How to Sew Leather Key Chains with Fabric Scraps

By Quilt in a Day - Helping Quilters Since 1978 | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Turn fabric scraps and a leather key chain blank into a personalized accessory. This step-by-step guide covers cutting, sewing, and finishing for a polished DIY keychain.

Quick Answer

Sew fabric scraps onto a leather circle key chain blank to create a custom accessory. This project uses simple straight stitching and takes about 30 minutes.

Why Use a Leather Blank?

A pre-made leather key chain blank, like the Leather Circle Key Chain BloomBerry, gives you a sturdy base with hardware and a tassel already attached. You only need to add your fabric. This saves time and ensures a professional finish without cutting or punching leather yourself.

Full-grain leather holds up to daily use, so the key chain will last. The blank’s size (about 2 7/8" x 3 1/4") is perfect for a small fabric patch or a fussy-cut motif.

Fabric Scrap Selection

Choose cotton quilting scraps that are not too thick. Heavy denim or canvas can be hard to sew through the leather. A lightweight to medium-weight cotton works best. Prewash the fabric to avoid shrinkage after the key chain is assembled.

If you want to feature a specific print, cut a square slightly larger than the leather circle. You can trim it down after sewing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Leather Blank: Remove any packaging. Lay the leather circle key chain flat. If the leather has a protective coating, gently wipe it with a damp cloth and let it dry. Do not use alcohol or solvents—they can damage the finish. Check that the hardware and tassel are secure before you start sewing.
Cut Your Fabric Scrap: Cut a fabric square about 4" x 4". Center the leather circle on the fabric and trace around it with a fabric pen. Cut out the circle 1/4" outside the traced line for a seam allowance. For a fussy-cut motif, position the design inside the traced circle first. A 1/4" seam allowance is enough. A larger allowance will bunch up when you sew.
Attach Fabric to Leather: Place the fabric circle right side up on top of the leather blank. Pin or use a temporary fabric adhesive spray to hold it in place. Sew a straight stitch 1/8" from the edge of the leather, going slowly through both layers. Use a leather needle (size 90/14) and a longer stitch length (3.0–3.5 mm) to avoid perforating the leather too much. Test on a scrap of leather first. If the machine struggles, reduce presser foot pressure or use a walking foot.
Trim and Finish: Trim the fabric close to the stitching line, being careful not to cut the leather. If the fabric edge frays, apply a thin line of fray-check glue along the seam. Let it dry completely before using the key chain. Do not skip the fray-check if you are using loosely woven cotton. It keeps the edge neat.
Attach Keys and Enjoy: Slide your keys onto the key ring. The leather circle key chain is now ready to use. Store it away from direct sunlight to prevent the leather from fading. The tassel can be removed if you prefer a simpler look—just unscrew the hardware.

Product Facts

Leather Circle Key Chain BloomBerry: The Circle Key Chain by Riley Blake Designs is made from 100% full-grain leather and includes hardware and a tassel. Size is 2 7/8" x 3 1/4". You get a ready-to-use base with a decorative tassel, so you only need to sew on your fabric scrap. No leather cutting or hole punching required.
Leather Circle Key Chain BloomBerry