How to make a classic tassel keyring
For years I had a ‘Remove before flight’ tag as my key fob, much like the ones they use on planes. Unfortunately, this red tag broke some time ago and I needed a new one. So why not use it as an excuse to get my ScanNCut out?
Gather your materials
The base material for this tassel is ‘washable paper’, otherwise known as vegan leather or leather paper. There are plenty of colours available to buy – whites, blacks, naturals, bright colours and even metallics. However, for my projects, I often choose white washable paper because I can then colour it however I like.
Materials needed:
- ScanNCut DX with a Standard Cutting Mat and an Auto Blade
- Washable paper*
- Fabric dye in powder form
- A paper cup or a container you don’t mind putting fabric dye in
- A wooden stick to stir
- Tweezers
- Liquid glue
- Clothes pin
- Hot glue
- Washi tape
- Keyrings and a metal cap (optional)**
- Stapler (optional)***
- Flat pliers
*For this project you can also use synthetic leather that is no thicker than 3 mm if you can’t get washable paper.
**You can find the metal caps in the jewellery crafting department in the craft shop or online. I ordered mine here, they are relatively large with a diameter of 12 mm and fit one of my tassels. The pattern I have created can be made into a simple version without the metal cap if you prefer.
***Only needed if you’re making the simple version of the keyring.
General instructions relating to ScanNCut:
- Always choose the correct mat for your material. The material should stick to your mat securely. Test a small piece on a corner of your mat to make sure you can remove it again without damaging the material. You can find our handy mat and blade guide for ScanNCut DX models here, and the ScanNCut CM models mat and blade guide here.
- We recommend that you do a test cut before you cut your design.
- Patterns can be transferred to your ScanNCut via USB or WiFi, depending on your model.
Time to get cutting
These instructions and the free cutting files provided allow you to make two versions of the tassel keyring. One is a simple keyring version, the other is a more elegant version utilising a metal cap.
Download the cutting file and transfer it to your ScanNCut. Increase the cutting pressure to 5 to make sure the thick, washable paper is cut correctly.
The metal cap version
For the metal cap version, open the last eyelet of the small chain on the key ring, fasten the metal cap with it and close the eyelet with the pliers.
The simple key ring version
For the simple key ring version, fold the rectangle around the ring and hold it together at the end of the fringed piece and staple. Roll up the tassel with liquid glue as above. Hold on to the end with a clothespin until the glue is completely dry.
I hope you liked my project? Enjoy crafting and see you next time! I can’t wait to see what you make! Remember to tag in Brother on Instagram and Facebook, and myself too!
