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Sew a Secure Lip Balm Keychain Holder That Actually Works
- Nichole Jensen
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 14
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a collection of lip balms floating around your bag, car, jacket pocket—pretty much everywhere you might need them. I am never without one or two lip balms, and I definitely don’t trust the typical holders that are open at both ends or even one end. My fear? Losing my favorite balm right when I need it most. That’s exactly why I started sewing my own secure snap-closure lip balm keyring holders—and today, I’ll show you how to make one too.
Not only are they super functional and cute, but they also make fantastic stocking stuffers when paired with a great-smelling lip balm. I’m personally obsessed with Burt’s Bees, so my sewing projects usually come with a tube of that tucked inside!
Why This Holder Is Better Than the Rest
Unlike most lip balm holders you see online or in stores, this one is completely closed with a plastic snap, keeping your balm safe and sound no matter where you go. Clip it to your keys, bag, or backpack, and you're set.
Whether you're gifting or sewing for yourself, this project is a quick win—and it's beginner-friendly with just a few supplies, basic sewing skills, and my free sewing template.
Watch the video tutorial:
Supplies:
Cotton woven fabric - two pieces - one for the exterior and one for the interior cut using the template plus a piece for the keychain tab cut to 1 1/2" x 3"
Gold keychain swivels or split ring
Sewing clips or pins
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Cut your fabric for the keychain tab and both the inside and outside of the holder. You can use two different prints or the same for both. If your fabric has a directional print, you'll want to use the bottom (straight) edge of the template as the top of your cut. And by top, I mean so it is oriented around the snap closure.
Next, cut one piece of fusible fleece using the smaller template.
Let’s Sew Your Lip Balm Keyring
Fuse the fleece to the wrong side (back) of your exterior fabric. I find the best way to do this is the center the interfacing on the back of the fabric, hold it in place and flip it over so I can iron from the front of the cotton fabric.
Time to make the keychain tab. Fold the rectangle of fabric in half lengthwise and press. Open it, fold each of the edges to the center and press and then fold the whole thing in half again and press. Sew down both sides with a 1/8" seam for a clean, sturdy finish.
Now it's time to attach the tab. Insert your swivel clasp onto the tab, fold it in half, and clip it 3/4" down from the top right flat edge of the exterior fabric (right side of the fabric facing you). The folded edge of the tab should point toward the fabric’s center, with raw edges hanging off the edge.
Baste this in place with a 1/8" stitch line. You could skip this step and attach it along with the exterior and interior, but I find that the keychain tab likes to shift around and ends up looking wonky. Save yourself the hassle and frustration and attach it now.
Place your lining and exterior pieces right sides together. Mark a 1 1/2"- 2” section on the left side to leave open for turning. Sew around the edge with a ¼” seam allowance, skipping the marked opening.
Trim the excess fabric from corners, the extra from the keyring tab, and clip curves being careful not to cut your stitch line and then turn the pouch right-side out.
Fold the edges of the opening you left inward, so they line up with the seams on either side. Press and stitch around the entire pouch with a 1/8" seam, closing the opening and topstitching.
To shape your holder, fold the bottom corners up to meet the top corners and sew down each side with a 1/8” seam. This forms your pocket. I try to sew right on top of the top-stitch lines.
Finally, install the snaps—male snap on the inside flap and female snap on the body of the pouch. I find the placement of the snaps is easiest if I put a lip balm inside while I am eyeballing where I want to put them. This way I won't end up making the pouch too tight. If you need any help with snaps, I have a full tutorial here.
After they are installed, make sure the snaps align and click together securely.
And Just Like That—You’re Done
Now you’ve got a lip balm holder that’s stylish, practical, and secure. No more lost Chapstick. No more flimsy holders. Just your favorite balm, always right where you need it.
Feeling inspired? Make a batch in fun fabrics and gift them with your go-to lip balm. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, and just-because surprises.
Ready to start sewing? Grab the free printable template and your supplies and stitch one up today.
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Grab the free sewing template here:
Happy crafting!