11. Upcycled Fabric Scrap Braid & Ribbon Keychains
What This Idea Means
Sustainable and vibrant, upcycled fabric scrap keychains turn leftover linen, cotton, lace, and ribbon strips into rich, textured wristlet braids and tassel keychains. It’s a eco-conscious aesthetic option that breathes new life into textile remnants.
Materials Needed
- Fabric scraps (linen, floral cotton prints, denim, or vintage lace cut into 1/2-inch wide strips)
- Ribbon scraps, seam binding, and crochet lace trim
- Key fob hardware clamps (1-inch width) with keyrings
- Key fob crimping pliers or standard pliers with a protective rubber cap
- Fabric glue or hot glue gun
- Sewing machine or hand needle and thread
How to Make It
- Cut 6 to 9 strips of assorted fabrics and laces, each roughly 10–12 inches long and 1/2-inch wide.
- Group the fabric strips together and sew across the top end to lock them together.
- Divide the strips into three equal groups and weave a tight, thick flat braid down the length until reaching 5–6 inches in length.
- Fold the braided strip in half so both raw cut ends line up at the bottom, creating a loop.
- Machine-stitch across the aligned raw edges twice to secure the folded loop.
- Apply a thin line of fabric glue inside a metal key fob clamp. Slide the raw stitched end of your fabric loop into the clamp channel.
- Use key fob pliers to firmly squeeze the metal clamp shut over the fabric until the inner teeth grip the fabric securely. Attach your keyring clasp.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Leave some fabric raw and unhemmed to encourage a soft, shabby-chic frayed edge aesthetic.
- Variation: Instead of braiding, gather 15 fabric strips at their midpoint and clamp them to create a heavy fabric ribbon tassel keychain.