Small Project, Big Charm: Key Fobs & Hardware Made Easy
At Sallie Tomato, we get so excited over new, shiny hardware and it’s time to present our latest addition: 1" (25mm) Screw-In Key Fob hardware; a perfect complement to our tried and true 1" (25mm) Key Fob hardware!
And what better way to show you how easy it is to use the new hardware (and the original), than with a super simple tutorial. If you have scraps, this is a great way to use them! This is perfect for beginners and a fun activity to do with kids. Let’s turn those discarded pieces of material or webbing into treasure! Treasure in the form of KEY FOBS! (Hint: these would make great gifts too!) Once you learn how to make key fobs; you can create fab Walk, Don’t Run! lanyards & wristlets! And what bag doesn’t need a coordinating accessory.
First let’s take a look at the two different styles of hardware!
Each 1" (25mm) Key Fob hardware includes the clamping piece with an attached split ring. The clamping piece measures 1" wide and 1" high. You’ll receive two key fobs in a package. (Existing Product Photos?)
Each 1" (25mm) Screw-In Key Fob hardware features a shaped slot for inserting your preferred fabric. The pair of screws secures the fabric in place. The attached split ring is substantial and sturdy. Two key fobs are packaged together. (Existing Product Photos?)
Both styles of hardware come in five different colors, which perfectly matches all the other Sallie Tomato Hardware: nickel finish, gold antique, gunmetal, and rose gold. (Existing Product Photos?)
Step 1: Gather the necessary supplies
A strip of cork, faux leather, or microsuede fabric, cut two inches wide and at least 4" (10.2cm) long (or longer). Or, use 1" (25mm) wide woven webbing scraps at least 4" (10.2cm) long (or longer).
Your sewing machine
Key Fob or Screw-In Key Fob hardware
A pair of pliers for clamping the Key Fob hardware
A scrap of batting; if you don’t have a rubber-coated pair of pliers
Or, a small phillips screwdriver for the Screw-In Key Fob hardware
Optional: permanent craft glue or hot glue
*If you’re using woven webbing, begin at step 4. If you’re using nonwoven fabrics, skip step 4.
Step Two (Optional):
This step is optional: Fuse the Interfacing to the wrong side of Main Fabric. If your Main fabric is heat sensitive, try using basting tape to hold the interfacing in place.
Step Three:
Fold your piece of fabric long sides together and align the raw edges. You can use sewing clips to hold the edges together, or align the edges as you sew. Topstitch 1/8" from the aligned long raw edge and also the long fold edge. If you’re using 1" wide webbing, you don’t need to add any topstitching. (PHOTOS-6,7, 8)
Step Four:
This step is optional, if you’d like to prevent the raw ends of the woven webbing from unraveling, melt each end of the Strap by lightly touching it with a lighter. If your webbing is cotton, or you’re not comfortable with melting the raw ends, sew over each raw end with a wide zigzag stitch multiple times.
Step 5 for 1" key fob hardware:
Fold the strap in half and match the short raw ends. If you’re using key fob hardware that clamps; you'll notice that there are two prongs inside the hardware. These prongs will help clamp down and hold your fabric in place. Add a small amount of glue to the short raw ends of your fabric loop and position the ends against the bend in the key fob hardware. (PHOTOS-9[ZOOM IN?], 10, 11)
Step 6 for 1" key fob hardware:
Clamp the hardware together, using your pliers. We recommend using a scrap of batting or foam placed between the pliers and hardware to help protect your hardware from getting scratched. (PHOTO-17)
Step 6 for 1" screw-in key fob hardware:
Add tiny dots of permanent glue at the screw holes in the hardware and install the screws with your phillips screwdriver. The screws pierce the fabric layers, holding them securely. (PHOTO-18)
Share Your Creation with us!
This is such an approachable, easy and fun project and is universally useful! Use your fob everyday! It’s easy to overlook small details, such as accessories, in bag making. We focus on the larger pieces—the handbags, tote bags, backpacks—but creating perfectly coordinated accessories can set those projects apart. Key Fobs are one of those elements. If you’re planning your next big bag project or just looking for a small detail that will refresh a tried-and-true tote, our key fobs are the upgrade your efforts deserve.
They’re functional, yes, and also design-forward, giving your handcrafted ensemble that high-end finish that makes all the difference. Whether you’re sewing for yourself, making gifts, or even selling your creations, these key fobs add value and beauty to every bag.
One of our favorite parts of releasing new hardware is seeing how you use it. Every maker brings their own style and creativity, and these key fobs are already inspiring fresh ideas. Be sure to visit our youtube channel to watch the video tutorials to get you started.
We’d love to see how you make them your own. Share your photos with us on social media using #sallietomato so we can celebrate your work and inspire others in the sewing community.
Laissez un commentaire