Key cover Default instructions

In-the-Hoop Key Cover Tutorial

How to Use Your Key Cover

The cover keeps your keys protected inside, which stops them from scratching other items in your bag.

INSIDE

OUTSIDE

These key covers also make a great idea for decorating a handbag. The bag charm trend is showing no signs of slowing down, and there are no rules for where to attach your key cover—outside, inside, on a purse, cosmetic bag, or handbag! Just have fun with it.

Embroidering Instructions

Stitch the design as you normally would. There may be appliqué elements, simple embroidery, or a mix of both, like in this example.

Adding 3D Elements

Next, add any 3D elements if the design requires them. Here, I have added ears to the bunny.

NOTE! The ears or other 3D elements should be prepared before stitching the key cover. They can be turned pieces, felties, or simply cut from felt. Here are some examples:

1. Ears stitched using two layers of fabric and then turned right side out:

   

2. Antlers simply cut from felt:

   

3. A stitched and cut-out feltie piece:

   

Attaching the Lining

Now it is time to add the lining, which is the part that goes inside the key cover.

I used felt for the lining, but you can use any fabric. I like felt because it makes the project stronger. It is recommended to use the same color as the main project.

Lay the lining piece inside the shape. It is important that the lining does not go over the pattern at the top of the design. Leave at least a ½-inch gap at the top, like this:

Stitch the lining's bottom tack-down seam.

Final Assembly

It's time to add the back of the key cover. Take your main piece of fabric for the back and fold it in half.

Lift the lining to place the backing piece underneath it, as shown in the image below.

Lay the folded piece of fabric right inside the shape so the folded edge aligns with the bottom part of the design.

Then, fold the lining back down over it.

It should be layered like a sandwich.

Stitch the final outline.

Finishing

Cut out the shape. It is important to make cuts in curved places or in corners as close as possible to the seam. Be careful not to cut the thread!

The project is now ready to be turned!

Turn it right side out in two steps. First, turn it through the opening at the top.

Manipulate it with your fingers to get nice, crisp edges.

Then, turn the rest of the project through from the bottom opening.

Add-On Charms

Most designs have add-on charms or felties.

To prepare them, hoop a tear-away stabilizer. Stitch the embroidery, then stop the machine but do not unhoop. Lay a piece of felt behind the hoop and stitch the final feltie outline. There will be a small hole designed to insert a ribbon.