DIY Leather Wristlet Keychain (No-Sew, Beginner-Friendly) * Moms and Crafters

Craft this really easy and gorgeous no sew DIY leather wristlet keychain that really anyone can make! When you’re done, try this beaded wristlet keychain tutorial too. This post contains affiliate links.

A DIY Leather Wristlet Keychain is one of those tiny projects that makes everyday life feel a little more hands-free. A wristlet keychain is a short leather loop that slips over your wrist, with your keys attached at the end, so your hands stay free while you juggle coffee, kids, groceries, or all three.

It also makes keys just plain easy to find. Instead of fishing around in a bottomless bag, you’ve got a loop you can grab in one second. And because it looks polished (even when it’s made from scraps), it’s a sweet, practical gift that doesn’t feel last-minute.

If you’re new to leather or faux leather, don’t stress. This is a no-sew project that uses basic tools and scrap materials. You’re basically cutting a strip, folding it, and crimping hardware in place. It’s beginner-friendly and budget-friendly, I promise.

Before you start, choose a design that fits your hand and your hardware

The best wristlet keychain is the one that feels good on your wrist. Too small, and it’ll pinch, or won’t slide on easily. Too big, and you might just lose those keys. The “sweet spot” is usually a loop that slips over your hand without effort, then sits comfortably at your wrist.

Here’s the simple way to think about sizing: Start from your bangle size. Then, add a couple of inches. If you like it roomier (or you want it to slide on fast), go a bit larger.

Your hardware choice changes the whole build, too. A classic key ring is sturdy and simple. A swivel clasp (like I used) is great if you want to clip it onto a bag strap or switch key sets. Choose this if you’re selling your final product.

Leather thickness matters more than you might think. Stiff, thick leather can feel uncomfortable. If you’re working from a scrap bag, that’s fine. Just match your plan to what your leather can comfortably do. For mine, I chose two pieces of fun, colorful, and super soft leather. For more scrap-friendly ideas, this list of leather scrap crafting inspiration is full of quick wins.

Picking the right leather (scraps are perfect)

For beginners, look for leather that folds without cracking. You’ll usually run into two types: vegetable tanned leather (often stiffer and better for stamping) and chrome-tanned (often softer and more flexible); PVC or PU leather sheets make a great flexible alternative. Either can work here, as long as it bends nicely.

A good thickness range for this project is about 2 oz to 5 oz (roughly 0.8 to 2 mm). Very thick leather can be frustrating because it may not fit into standard ribbon crimps, and it can leave bulky ends.

Quick test: fold a corner over with your fingers. If it creases neatly and doesn’t show tiny cracks, it’s probably a good candidate.

How to size your strap so it feels good on your wrist

Measure around the widest part of your hand (usually over your knuckles with your thumb tucked in), or measure the loop size you want. Add a little breathing room, about 1-2 inches, so it slides on easily.

Add another half-inch for the hardware.

Example: if you want an 10-inch finished loop, cut about 10.5 inches of leather (then you can trim a touch shorter before crimping if it feels oversized). It’s easier to shorten than to magically add length, so don’t cut too aggressively at the start.

Hardware options and what to buy if you are new

The easiest hardware for a no-sew leather wristlet keychain is a ribbon crimp (also called a ribbon clamp), though advanced makers might prefer a saddle stitch using waxed thread. The width of the crimp should match the width of your leather strip. If your strip is 1 inch wide, buy a 1-inch crimp. The thickness matters too, since some crimps are shallow. You can also get dedicated key fob hardware.

If your crimp cuts it a little narrow, you’ll be able to work with it, by try to get as close as you can.

For the key attachment, you can use key fob hardware like a split ring, a lobster clasp, or a swivel clasp. A jump ring is optional, but handy if you want a little extra movement between parts.

Two mistakes to avoid: buying a crimp that’s too small (it won’t close cleanly), and using a flimsy key ring that bends open over time.

Tools and setup tips that make the project look clean

A clean result comes from two boring things that help a lot: a steady surface and a straight cut. Set yourself up at a table with good light, and put down a cutting mat. Leather can shift while you cut, so it helps to secure it with masking or blue painters tape and take your time.

You don’t need fancy leather tools to make a wristlet that looks giftable. At a basic level, you’ll want a ruler, a sharp blade, and pliers. That’s it.

If you enjoy the process and want to upgrade later, there are some nice extras: a strap cutter for perfect strips, a mallet if you decide to stamp the leather, a hole punch (useful if you ever add rivets), and edge paint or burnishing supplies. Even a tiny bit of leather conditioner can make scraps look richer.

One safety note from someone who’s cut “just one more strip” while tired: keep your fingers out of the cut path, and use slow, controlled pressure. Leather is tough, and blades slip when you rush.

If you want to see ribbon crimps used on a leather project in a slightly different way, this magic leather braid bracelet tutorial is a great visual reference for how crimps should close.

Cutting safely and getting straight edges without special tools

Tape the leather down to your cutting mat so it can’t wiggle. Use a rigid metal ruler if you have one, since plastic rulers can get nicked by blades. For even easier straight edges, try a rotary blade if available.

Make light passes with your craft knife instead of trying to cut through in one go. Think of it like slicing a bagel, gentle pressure, repeat, and you get a cleaner edge. Keep your non-cutting hand well away from the ruler edge. You can also score it with the ruler and finish the cut with scissors, but work slowly, with very sharp scissors if you do it like this.

Easy finishing touches that upgrade the look

Round the corners with scissors if you want a softer, store-bought feel. Rub the edges briskly with a cloth to smooth fuzz, then add a tiny dab of leather conditioner and buff it in. For a pro touch, run an edge beveler along the edges before burnishing them smooth.

If you have edge paint, use it, but don’t feel like you need it. A neat cut and rounded corners already do a lot.

How to make a DIY Leather Wristlet Keychain

This is the part that feels like magic. You start with a plain strip, and a few minutes later you’ve got a wristlet keychain you’ll use every day. Go slow on the cutting, and take two seconds to check the loop size before you crimp it shut. That tiny pause saves a lot of frustration later.

Supplies Needed

Leather scraps (I’ve found good packs of this at Michaels and Blick)
Cutting mat
Cricut Maker – just make a rectangle to your chosen dimensions in Cricut Design Space (optional for precise digital cutting)
If cutting with a Cricut: Strong grip mat (for stabilizing leather during Cricut cutting)
If cutting with a Cricut: Knife blade
Masking tape
Rigid ruler
Craft knife or rotary cutter
Ribbon crimp (to match the width of your wristlet keychain) or dedicated key fob crimps
Key fob hardware (key ring or clasp)
Pliers – you can get specialized key fob pliers with crimps or just use chain nose pliers (for secure assembly of ribbon crimps)
Optional: jump ring (additional key fob hardware), edge finisher, heat transfer vinyl, EasyPress Mini, etc.

Watch the Video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step tutorial

1. Choose a ribbon crimp that matches your strap width and has enough depth for your leather thickness (test-fit the leather inside before cutting everything).

2. Tape leather scrap to cutting board (or strong grip mat if using Cricut Maker).

3. Use ruler to cut to size (1 inch by the circumference of your final strap, plus half an inch); or send an SVG file through Cricut Design Space.

4. If your knife isn’t sharp enough to go through on one run, you may want to score it and finish the job using scissors.

5. Cut the corners a bit if needed to fit the ribbon crimp. Optional: Decorate the strap with heat transfer vinyl using an EasyPress Mini, or stamp it, before assembly.

6. Connect two ends with a ribbon crimp and attach the key fob hardware.

7. Before you fully flatten the crimp, slip the loop over your wrist to check the fit, then squeeze the crimp firmly with pliers until it feels solid and doesn’t gap.

Conclusion

A DIY leather wristlet keychain is one of those quick projects that feels like a little victory. It’s fast, forgiving, and a smart way to use scraps that would otherwise sit in a drawer. You’ll end up with something that’s actually useful, which is my favorite kind of making.

Once you’ve got the basic version down, try small upgrades: add a tassel, use leather letter stamps for initials, color edges with sharpie markers, or switch hardware colors (gold, silver, black) to match your bag. For care, keep it as dry as you can, and condition lightly if it starts to look brittle.

Make a second wristlet keychain while your tools are already out; it’s the easiest way to build a gift stash. If you want another keychain-style idea, grab leather needles and a stitching pony for sewn leather goods; or if you’re not up to that, this personalized leather keychain tutorial is a fun next project to try.