How to Insert Your Needlepoint Into A Key Fob or Luggage Tag

Key fob and luggage tag designs are small and make great self-finishing needlepoint projects.

Here's how to insert your stitched canvas into a leather fob or any other self-finishing needlepoint product with a 3M adhesive sheet.

The most important step is to make sure you have stitched enough of the canvas! You may need to stitch an extra row, or even two, all the way around. The stitched area should fill the opening but not extend beyond it more than about 1 mm (don't over-stitch!).

Animal print design in a luggage tag

Watch the video here.


Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Make sure you have stitched enough of the canvas to fill the opening. This is the most important step. The easiest way to do this is to photocopy your stitched design, cut out the paper, and make sure it fits. Alternatively, measure from edge to edge of the fob opening and your stitched canvas. Stitch all the colored area of the canvas. It is better to stitch too much than too little to ensure no unstitched areas is showing in the fob opening.
  2. Trim the canvas all the way around, close to the stitches but without cutting them — about 5mm away from the stitches.
  3. Use a blunt knife to loosen up the fob edges where the needlepoint needs to tuck under. This will help you ease the needlepoint in under these flaps.
  4. Score an X in the 3M paper, using a sharp knife or box cutter.
  5. Peel away all the 3M paper covering to expose the adhesive.
  6. Line up the stitched design and press it firmly to the adhesive.
  7. Use a blunt tool, like a butter knife, to ease the canvas edges beneath the lip of the key fob. Tuck them under all the way around.
  8. Attach your key fob to your keys, a backpack, whatever you like!