Hexi Key Fob for Quick St. Patrick’s Day Gifts

This hexi key fob is a great project to use up leftover hexagons from English paper piecing projects. If you don’t have leftover hexagons, they’re easily cut to whatever size you desire. You can also make several hexi key fobs with the help of an AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter. Read on for the tips and tutorial.

The following tutorial is for a 1¼”-wide hexi key ring. To create another size, use a precut hexagon template or a fabric cutting die in the desired size. Learn more about using fabric cutters in our FREE webcast: Kitchen Stitchin’. Register today! 

HEXI KEY FOB SUPPLIES

• Sulky Shamrock & Clover Templates
• (2) 4″ squares of quilting cotton fabric
• (2) 4″ squares of Sulky Stiffy™ Stabilizer or (2) precut EPP hexagon templates
• Matching Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread
• Sulky Felty™ (dark green & light green – shamrocks)
• ¾” x 1¾” strip of no-fray fabric (such as Felty, faux leather, cork)
• 1″ D-ring swivel clip
• Hand sewing needle
• Sulky KK 2000 Temporary Spray Adhesive
• Clover® Wonder Clips
• AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter & Hexagon Die (optional)

PREP & CUTTING

For the hexi key ring, you will need two fabric hexagons and two stabilizer or paper hexagons. The paper hexagon is cut ¼” inside the stabilizer/paper hexagon border.

If using precut hexagon English paper piecing templates, cut the fabric hexagons ¼” larger than the template. There’s also a free hexagon template available from Molly and Mama, which was the inspiration for this project!

If using an AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter and hexagon dies, cut the stabilizer and fabric together, and then trim the fabric down ¼” all around. (Note: You can cut up to six layers of fabric at once when using the AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter.)

From either the dark or light green Felty, cut out a small shamrock or four-leaf clover. Choose one from the Shamrock & Clover Templates (in the smallest 1½” size) or create your own freehand shamrock.

HEXI ASSEMBLY

Center one stabilizer/paper hexagon on the wrong side of one fabric hexagon. Secure with Sulky KK 2000 Temporary Spray Adhesive.

Then lightly spray the fabric wrong side with more KK 2000, along the exposed fabric edges.

Fold the fabric edges toward the wrong side, wrapping the raw edges around to the stabilizer/paper edges.

After folding, lightly press from the hexagon right side to set the creases.

Repeat to create a second hexi.

FELT SHAMROCK

Stitch a gathering stitch along the inner shamrock leaf centers. Pull on the thread to slightly gather the leafs at the center to create a dimensional embellishment.

Determine the key ring front and upper edge, taking any directional motif on the fabric into account. Audition the shamrock/clover placement on the front hexi right side. Once satisfied with the placement, hand stitch the motif in place at the center.

Alternatively, create a fusible appliqué shamrock/clover and fuse it to the hexagon right side using Sulky Perfect Appliqué Fusible Web.

KEY RING FINISHING

Place the hexis wrong sides together, matching all corners and edges; clip shut using Clover Wonder Clips.

Fold the no-fray fabric strip in half with wrong sides together, around the D-ring swivel clip. Insert the raw ends ¼” into the hexi key fob upper edge, between the layers. Clip in place.

Set the sewing machine for a 2.0mm straight stitch. Edgestitch the hexi perimeter, keeping the swivel clip away from the needle.

 

Repeat to make as many hexi key fobs as desired!