Sewing   |   Back‑to‑School DIY: How to Sew a Keychain Lanyard Pen or Pencil Holder – Easy Beginner Sewing Project

Back‑to‑School DIY: How to Sew a Keychain Lanyard Pen or Pencil Holder – Easy Beginner Sewing Project

By a Bug & a Bean | Posted on 2025-08-05

Learn how to sew a pen or pencil holder keychain with step‑by‑step instructions, measurements, and video tutorial—perfect as a back‑to‑school project or thoughtful teacher gift. Ideal for beginner sewers!

Post Tags

SEWING PROJECTS  BACK TO SCHOOL  

Getting ready for the new school year? Make this easy beginner sewing project: a fabric keychain lanyard pen or pencil holder. It’s a cute, practical idea for back-to-school DIY, and makes a wonderful handmade teacher gift or classroom accessory.

  Watch Full Keychain Lanyard Sewing Tutorial Video on TikTok

Save this Keychain Lanyard Sewing Tutorial!

Don't lose this tutorial. Save it with your favorite sewing projects on Pinterest.

Why You’ll Love This Sewing Project

• Perfect for beginners: simple sewing steps, basic supplies
• Quick to make: about 20–30 minutes from start to finish
• Back-to-school themed: practical for kids or teachers
• Great gift: cute, affordable, and handmade

What You’ll Need

• Cotton fabric - 2 pieces at 3.5″ x 9″ + 1 piece at 3.5″ x 15″
• Lightweight fusible interfacing - 1 piece at 3.5″ x 9″ + 1 piece at 3.5″ x 7.5″
• Lace (optional) - 3.5″ cut
• Ribbon - 2.5″ cut for the loop
• Metal key ring - 1 piece

Below are the products I used for this project. I use these in many of my tutorials and they are great to have on-hand if you don't already have them. The products below contain affiliate links. If you purchase the products using my links, I may receive a small commission on the purchase at no extra cost to you! For being an affiliate, I am often able to receive special discounts and pricing on products I love. I am always excited to pass along this savings to my readers! If you are just getting started, check out our sewing supply guide for beginners.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Fuse interfacing
   • Iron the 3.5″ × 9″ lightweight fusible interface onto one of the 3.5″ × 9″ fabric pieces.
   • Fuse the 3.5″ × 7.5″ interfacing onto the bottom half of the 3.5″ × 15″ fabric.
2. Fold the long piece
   • Fold the 3.5″ × 15″ fabric in half (right sides together), so it measures 3.5″ × 9″.
3. Add lace (optional)
   • Clip or pin the 3.5″ lace along the fold edge, then sew across to secure.
4. Assemble sandwich layers
   • Place the folded 3.5″ × 9″ piece (with interfacing) right‑side up.
   • Add the interfaced 3.5″ × 9″ piece on top (right sides facing).
   • Fold the ribbon in half, insert it at the top center between layers for the key‑ring loop, and pin.
5. Sew around edges
   • Stitch around the edges, leaving a ~2″ side opening for turning.
6. Turn right side out
   • Use the opening to pull the project right side out.
7. Topstitch and close gap
   • Sew all the way around the edges to topstitch and seal the opening.
8. Finish with key ring
   • Insert the metal key ring into the ribbon loop—done!

@abugandabean ✨Learn how to sew this beginner-friendly pencil holder keychain – perfect for back-to-school!🎒✂️ It’s easy, quick, and makes the cutest teacher gift 🎁 Follow for more fun sewing tutorials & creative DIYs! 💕🧵 Measurements & supply list - abugandabean.com #sewingtutorial #beginnersewing #diysewingproject #backtoschoolcrafts #handmadewithlove #sewingtiktok #easysewingproject #teacherappreciationgift #fabriccrafts #crafttok #sewingideas #diygiftideas #tiktoksewingcommunity #sewingideas #sewwithme #abugandabean #learntosew #sewingproject #diyideas #craftymomsoftiktok #craftymomma #sewingmywayto10k #fyp ♬ original sound - 𝙇𝙭𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙯 🫶🏻

Give it a try this weekend and tag @abugandabeanllc on Instagram with your finished keychain pen holder—perfect for back to school or a DIY teacher gift!