Key Leash Tutorial

My sister recently asked me to make her another key leash (or you might call it a lanyard).  She wears hers around her neck with her work badge attached and after 2 years of constant use and washing it is starting to show signs of wear.  So while I was at it I thought I would share a tutorial.  These are great Christmas gifts.  Although I'm in denial, Christmas is coming.

You can find different hardware available in your local crafts shops as well as on line.  Visit my resources page for links.  The one on the far left is purse hardware.  The one in the middle is packaged with the split ring and clasp.  The one on the far right came separate.  I ordered the clasps and split rings to use together.  The split ring is not necessary.  

Fabric -- I use 100% quilting cotton weight.  I am sure you can use other fabrics but heavier weight fabric will be more difficult to sew through when you loop through the hardware.  Lighter weight fabric will probably wear thin quicker.  This is where you decide how long or short you want your leash.  You can make it to loop around your wrist or one to hang around your neck.  A tape measure is handy here.  Measure the length you want and add about 1 1/4".  Cut 2 1/2" by length of choice.

Interfacing -- I use a very light weight fusible by Pellon.  Again, if it's too thick you will have more difficulty sewing through the layers.  Cut your fusible interfacing 2 1/4" by one inch shorter than your fabric length.  This reduces unnecessary bulk.


Hardware -- your choice

Fuse interfacing according to manufacturers instructions onto wrong side of fabric strip. NOTE:   My interfacing is a bit narrower than the directions above because it's what I had left.

1.  Fold your strip wrong sides together along long sides.  Press to crease then open.

2.  Fold each long side towards center crease and press to crease again.

3.  Fold in half and press to crease.  I use steam.

Unfold and sew short ends right sides together.  Press seam open.  Refold and press.

Top stitch along both edges.

Find seam and flatten end.  

Loop through ring, fold and pinch.  Seam will be hidden in the fold.

Stitch close to edge of fold.  My sewing machine shop lady said since many machine don't like to back stitch through  thickness to sew to the edge with needle down then lift presser foot and rotate leash.  Then stitch to the edge. 

Congratulations!  You have a new key leash.

This is my key leash.  It's long and tickles my leg when I drive wearing shorts but it is very easy to find in my purse.  I dislike all of the loyalty key tags from businesses.  Maybe I should have a key leash just for those.  Don't you think Pet People should have a cuter tag? 

Please go have a look at what Tina made.  She did this while brewing tea!

***Please be sure to click HERE for a less bulk way to sew your hardware to you leash.

~Piecefully, Stephanie