DIY Leather Cat Keychain – Easy & Cute Handmade Gift!

2/10/2025

DIY Leather Cat Keychain – Easy & Cute Handmade Gift!

DIY projects are a fun and creative way to make something unique while adding a personal touch to your everyday accessories. If you've ever wanted to try leather crafting, a leather keychain is the perfect beginner-friendly project!

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make an adorable leather cat keychain—a must-have for cat lovers or a thoughtful handmade gift. You’ll learn the basics of working with leather, a material that not only looks stylish but also gets better with time.

Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned crafter, this easy DIY will walk you through every step so you can create a cute, durable, and totally personalized leather keychain. Let’s get started!

Materials & Tools You’ll Need

Before we start, let’s go over the materials and why they’re essential for this project.

Main Supplies:

✔️ Leather Scrap – The star of the show! Choose a soft, flexible piece of real or faux leather for easy cutting and durability.

✔️ Scissors – A sharp pair will help you cut clean shapes without fraying the edges.

✔️ Pattern – You’ll need a printed cat-shaped template to trace onto the leather.

✔️ Pen – A fine-tip marker or gel pen works best to transfer the design onto leather.

Optional Supplies for Decoration & Finishing:

✔️ Acrylic Paint – Adds a fun, colorful touch! Great for painting the cat’s eyes, ears, or smile.

✔️ Brush – Used for applying paint or edge-finishing mixture (see below).

✔️ PVA Glue – Essential for reinforcing the leather in Option 2 and for creating smooth edges.

✔️ Keyring or Chain – To turn your cute leather cat into a functional keychain or bag charm.

FREE PATTERN 

Step 1: Print & Cut the Pattern

Start by printing and cutting out your cat template. If you don’t have one, sketch a simple cat shape on paper. Keep it medium-sized—too small, and threading the tail will be tricky!

Step 2: Trace the Pattern onto Leather

✔️ Flip your leather to the wrong side (the rougher side).

✔️ Place your cut-out paper pattern on top and trace it using a pen.

✔️ Also, transfer any markings, such as the slits in the middle where the tail will be threaded.

Step 3: Cut Out the Leather Shape

✔️ Use sharp scissors to carefully cut around the traced outline.

✔️ Cut inside the marked slits in the middle—this is where we’ll thread the cat’s tail.

Now you have your basic leather cat shape ready! 🎉

Option 1: Simple Threaded Tail Keychain

This is the easiest version of the keychain—just a few simple steps and it’s done!

✔️ Thread the cat's tail through the slits you cut earlier.

✔️ Attach a keyring to the tail loop or through the cat’s head.

✔️ Done! Your first version of the keychain is ready to use.

Option 2: Reinforced Leather Keychain

Want a sturdier version? Follow these extra steps:

✔️ Apply PVA glue to the backside of the leather cat.

✔️ Press the glued side onto another piece of leather (wrong sides together).

✔️ Let it dry completely—this step ensures a thicker, more durable keychain.

 

✔️ Once dry, cut out the cat shape again, following the original outline.

✔️ Don’t forget to cut the slits in the middle for the tail.

 

✔️ Thread the tail through the slits as before, and attach your keyring.

Now you have a double-layered, sturdy leather cat keychain!

How to Edge-Finish Leather for a Professional Look

Want to give your keychain smooth, polished edges? Try this simple DIY edge-finishing technique!

Edge-Finishing Mixture Recipe:

✔️ 1 teaspoon of PVA glue
✔️ 1 teaspoon of acrylic paint (choose a color that matches or contrasts your leather)

Steps to Finish the Edges:

1️⃣ Mix the glue and paint thoroughly.
2️⃣ Using a brush, apply a thin layer to the raw edges of your keychain.

3️⃣ Let it dry completely.

4️⃣ Repeat if needed for a smooth, professional finish.

  

Optional: Add Details for Extra Cuteness!

Want to personalize your cat even more? Try these fun ideas:

✔️ Use acrylic paint to add eyes, whiskers, or a cute smile.
✔️ Experiment with different leather colors—try brown, black, or even metallic leather for a unique look!

✔️ Attach your keychain to a purse or backpack for a trendy leather charm.

Show Off Your Handmade Keychain!

 

And that’s it! You’ve just made your very own leather cat keychain—either as a simple threaded version or a reinforced double-layer keychain. Not only did you craft a stylish and functional accessory, but you also learned some valuable leatherworking techniques along the way.

So, go ahead—clip it to your keys, backpack, or purse, or gift it to a fellow cat lover! 🐱✨

If you loved this DIY project, don’t forget to share your creations and let me know in the comments! Happy crafting! 🎨🔑

 

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Free PDF Pattern and Tutorial: How to Sew a Stylish Jacket for Any Occasion

11/06/2023

Free PDF Pattern and Tutorial: How to Sew a Stylish Jacket for Any Occasion

 

Free PDF Pattern and Tutorial: How to Sew a Stylish Jacket for Any Occasion

 Do you want to learn how to sew a jacket that looks amazing and fits you perfectly? You’ve come to the right place! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a jacket from scratch, using a free PDF pattern that’s easy to follow and customize. You can choose from different lengths, fabrics, and designs to create a jacket that suits your personality and wardrobe. I’ll also teach you how to add lining, pockets, buttons, and other details that make your jacket stand out. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a stunning jacket that you can wear with pride and confidence.

How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your Jacket 

The first step to sewing a jacket is to pick the right fabric. You want a fabric that’s durable, comfortable, and matches your style. I suggest using medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, denim, velveteen, gabardine, wool, flannel, or tweed. These fabrics are great for jackets because they’re easy to work with and suitable for all seasons.

How to Find Your Fit and Adjust the Pattern 

The next step is to measure yourself and adjust the pattern to your size. I provide a size chart and instructions on how to take your bust and hip measurements. You can also modify the pattern to your preferred length, whether you want a crop jacket or a long jacket. This way, you can ensure that your jacket fits you flawlessly and flatters your figure.

How to Print and Cut the Pattern and Fabric 

The third step is to print and cut the pattern and fabric. I’ve designed a free PDF pattern that you can easily print at home and assemble. I’ll guide you through the process of cutting the pattern and fabric pieces accurately and efficiently. This step is important for a smooth and successful sewing experience.

Check out my step by step and super easy posts on :

How to Print and Assemble Free PDF Sewing Patterns Using A4 Paper Size

 How to Print, Assemble, and Cut Out My Free PDF Patterns (With Tips and Tools)

 How to Sew the Jacket Pieces Together 

The fourth step is to sew the jacket pieces together. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, we’ll explain everything in detail and with clear pictures. You’ll learn how to sew the front, back, sleeves, collar, and cuffs of your jacket. We’ll also show you a pattern hack tutorial for those who want to add some extra flair to their jacket design.

 How to Add Lining, Pockets, and Buttons to Your Jacket 

The fifth step is to add the finishing touches to your jacket. You’ll learn how to add a lining to your jacket for extra warmth and elegance. You’ll also learn how to sew pockets and attach buttons to your jacket. These features will make your jacket more practical and stylish.

 How to Style Your Jacket for Different Occasions 

The final step is to enjoy your new jacket and show it off. You can wear your jacket with various outfits, from casual to formal.  You’ll be amazed by how versatile and fashionable your jacket is.

 Dress It Up with a White Dress and Heels One way to style your plaid jacket is to pair it with a white or cream dress and heels. This will create a feminine and sophisticated look that’s perfect for a date night, a wedding, or a formal event. The contrast between the plaid pattern and the solid-color dress will make your jacket pop and draw attention to your face. You can also accessorize with some jewelry, a clutch, or a belt to complete the look.

 

 Layer It Over a Sweater and Jeans Another way to style your plaid jacket is to layer it over a sweater and jeans. This will create a cozy and casual look that’s ideal for a day out, a brunch, or a shopping spree. The layering will keep you warm and comfortable, while the plaid jacket will add some color and texture to your outfit. You can also add a scarf or a hat for some extra warmth and flair.

Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial :

You’ve learned all the essential information about how to sew this amazing jacket. Now it’s time to watch my detailed video tutorial where I show you every step of the process. You’ll see how to cut, sew, and finish your jacket with ease and confidence. Don’t miss this chance to create your own stunning jacket that you can wear and love.

Video tutorial on how to sew a jacket.

 Congratulations, you’ve just made a wonderful jacket that you can be proud of. You’ve also learned some valuable sewing skills that you can apply to other projects. I hope you had fun and felt inspired by this tutorial. I’d love to hear from you and see your photos of your jacket. Feel free to share your feedback, questions, or suggestions with us. And don’t forget to check out our other posts and products for more sewing inspiration and fun.

Pins:

 

 

 

 recommended fabric 

How to read this pattern beginner sewing jacket 

Front and back jacket

sleeve

how to add seam allowance to jacket 

how to add seam allowance to sleeve

 This post has affiliate links * Affiliate Link. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small percentage of your purchase (at no extra cost to you).

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