Braided Key Ring Tutorial

Learn how to make a braided key ring with this quick and easy sewing tutorial. This is a fun project to whip up with fabric scraps, ribbon, or strips of fabric you already have on hand. The finished keychain is not only practical but also a great way to add a little handmade flair to your everyday items.

This key ring project is perfect if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly sewing idea, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a way to use up leftover fabric. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll end up with something both useful and stylish.

Hunting for my keys is my least favorite thing to do. They can never be found when I need them, or are at the bottom of the bag, purse or hiding in a pocket. This easy braided ribbon key ring is just what I needed.

There is a place to slip your hand in to make it ‘hands free’, and using your fabric and ribbon scraps make it a great stash buster.

Why You’ll Love This Project

• Beginner-friendly – a quick project anyone can make.
• Scrap buster – use up leftover fabric, ribbon, or trims.
• Practical and giftable – perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or craft fairs.
• Customizable – change the colors, fabrics, or hardware to match your style.

Materials Needed:

3- 10″ X 1/4″ ribbon

2– 2″ X 8 1/2″ fabric

1– 3″ X 1″ ribbon

Key ring loop or swivel clip

Ribbon Braided Key Ring Tutorial:

1)  Pin your 3 ribbons together and braid

2)  Sew the ends of the braided ribbon to secure

3)  Fold the 3″ ribbon {right sides facing out} and pin at the top of fabric right sides facing up- if using a swivel clip, loop the ribbon around it before pinning.

4)  Pin the braid to the top and bottom of the piece- sew the ends down 1/8″ from the edge to secure

5)  Lay the second fabric piece on top of the ribbon- right sides facing

6)  Sew all the way around the piece, leaving a 2 1/2″ opening for turning

7)  Snip corners and turn right sides out, iron

8)  Sew all the way around the sides of the key chain, you might need to scoot the braided ribbons out of your way so you don’t sew it

Ways to Customize Your Braided Key Ring

• Fabric choices – use quilting cotton, canvas, or even old jeans for a sturdy keychain.
• Ribbon or trim – swap fabric for grosgrain ribbon, leather strips, or decorative trim.
• Add beads or charms – thread them onto the braid for extra personality.
• Play with color – make seasonal sets (fall fabrics, holiday prints, or bright summer colors).
• Size options – make it short for a key ring, or longer to loop around your wrist as a wristlet.

Tips for Sewing Success

• If your fabric frays easily, press and stitch the edges before braiding.
• Clip or pin the top of the strips before braiding to keep them even.
• When finishing, wrap the end with fabric or ribbon before attaching to the key ring hardware.
• Use scraps from a quilt project to make a matching key ring—you’ll have a cute accessory that goes with your handmade quilt!

This braided key ring tutorial is quick, fun, and the perfect scrap-busting project. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a handmade keychain that’s both useful and stylish.

They make wonderful gifts, craft fair sellers, or just a little treat for yourself.

So, dig into your scrap bin, pick out a few favorite fabrics, and start braiding—you’ll be surprised at how fast these come together and how handy they are to have.

Load up your new key ring with your keys. Because the handle has a loop, you can hang on your key hook at the house, or quickly grab and go.

 

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