For Father’s Day, I made this little “Cat Dad” keyring for my husband. I hope he likes it…it’s subtle but still expresses his love for our Sherry kitty. This is a printed faux leather keychain so I do use some special supplies, but once you gather what you need, this will be a super quick tutorial and includes a free Cat Dad printable template.
Supply List for Faux Leather Keychains
Before we start, gather your materials. This project uses Kraft-Tex, a durable paper fabric that acts like vegan leather but can be printed on!
- 32mm (about 1.25-inches) Key ring or clip
- Kraft-Tex Craft Paper Fabric (acts as your faux leather)
- Inkjet printer
- Scissors (or a Cricut Maker with a fine point blade if you want to use a machine)
- Xyron 1.5-inch Create-A-Sticker (or similar tools) can be useful for any crafter looking to create custom stickers for their projects. glue/hot glue can be used to secure the pieces of your keychain holder together.
- CAT DAD keychain A printable PDF file can help you ungroup your designs for more customization options.
- Optional: Rivet kit if you want a metal fastener
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Directions: Designing and Printing
My key ring is about 1.25 inches so I made the printable template to fit that size. First, print out the template on a piece of paper and cut it out, then test it to make sure it fits the key ring. If you need to resize it or if you’d like to use Cricut Design Space is an essential tool for any crafter looking to create unique designs. for a cut file, you can save the PNG file below. You can also find free svg files or svg files in my free resource library to personalize your design.
Once you’re ready to print on the Kraft-Tex, cut out a piece that will fit in your printer, and print it out. You may need to nudge the Kraft-Tex through the printer, as it’s thick, like a piece of thick cardstock, which is great for crafting durable holders. It looks like a leather strap, particularly if you wash it first which makes it softer. Note: make sure the ink dries before you handle the material – I smudged it a little bit!
Cutting and Assembling
Then use scissors to Cut your faux leather carefully to ensure it fits perfectly into your holder design. keychain shape. If you have a Cricut Explore, you can place the material on your mat and let the machine do the work. Next, add adhesive to the back of the keychain. You can use hot glue but I thought I’d give my Xyron a try, and it worked well!
Insert one end of the strap through the keyring, and fold the Cut your keychain in half to create two separate holders., adhering it to itself. And that’s it! You now have a double sided A leather loop can be a stylish addition to your keychain holder. style keychain. If you want to add extra flair, you could use iron-on vinyl or foil iron-on with an EasyPress Mini on a low setting To add a unique touch, consider using a printable PDF file for your holder design. monogram or logo.
I love the look of Kraft Tex and how easy it is to use. It doesn’t fray so you can keep the ends raw, which is ideal for a clean look in your holder designs. Oh and I used adhesive but you can also sew with Kraft Tex so you could stitch around the edges after you fold it over instead of using adhesive. Using Kraft Tex makes this project go super easy and quick, but you can also do this with real leather key ring supplies and paint or htv.
Conclusion
Hope you enjoyed my Faux Leather Keychain tutorial! I made it as part of Craft Lightning, a blog hop that features crafts that take 15 minutes or less. This month’s theme is Father’s Day. So I thought I’d acknowledge dads of cats, whether they have human kids or not! Don’t forget to pin this Here’s a tutorial to your favorite Pinterest project, perfect for every crafter. board so you can learn how to make more promotional or gift items later.
Faux leather keychains are a hit with customers these days because they look authentic and stylish. Whether you are making a car keyring, a key fob for a new home, or a backpack tag, these are versatile projects. Leave a comment if you have any queries about our products or join our Facebook group for more inspiration!
FAQs
Q: What is a printed faux leather keychain and how does it differ from a regular key chain?
A: A printed faux leather keychain is an accessory made from synthetic leather that has graphics, text, or patterns printed onto its surface. Unlike a traditional metal or leather key chain, this printed version offers more versatility in design — you can have custom charms, fonts, and dimensions like a rectangle, rounded end, or heart keychain, while keeping the look lightweight and paper thin.
Q: Can I customize a printed faux leather keychain for Mother’s Day or a mens gift?
A: Yes, you can easily create a custom printed faux leather keychain for occasions like Mother’s Day or mens accessories. Choose a font and charm, select the width and shape (round keychain, rectangle, or heart keychain), and add names or dates. Many crafters offer blank options so you can decorate them yourself or order pre-printed designs tailored to the recipient.
Q: What tools do I need to make and decorate a printed faux leather keychain at home?
A: Common tools include a cutting machine (you can use a Cricut), keyrings or keyrings with a strap key attachment, printable faux leather sheets, transfer tape, a punch or hole tool to attach hardware, and optionally charms or a penny for shaping. Follow a step by step plan: design, print, cut, punch, attach hardware, and add any charm or tape around edges for durability.
Q: How do I use a Cricut to cut a printed faux leather keychain step by step?
A: To use a Cricut, start by ungrouping your design layers so the printed art and cut lines are separate. Place the faux leather on a strong grip mat, tape around the edges if needed, select the correct blade and material settings, and run a test cut to ensure your holder design is perfect. After cutting, remove the piece, punch the hole for the keyrings, and attach the key chain hardware and any charm.
Q: What size and dimension should I choose for a rectangle or rounded end keychain?
A: Typical dimensions depend on use: a rectangle keychain often ranges from 2 to 3.5 inches in length and 0.75 to 1.5 inches in width, making it a great size for a keychain holder. For a rounded end or round keychain, keep the diameter or length proportional so it remains comfortable to hold and fits on keyrings. Consider paper thin faux leather if you want minimal bulk, and remember to factor in space for hole placement to attach the keyrings or strap key hardware.
