it together during the next few steps.

Now grab one of your small (2" x 3.75") fabric strips. This is where you decide what sized hand the wrist strap will fit. Fold the long edges in toward the center and press. If you want a small/medium strap, stop now. If you want a larger sized strap, fold piece in half lengthwise and press again.

Fold your strap in half with the zig-zaggy seam near the top. Wrap your small fabric piece around it, tucking the raw edges inside. If you are making a larger sized strap, keep your seam and little piece as close to the top as you can comfortably get it.

Topstitch a square (small/medium size) or rectangle (larger size) over your little piece. I like to use the topstitching lines on the strap as guides for the sides of my square or rectangle. Be sure to neatly backstitch so this part holds.

And here is what the two different sizes look like. The small/medium size has about a 8" diameter opening and the larger one has about a 10" diameter opening (both depending on where you sew your little strip).

Done, yay!

Okay, here's more about the kits! I opened the all new {SEWCANSHE Shop} just for them. I'll be going through my stash and adding fabric combinations that I love. They're all designer fabrics, of course (could I give you anything less?), and when something runs out, that's it. I probably won't be getting more. I might order more swivel clips when I run out, or this may be it. Who knows.

Each kit contains everything you need to make two Wrist Strap Keychains. Shipping is the same whether you order one kit or twenty so if you want more mixing and matching options, order multiple kits!

Don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions. I can't wait to imagine you sewing on my favorite fabric!