Puffy key fobs
Puffy Key Fobs In-the-Hoop Tutorial
What Can You Do With a Key Fob?
Key fobs are versatile little projects! Use them as dangly things to hang on purses, zippers, or luggage. You can also use them as ornaments, banners, cord wraps, or for labeling things. The point is, a key fob can have many uses. Some can just be pretty and remind us to smile.
Materials Needed
For this project, you will need a main material like leather or vinyl, puff foam, and a stabilizer.
- Main Fabric: Two pieces of a non-fraying fabric, such as medium or light-weight vinyl, genuine leather, or faux leather. Please do not use heat-press or adhesive-backed vinyl. Marine or upholstery vinyl, which typically has a plastic layer over a knit backing, works well.
- Stabilizer: Medium-weight tear-away stabilizer.
- Puff Foam: For example, GUNOLD Puffy Vegan PE10.
Stitch Sequence
- Position dieline seam
- Puffy foam perforation/punching seam
- Letter outline
- The entire keychain design outline
Embroidering Instructions
Step 1: Stitch the Dieline
Hoop a medium-weight tear-away stabilizer.
Stitch the position dieline directly onto the stabilizer.
Step 2: Add and Perforate Puff Foam
Place a sheet of puffy foam inside the hoop so that it fully covers the stitched shape.
Stitch the next outline. The machine needle will perforate the foam during this step.
Step 3: Remove Excess Foam
Gently tear away the excess puffy foam from around the stitched letter.
TIP: A needle with an SES (light ballpoint) tip will perforate the foam better than needles with sharp points.
TIP: A standard 75/11 needle usually produces good results. If the foam does not tear away well, you can select a 60-gauge needle with an SES tip or remove any remaining foam particles with a hot air blower.
TIP: An extremely strong 3D effect can be achieved by using two layers of Puffy foam on the base fabric. If needed, you can bond them together with a temporary adhesive spray.
Step 4: Add the Front Fabric
Place a layer of your non-fraying fabric over the design. You may use tape to hold the fabric in place. Stitch the letter outline.
Step 5: Add the Backing
Take the hoop out of the machine, but do not unhoop your project. The entire in-the-hoop project is done in one 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. Please be sure the key fob shape is fully covered with fabric.
You may use tape to secure the lining so it stays flat while stitching.
Step 6: Final Stitch and Finishing
Return the hoop to the machine and finish by stitching the key fob's entire outline.
Unhoop the project and gently tear away the excess stabilizer.
Cut out the key fob shape, leaving about a 1/8-inch border. Please do not cut too close to the seam.
Tip: Use sharp scissors and long strokes for a clean edge.
Step 7: 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!
Find more key fob designs in my shop.
Hope you have a lot of fun!
Anna
