Handmade Embroidered Gift Key Holder

Step 1

House, office, and car keys make a bulky ring and can tear pockets or a bag lining. If you like original accessories, sew a bell-shaped key holder for yourself or as a gift instead of a standard leather case. This idea will appeal to anyone learning embroidery: even a small piece of stitching can become a pretty, useful item.

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Step 3

What you need for the key holder

1. Firm fabric for the outer part. If you have an embroidered sample, use it; otherwise, choose fabric with an interesting ornament or pattern.
2. Fabric for the lining and edge finish; use any fabric, including from shirts or other old clothing (but not knit fabric).
3. Polyester batting or another nonwoven stabilizer. If you do not have any at home, use viscose dry-cleaning cloths.
4. A 20 cm leather or strong synthetic cord.
5. Two large-hole beads that a doubled cord can pass through.

How to sew a bell-shaped key holder

Cut a paper template in the desired size; mine is 12 by 8 cm. Transfer it to the fabric and add 1.5 cm seam allowances.

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Step 5

Do the same for the future lining.

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Step 7

Make a sandwich: polyester batting, embroidered fabric wrong side up, and lining wrong side up. Sew by hand or machine.

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Step 9

Cut out the piece, trim the batting very close to the edge, and clip the fabric so it turns neatly.

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Step 11

Make the second half of the key holder exactly like the first.

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Step 13

Place the pieces right sides together and sew with small, inconspicuous stitches. IMPORTANT! Leave an unsewn section in the center to pass the cord through.

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Step 15

Finishing

Cut bias tape 3 cm wide and long enough for the key holder. Sew it to the right side, turn it to the wrong side, and stitch it down with a 5 mm fold.

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Step 17

Thread both beads onto the doubled cord and tie a knot at the end. For strength, add a drop of superglue on top.

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Step 19

Pass the loop through the unsewn opening and put a key ring on it.

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Step 21

The bell-shaped gift key holder is ready! It will last a long time, and you can hand-wash it when needed to restore its fresh, attractive appearance.