Fringe key fob

Fringe Key Fob In-the-Hoop Tutorial

A collection of finished fringed key fobs with various colorful designs.

Recommended Materials

It is recommended to use a non-fraying material like vinyl, leather, or faux leather. Please do not use heat-press or adhesive-backed vinyl. Marine vinyl or upholstery vinyl, which typically have a plastic layer over a knit backing, will work well. You can also practice on felt with a water-soluble film topping.

The fringe is 100% safe to machine wash.

For your project, you will need two pieces of non-fraying fabric.

The designs are made for a 4x4 hoop, but I used a larger hoop since I made four key fobs at once.

Embroidering Instructions

Step 1: Stitch the Design

Hoop a tear-away stabilizer only.
Place a layer of your non-fraying fabric, right side up, over the stabilizer. You may use tape to hold the fabric in place. I am using white faux leather.
Stitch the design and stop the machine before the last seam, which will be the key fob outline. Please do not unhoop your project yet!
As you can see, the large satin stitches at the bottom of the rainbow are loose. These will form the fringe.
Step 2: Create the Fringe

Remove the hoop from the machine and turn it over to see the back side of the project.
To make the fringe, carefully cut the white bobbin thread that runs under the large satin stitches. The designed fringe is 100% machine-wash safe, so you do not need to be afraid to cut the bobbin thread.
Step 3: Attach the Backing

This is how the back of the hoop looks after cutting the bobbin threads:
Place your second piece of non-fraying fabric, right side up, over the stitches on the back of the hoop. Please be sure the key fob shape is fully covered. You may use tape or pins to hold the fabric in place.
Step 4: Final Stitch and Finishing

Now, flip the hoop upright and return it to your machine. Stitch the final outline.
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. Just fluff it up carefully with the point of small scissors.
Voilà! You have finished the fringe!
Here are my four completed key fobs:
Step 5: Add Hardware

Now, 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 kit on Amazon that included snap pliers, snaps, an awl, and swivel clasps).
Congratulations! You are done!