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Learn how to make Easy Faux Leather Keychains with a Cricut

This project is Day 6 of The 12 Days of Christmas Crafts Event!

I’m Amy Romeu, and in this tutorial I’ll be showing you how to make these easy faux leather keychains with faux leather and a Cricut, perfect as gifts or stocking stuffers.

I’ll show you how to add a name using heat transfer vinyl to create a unique, personal touch. These easy faux leather keychains in a perfect beginner-friendly Cricut faux leather project!

Follow along with this written tutorial including all the materials, SVG files, and tips you need.

Ready to get started with this beginner friendly holiday Cricut craft tutorial?

Let’s dive into the materials and steps!

Want to watch a video tutorial instead? Check it out below!

How to make Easy Faux Leather Keychains with a Cricut Step by Step

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Materials you’ll need to make Easy Faux Leather Keychains with a Cricut

🛒 To shop many of these supplies below in my Amazon storefront, click here. 🛒

Step by Step Instructions

After both the mats are mirrored, drag the shapes apart from the mat edges so they will be easier to cut.

Click the CONTINUE button.

When the material selection screen loads, click on the faux leather mat and then select the Faux Leather (Paper Thin) setting.

If you don’t have that setting bookmarked as a favorite like I do, you can click on Browse All Materials and search for it. (If you are using the Explore Air 2, you’ll need to turn your dial to Custom before you can find that setting in search.)

Then choose “More” from the dropdown Pressure menu.

For the heat transfer vinyl layer, choose the manufacturer’s recommended cut setting for the vinyl you are using.

Step 3: Cut a piece of faux leather slightly larger than the shape that is going to cut.

Place the faux leather pretty side down (HTV side up if you did that step) on a purple strong grip cutting mat.

Place blue painter’s tape around all sides of the faux leather. Load the mat into the Cricut and begin the cut.

When the cut is complete, before unloading the mat, lift a small edge of the cut to ensure the cut went through. Repeat the cut if needed by pressing the cut button again.

Once the shape has cut through, remove the faux leather keychain shape from the mat.

Use a sharp weeding tool to poke out the holes in the faux leather. Use small curved scissors or embroidery scissors to trim out the holes or trim up any fuzzed edges as needed.

Return to Design Space and cut the heat transfer vinyl mat (if applicable). Weed away the excess.

Step 4: Heat press the vinyl name onto the faux leather.

Use an EasyPress Mini set to the Low setting or a EasyPress or Heat Press set to 265 degrees.

Place the faux leather piece on a heat pressing pad. Place the vinyl on the faux leather shape. Cover with a cover sheet like a Teflon sheet, parchment paper, or butcher paper and press for 7-10 seconds.

Carefully peel away the carrier sheet. If the vinyl lifts up, cover and press again.

Step 5: Assemble the materials for the assembly portion.

Remember you can watch the YouTube video tutorial for this project to see this process in action.

You’ll need a hammer, 6mm rivets and the rivet tools, and a swivel keychain.

Insert a rivet with the post into the hole closest to the name, from the front to the back of the keychain. Then add the swivel hook. Place the swivel hook between the rivet and the next hole.

Fold the other end of the keychain shape over so the hole goes over the rivet post.

Then fold the short end of the faux leather over so the hole by the pointed end goes onto the rivet post.

Place a rivet cap onto the post and push down so it snap on.

Now it’s time to hammer the rivet. Place the circle strike plate on your work surface. Place the rivet part on the strike plate (either rivet works).

Place the concave end of the black plastic tool over the rivet and lightly hammer on the other end of the tool 5-7 times.

Your rivet should be secure!

That’s it! Your Stocking Stuffer Faux Leather Keychain is complete. Here’s another look at some different variations made with the SVG template. Which one is your favorite?

Answers to your questions about making Easy Faux Leather Keychains with a Cricut

Q: Which Cricut machines will cut faux leather?
A: You can cut faux leather with any of the current Cricut machines because they all cut faux leather with the standard fine point blade included with each machine. For this project you can use the Cricut Maker, Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Explore Air 2, the Cricut Joy Xtra, or the Cricut Joy (with the 12 inch long mat).

Q: What do I need to press heat transfer vinyl onto faux leather?
A: To press heat transfer vinyl onto faux leather you’ll need a traditional heat press, Cricut EasyPress, or Cricut EasyPress Mini.

Q: How do I get the SVG template for this project?
A: Get the SVG file from my SVG Shop here. For even more holiday faux leather crafts project from my 12 Days of Christmas Crafts Event, click here.

Until next time… and happy creating!

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