Apple Airtag Key Pocket Instructions – With and Without Fringe – ITH Machine Embroidery Tutorial

Apple AirTag Key Pocket Tutorial

Remember, this project requires stitching through three layers of leather, so ensure your machine can handle the thickness. It's best to choose a slightly thinner leather or vinyl.

Recommended Materials

For the main material, I recommend using leather-like materials such as vinyl, leather, or faux leather. Please avoid using heat-press or adhesive-backed vinyls. Materials like marine vinyl and upholstery vinyl, which consist of a plastic layer over a knit backing, will work well. You can also practice on felt with a water-soluble film topping.

Design Details

The designs are primarily intended for a 5x7 hoop, but a 4x4 version is also included, which is rotated diagonally to fit the smaller hoop.

Please note that instructions for the eyelet design are not included. The process is identical to the snap tab version, with the only difference being the shorter "tail."

Fabric Requirements

For the Snap Tab Version:

• Two pieces of your main material, cut slightly larger than the project size (approx. 1.8 x 5.1 inches each).
• One smaller piece for the inner pocket (approx. 1.8 x 3 inches).

For the Eyelet Version:

• Three pieces of your main material, all the same size (approx. 1.8 x 3.5 inches each).

You will need to remove the hoop from the machine (but do not unhoop the project) to work on the back side, as indicated by this image in the instructions:

Embroidering Instructions

Step 1: Front Piece

Hoop a piece of tear-away stabilizer only.

Stitch the first color, which is the dieline, directly onto the stabilizer. This will mark the position for your fabric pieces.

Place one of your large layers of leather or vinyl, right side up, over the dieline. Here, I’m using white faux leather.

You can use tape to prevent the fabric from shifting while stitching.

Stitch the decorative design. If your design includes fringe, pause the machine after the satin stitches for the fringe are complete. It is essential to complete the next fringe-cutting step before continuing; skipping it will prevent you from creating the fringe. Let's also cut the bobbin thread from the back now.

Step 2: Creating the Fringe (If Applicable)

Please do not unhoop your project yet! Remove the hoop from the machine and turn it over to see the back side.

On the back of your project, you will see the long satin stitches. You must cut these to create the fringe.

To create the fringe, carefully cut the bobbin thread that runs down the center of the large satin stitches. Use sharp scissors instead of a seam ripper. Try to catch all of the bobbin thread to make the fringing process easier later. Remove any excess trimmings.

Step 3: Attaching the Pocket Piece

While the hoop is still turned to the back side, place your second piece of leather (the smaller piece for the snap tab version) right side up. The straight edge should align with the center dieline, covering the bottom half of the project as shown in the next photos.

Use tape to secure the fabric and keep it in place while stitching.

Now, flip the hoop upright and return it to your machine. Stitch the next outline, which will secure this pocket piece.

Step 4: Attaching the Backing

Turn the hoop over AGAIN to the back side.

Place your third piece of leather right side up behind the hoop, covering all the stitches. Tape this backing piece in place.

Return the hoop to the machine and complete the final stitching step. The back will look like this:

Step 5: Finishing

When finished, unhoop your project.

Cut out the key fob shape, leaving about a 1/8-inch border. Please do not cut too close to the seam. Use sharp scissors and long strokes for a clean edge.

Now, complete the fringe by gently fluffing it up with the point of small scissors.

Next, it's time to trim the backing piece to create the pocket opening. First, let's mark the snap placement with an awl. Locate the bottom placement circle on the front of the key fob.

Punch the hole through the entire project.

Now, let's cut the pocket opening. To do this, locate the small hole on the side as shown in the picture below:

Insert your scissors into the hole and cut only the top layer of the backing, following the upper row of stitches to create the pocket opening.

You now have an opening to insert the Apple AirTag.

Step 6: Adding Hardware

Finally, apply your snaps and a swivel clasp or key split ring. Adding snaps is easy; just follow the instructions that come with your snap pliers and snaps. (I got a complete kit on Amazon that included snap pliers, snaps, an awl, and swivel clasps).

You will need to add four snap parts as shown below:

Use two snaps to close the tab and attach it to a keyring or D-ring (this does not apply to the eyelet version). The other two snaps are used to close the pocket.

Congratulations! You are done!

Find more key pocket designs in my shop. Feel free to ask any questions!