Make 3 Leather Keychains from Scraps – Tutorial + Free Pattern

Make 3 Leather Keychains from Scraps – Tutorial + Free Pattern

By : Paul - Categories : All our articles , Tutorials

Do you have leather scraps and are looking for a simple, quick, and useful project? This tutorial guides you step by step to create 3 different leather keychains, accessible even for beginners.

This complete guide allows you to discover several leatherworking techniques: cutting, personalization, stitching, and finishing. As a bonus, a free leather keychain pattern is available to help you get started right away.

Why make a leather keychain?

A leather keychain is an excellent DIY project to use up leather scraps, learn the basics of leathercraft, and create an item that is both aesthetic and durable.

Download the free leather keychain pattern

Download the pattern for free to create these three leather keychain designs and easily follow this step-by-step tutorial.

Download the free pattern

Video tutorial: making a leather keychain

Find all the detailed steps in the video to guide you through creating your leather keychains.

Project 1: Simple personalized leather keychain

This minimalist model is ideal for beginners. It allows you to easily get started with leather personalization using stamping letters.

Steps

  1. Cut out the pattern
    Carefully cut out the paper pattern following the outlines to obtain a precise shape that will serve as the base of your keychain.
  2. Transfer the pattern onto the leather
    Place the pattern on your leather scrap and trace the outline using a silver pencil for good visibility on the material.
  3. Cut the leather and punch the hole
    Cut the leather with a precision knife following your outline, then make the hole for the key ring using a hole punch.
  4. Dampen the leather and stamp the letters
    Lightly moisten the area to be personalized to soften the leather, then stamp the letters with a mallet to imprint the design.



  5. Assemble the keychain
    Insert the split ring and secure everything with a rivet to finish your keychain.

Tools and materials

Project 2: Stitched leather drop keychain

This more advanced model allows you to learn leather stitching and work on finishes for a professional result.

Steps

    1. Cut out the pattern
      Precisely cut the pattern to obtain a regular and symmetrical shape.
    2. Transfer the pattern onto the leather
      Trace the outlines onto the leather using a silver pencil while optimizing space on your scrap.
    3. Cut the leather
      Carefully cut the shape with a knife, taking your time to achieve clean edges.



    4. Place the split ring and glue
      Position the split ring inside the piece, fold the leather, then apply a water-based glue to hold everything together.
    5. Sand the edges and use an edge beveler
      Sand the leather edges to smooth them, then use an edge beveler to round them and improve the finish.
    6. Mark the stitching line
      Use a compass to draw a consistent line to guide your stitching.



    7. Punch holes and saddle stitch
      Punch the holes with stitching chisels, then create a strong saddle stitch using two needles.



    8. Burnish the edges
      Apply tokonole, then use a burnisher to achieve smooth and shiny edges.


Tools and materials

Project 3: Leather bat keychain

A creative and original model that allows you to explore different shapes and create a unique accessory.

Steps

  1. Cut out the pattern
    Cut the pattern precisely to preserve the details of the bat shape.
  2. Transfer the pattern onto the leather
    Trace the outline on the leather using a suitable pencil to clearly see the lines.
  3. Cut the leather and punch the holes
    Cut the shape, then make the necessary holes for the fastening elements.



  4. Assemble the keychain
    Attach the split ring with a rivet and add the snap button to complete your creation.



Tools and materials



Conclusion

These three leather keychain models allow you to explore different essential leatherworking techniques while making the most of your scraps. With regular practice, you will quickly improve the precision of your movements and the quality of your finishes.