A few weeks ago, we visited our local leather crafting store to pick up a large piece of leather for a DIY catchall tray project. Since the project required a clean, square piece of leather, we were left with several scraps to repurpose.
With those leftovers, we decided to make leather key rings! These rustic key fobs are incredibly easy to craft and make for thoughtful DIY gifts. All you need are a few straight cuts, some folding, and a single rivet to complete them. If leather scraps aren’t available or preferred, faux leather or heavy-weight felt are excellent alternatives.
YOU’LL NEED
- Scrap leather
- Craft knife
- Ruler
- Double-cap rivets
- Rivet setter
- Leather craft punch
- Hammer
- Key rings (lots of good options on Etsy)
Use a sharp craft knife and a ruler as a guide to cut the leather scraps into strips, ensuring clean, precise edges. If you have a steady hand, very sharp scissors can work just as well. Feel free to experiment with different strip sizes—we chose 3/4″ x 3″ and 1/4″ x 5″ based on the dimensions of our leftover scraps.
Next, make two diagonal cuts on the shorter strip, ensuring they align when the strip is folded over to overlap. For the longer strip, cut two diagonals on one end to create a pointed tip.
We’ll start with the wider of the two pieces, since it’s a bit simpler. Fold leather strip in half over keyring so ends align and tails overlap.
Use a leather punch to create a hole in the center of the folded leather, ensuring it goes cleanly through both layers. A hammer will help apply enough force for a precise cut.
Push rivet through through the holes, fit with rivet cap and give a few firm taps with the hammer using the rivet setter to secure.
Gently tug the leather to ensure rivet is secured and you’re good to go!
For the second key fob (the longer strip), begin by folding the flat end of the leather over a keyring loop. Then, bring the pointed end up to overlap the folded flat end, creating a layered design.
The goal is to secure the keyring at the top while creating a longer loop beneath it. To do this, punch a hole through all three layers of leather where they overlap. Once the hole is ready, insert the rivet through the layers, attach the rivet cap, and use a rivet setter to secure it in place with a few firm taps from a hammer.
That’s all it takes!
You can experiment with different lengths and widths to achieve different keychain looks and sizes. Fit with your favorite keys for immediate use, or fashion with an antique key to give as a housewarming gift.
