Instructions

Puffy keychain in the hoop

What is it for?

Key fobs, dangly items to hang on purses, zippers, or luggage, ornaments, banners, hanging accessories, or labeling items. The point is, a key fob can have many uses. Some can simply be pretty and remind us to smile.

Materials Needed

For this project, you will need main materials such as leather or vinyl, puffy foam, and stabilizer.

* Main fabric of your choice: vinyl, genuine leather, or faux leather - 2 pieces of non-fraying fabric sized to fit your hoop.

Recommended non-fraying materials include medium- or lightweight vinyl, genuine leather, or faux leather. Please do not use heat transfer vinyl or adhesive vinyl. I am referring to marine vinyl or upholstery vinyl. Most vinyl is plastic over a knit backing (to simplify it).

* Stabilizer: Medium-weight tear-away stabilizer.

* Puffy Foam: any brand embroidery puffy foam, for example, Gunold Puffy Vegan PE10.

COLOR steps

Position dieline seam
Puffy foam perforation/punching seam
Letter outline
Entire keychain design outline

Embroidering

Hoop the tear-away stabilizer.

Stitch the position dieline directly onto the stabilizer.

Lay the puffy foam sheet inside the hoop so the stitched shape is fully covered.

Stitch the outline.
The machine needle perforates the foam during stitching.

Gently remove the excess puffy foam.

TIP: A needle with an SES point will perforate puffy foam better than needles with sharp points.

TIP: A standard size 75 needle usually produces good results. If the foam does not tear well, select a size 60 needle with an SES tip, or remove foam particles with a hot air blower.

TIP: A very strong 3D effect can be achieved by using two layers of puffy foam on the base fabric. If needed, bond them with spray adhesive.

Lay a layer of non-fraying fabric on top. You may use tape to hold the fabric in place (I use brown faux leather).

Stitch the letter outline.

Remove the hoop from the machine.

Please do not unhoop your project yet!
This entire in-the-hoop project is completed in a single hooping.

Turn the hoop over to see the back side of the project.

Place your second piece of non-fraying fabric right side up over the stitches. Make sure the key fob shape is fully covered.

You may use tape to secure the lining so it stays flat while stitching.

Finish by stitching the key fob’s full outline.

Finishing

Unhoop and gently tear away the excess stabilizer.

Cut out the key fob shape, leaving about 1/8 inch. Do not cut too close to the seam.

Tip: Use sharp scissors and long strokes instead of short, choppy cuts.

Final Assembly

Now apply your snaps and swivel clasp or key split ring. Snaps are easy, just follow the instructions included with your snap pliers and snaps (I purchased a kit on Amazon that included snap pliers, snaps, an awl, and swivel clasps).