Finding a one-of-the-kind gift for Father’s Day is a tricky quest. He already has mugs, t-shirts, and BBQ gadgets you gifted last year.
Surprise him by making a unique gift with your own hands!
In this DIY tutorial, I demonstrate how to make hand-embroidered keyrings with a mini hoop. My chosen design is perfect for the upcoming Father’s Day, but you can also make it a Christmas gift or a birthday present.
About Mini Hoops
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
Mini hoops, Miniature hoops, or Tiny hoops are made to display tiny embroidery pieces. They come in all shapes and sizes – round hoops, ovals, square-shaped, star-shaped, or heart-shaped hoops. You can also come upon the hoops with the bunny years or in the bird’s shape.
These hoops are not made for embroidery but for displaying it.
Usually, the mini hoop is made from wood. It has three parts: the outer ring, the inner wooden piece, and the outer wooden piece, which is a bit bigger and is designed to cover the back. Also, the hoop has a mini bold and a screw for tightening.
Miniature hoops are fabulous for making mini brooches, keyrings, pendants, earrings, or Christmas tree ornaments.
Tools and materials you will need for this project:
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Embroidery pattern. I used the Father’s Day design bundle file from the Creative Fabrica library.
- Fabric. I chose a navy blue linen fabric, 15 x 15 cm.
- Embroidery floss. I used DMC Embroidery floss: Teal green #3849. You can use any color of the thread to your liking. Choose the color that will contrast with the color of your fabric.
- Embroidery needle. Opt for a medium-sized needle (e.g., No 5-7). We will use two strands of embroidery floss for this project.
- Pattern transferring tools. I used a water-soluble stabilizer and a friction pen for pattern transfer. The stabilizer will be removed by washing the piece in lukewarm water.
- Embroidery hoop. We will use a mini-hoop for framing the embroidery, but we will need a hoop for embroidery. Mine is 10 cm in diameter.
- Mini hoop for the keychain. Mine is oval 2,5 x 5,5 cm.
- A piece of felt fabric. It has to be the size of the inner part of the mini hoop. Mine is 2,5 x 5,5 cm.
- Glue. Choose a multipurpose glue that fits to glue the wood.
- Some sewing thread.
- Scissors – fabric shears to cut the material and small embroidery scissors or snips to cut the thread.
Some tips before you start:
For this project, we will use the Whipped backstitch. If you are unfamiliar with this hand embroidery stitch – read a “Six Hand Embroidery Stitches for Lettering” article on The Artistry or watch a video tutorial first. For the pattern transfer, I used a water-soluble stabilizer. You can read a “Four ways to transfer embroidery patterns to fabric” article and choose the best method to suit your fabric best.
Step-by-step tutorial
1. Preparation
Photo credit: Creative Fabrica
- Download Father’s Day design bundle from the Creative Fabrica library. Choose a design and resize it to fit your mini-hoop.
- Print the pattern.
2. Transfer the pattern to the fabric
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- For the pattern transfer, I used a water-soluble stabilizer. First, outline the shape of the hoop for reference and centering. Then – trace your chosen design in the center. I distanced the design elements to fit the oval shape of my mini-hoop best.
- Cut out the piece of the stabilizer with the design. Leave some space near the borders so the stabilizer sticks better, and you have more room for the stitches.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Frame the fabric in the hoop and stitch your pattern in the center.
- TIP. Be careful with the tools you use to draw on the stabilizer. You will have to wash it to remove it from the fabric. Keep in mind that some pens bleed when wet. I opt for the friction pen – it’s accurate enough and does not bleed when washed.
3. Embroider the letters
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Outline all the letters with a backstitch. Use two strands of teal green embroidery floss DMC #3849.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Add whipped stitch. Use a thread of the same color.
- TIP. To make a whipping stitch, use a blunt needle so you don’t snag the backstitch and keep your fingers safe from hurting. If you do not have one on hand, use the back of the needle, but be careful not to damage your fingers.
4. Embroider the moustache and spiral elements
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Use a Whipped backstitch. Embroider with two strands of teal green embroidery floss DMC #3849.
5. Make a keychain in a mini-hoop
- Wash the embroidery in lukewarm water to remove the water-soluble stabilizer. Iron the piece.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Place the inner part of the mini-hoop above the embroidery (centered) and mark 1 cm around.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Sew with a running stitch around the whole shape. I used a double sewing thread. Leave the ends.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Cut the piece of felt fabric to fit an inner part of the hoop and place it above the embroidered work, centered.
- Place the inner part of the mini-hoop above.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Draw the threads from the running stitch to gather the fabric, with backing pieces inside. Tighten the knot. Make horizontal stitches to secure the material gathered around the wooden back piece.
- Place the piece with embroidery inside the mini-hoop. Place the ring for the keys in the opening and tighten the screw.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Glue the bigger wooden piece to cover the back of the mini-hoop. You can use clothespins to hold both pieces together while the glue hardens.
Your gift is ready
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
A key chain is one of the most used things daily. Keychains are simple accessories often taken for granted but can carry important meanings and significance.
I’m sure your Father, Grandpa, Stepdad, Partner, or any father figure in your life will be glad to receive this handmade gift as a Father’s Day present.
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