[BeSewStylish: Basic Training to Unleash Your Creativity]
Quick to Make Project: Key Leash
June 12th, 2008 in sewing, patterns & designs
Ann Steeves, contributor
no recommendations
Attach to any stylish bag and you will always know where your keys are!
Photo: Ann Steeves
I’m a proponent of large handbags. I often carry my laptop along with my wallet, makeup and keys in one large tote. It makes things much more convenient. What isn't convenient is fishing about in that large bag to find my keys. Well, here's a project that solves that problem: a key leash. This was inspired by my friend Gigi's Prada key leash. Unlike hers, this allows you to hook any keychain to any bag. And it is simple to make! It's about 18 inches long, which is a good size for just any any purse.
What You'll Need:
A strip of fabric 1 7/8 inches by 19 inches, or whatever length you want your leash to be
A strip of fusible interfacing 1 7/8 inches by 18 inches, if fabric needs additional body
Two decorative swivel hooks (in this case, I used hooks with 1/2 inch eyes)
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Use fabric, interfacing, and a couple of swivel hooks to create this easy key leash. |
Make your key leash
First, if necessary, apply interfacing to the fabric strip following the manufacturer’s instructions. In this case, I used a heavy denim that didn't need interfacing.
Fold your fabric in half lengthwise. Press. Fold each long raw edge in to meet the fold as shown and press, making a strap 19 inches by 1/2 inch.
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Press the fabric strip lengthwise to create your strap. |
(Now you may wonder: shouldn't the width of the fabric for the strap be 2 inches if the finished product will be 1/2 inch? Well, because of the interfacing and the resulting thickness of the strap, you'll get better results with the 1-7/8 inch starting width.)
Set the machine's stitch length to 3.5 mm and topstitch along both long edges of the fabric strap, as shown in the photo below.
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Topstitch along both edges of the fabric strap. |
Insert one end of the strap through the eye of a swivel clip and secure by stitching over the ends.
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Attach the swivel clips to each end of your strap. |
Repeat for the other end. Now, hook one end to your keys and the other to your bag and you'll always know where your keys are!
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This quick-to-make project will keep your keys handy no matter how packed your purse! |
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Use your new key leash with any of your stylish purses or totes. |
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Posted: 7:45 pm on May 29th