A scrap buster that’s easy to sew, super cute AND functional? Yes, please!
If you’ve resolved to get organized and sew more in 2016, here’s a sewing project that should move to the top of your list – hexi key fobs! We made these functional little cuties using our Dritz® paper piecing shapes. To make the fronts of the fobs, we took our 1-1/2″ hexagon shapes and cut them into six 60° triangles. For the back we used the full hexagon shape; the finishing touch is the Dritz® key fob hardware. So, if you’ve got some fabric scraps you’ve vowed to use … this is the project for you! Clear out that stash, brush up on your sewing skills, and create a functional accessory or two. Win, win, win!
These are the supplies needed to make a hexi key fob:
Dritz® supplies:
Omnigrid® supplies:
Other supplies:
- Fons & Porter™ Water Soluble Glue Stitch
- Small fabric scraps (we used Jennifer Sampou’s new Studio Stash fabrics from Robert Kaufman – their scale is perfect for this project!)
- 6” x 4” fabric piece for backing and tab
- 5” x 4” batting scrap
- Transparent tape
- Pen or pencil
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Iron and pressing surface
- Sewing machine (optional)
Prep:
- Cut 1: 5” x 1 ½” piece of fabric for tab
- Cut 1: 1 ¼” x 3/4” piece of batting for tab
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1) Cut a small piece, large enough to cover center hole, from a paper piecing shape. Tape cut piece over center hole on another hexagon shape. Turn over and tape the other side of the hole. |
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2) Number each “triangle” section on the hexagon. This will help you put the pieces back together in the right order after cutting apart. |
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3) With rotary cutter, ruler, and mat, cut hexagon in half from point to point. Align 60° line with one side of hexagon. |
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4) Align edge of ruler with hexagon point and bottom of hexagon half with 60° line. Cut each half into 3 triangles. |
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5) Position triangles as desired on wrong side of fabric scraps and secure with glue stick. Trim around shape leaving a ¼” to 3/8” seam allowance. |
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6) Wrap seam allowances around paper triangles and secure using your favorite basting method. |
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7) Hand stitch triangle edges together to form hexagon shape. Be sure to keep the triangles in the right order. Press finished hexagon and then remove basting stitches and paper pieces. |
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8) Fold fabric piece for tab in half widthwise with wrong sides together. Press. Open piece and bring raw edges in to meet center fold. Press. |
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9) Open one of the folds and place batting piece within folds. Line up 1 ¼” edge with raw edge of tab. (It will only go half way up the tab.) You can glue in place, if desired. |
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10) Close up all folds and press. If desired, sides of tab can be stitched. Fold tab in half, raw edges together, and baste ¼” from edge. Hand or machine sew tab to one of the hexagon sides. |
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11) Glue baste hexagon to batting and cut batting to same size as paper piecing shape. |
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12) Position hexagon, batting side down, on fabric and baste with fabric glue. Cut around hexagon shape leaving about ¼” to 3/8” seam allowance. Baste around shape as before and press. (Do not stitch through paper for this shape.)
TIP: Don’t use a dark thread for basting on light fabric. It may show through on finished project. |
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13) Remove paper piecing shape, but do not remove basting stitches. Line up edges of front and back hexagon and pin. Be sure all seam allowances are tucked in between layers. Hand stitch together. Quilt as desired. |
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14) Apply key fob clamp to tab following package instructions. |
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You’re done! Check out the back of your fob … it’s cute, too! |
What have you resolved to do this year? Is there a new sewing skill you’d like to master? A project you just must make? An organizational task to conquer in your sewing room? Let us know – we’d really love to hear from you.
Happy 2016! Happy sewing!