If you're new to leather crafting or just looking for a quick and rewarding project, making a leather keychain is the perfect place to start. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to use a leather keychain template — and we’re including a free downloadable PDF template to help you get started.
🧵 Why Make a Leather Keychain?
Leather keychains are one of the simplest yet most stylish accessories you can craft by hand. Whether you’re:
- Practicing your leatherworking skills,
- Making personalized gifts,
- Selling handmade items online, or
- Just adding a custom touch to your everyday carry,
A leather keychain is the kind of project that’s fast, satisfying, and truly useful.
📥 Download the Free Leather Keychain Template
We’ve prepared a high-quality printable PDF template that you can use to start crafting immediately.
👉 Download the Free Leather Keychain Template (PDF)
The template includes:
- A standard keychain shape (loop-style).
- Hole placements for stitching.
- Recommended leather thickness and sizing notes.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these basic tools and materials:
- Vegetable tanned leather (1.5mm to 2mm thick is ideal). Chrome tanned is also fine.
- Craft knife/Utility knife/NT cutter.
- Leather punch or awl.
- O-Ring for keys.
- Mallet/Maul.
- Cutting mat.
- Ruler.
- Thread (Thickness 0.8 mm - 1 mm).
- Edge burnisher (optional).
- Leather dye or edge paint (optional).
- Your printed keychain template.
✂️ Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Template
1. Print and Cut the Template
Print the PDF on a 100% scale on regular A4 or letter paper. Cut out the keychain shape with scissors.
2. Trace the Template onto Leather
Place the paper template on the smooth side of the leather. Use a scratch awl or silver pen to trace around it.
3. Cut the Leather
Use a sharp knife or rotary cutter along a ruler to get clean, straight lines. Take your time for precision.
4. Punch the Holes
Use the hole markers in the template to punch holes for rivets or stitching. A rotary punch or drive punch works best.
5. Fold and Assemble
Fold the strip to create a loop. Secure it with a rivet, snap, or a stitched tab. Add your keyring before closing it up!
6. Finish the Edges (Optional)
For a polished look:
- Burnish the edges with Tokonole and a slicker
- Or apply edge paint for color contrast
🖋 Make It Personal
This is your chance to get creative! Add your initials, a special date, or even a small quote using:
- Alphabet stamps
- Laser engraving
- Foil embossing
Personalized leather keychains make great gifts for birthdays, weddings, or even as promotional items for your business.
🛍 Want a Ready-Made Kit?
If you’re not ready to buy all the tools yet, check out our handmade leather keychain.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Learning how to use a leather keychain template is a great first step into the world of leathercraft. With minimal tools and just a bit of time, you’ll create something beautiful, functional, and totally your own.
Feel free to share your finished keychain with us on Instagram by tagging @bonnybossofficial. We’d love to see what you make!
