I love skeleton keys. They always seem to pop up – as necklaces, on flea markets or even on Moleskin Journals. When you think about it, isn’t it really hard to throw a key away? Any key for that matter. As if they still belong to a door waiting to be opened. (Well I can’t throw out unremarkable keys either. Maybe I’m still hoping my house key I lost weeks ago will still turn up one day.)
Skeleton keys also make a nice bag closure. Instead of zippers, or buttons. Want to give it a try?
1. Buy (or find) a skeleton key.
2. Draw a little key hole where you want it to be on your bag.
3. Cut the shape of a keyhole (if you have a lining you’ll have to cut through both layers) and make sure you don’t cut it too big. You can always adjust later.
4. Thread you needle with buttonhole thread and sew around your buttonhole with a back stitch.
5. Stitch your keyhole with a tight blanket stitch using the back stitch outline as a guide. Check the shape of your keyhole frequently and insert the key to make sure it fits through.
5. Attach string to the key (I had some elastic for the black bag and made a string from linen fabric for the red one)
6. Attach string to the bag (3rd picture)
7. Pull key through the keyhole and you are done.
So cool! Love your humour!
what a fabulous idea! i keep scrolling up and down, just admiring the photos!
Beautiful work & pictures. Put your beautiful work in my blog : http://labeletterose.blogspot.com/2010/05/mille-fois-ton-ouvrage.html
XXX
Cécile
Auch dies ist wieder eine total schöne Idee!
That is ingenious and adorable!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!
oh my goodness i love this. i have been wanting to send you a note and say how great it was to meet you. can't wait to see you again. love your laugh among so many other things.
i'm going to make some time to read your blog i am just running in the house for a sip of water on a painting break.
i just had to say…can't wait to make this!!!
thank you. ~ sunshine and happiness
This is such a great idea!!
what a great idea! thanks for sharing!
That is so adorable!
This is really cute! Love it!
What an amazing idea!
I tried handsewing button holes in the past and it was so hard. I think a keyhole shape might drive me insane!
this is so beautiful!
i love it
I love the key hole idea. I may have to try it.
This is so. utterly. fabulous!!! I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-skeleton-key-buttonhole-closure-for-a-bag/2010/06/02/
–Anne
@casserole: Thanks so much!!!
Gorgeous idea!
Very good idea love the look of the key hole great idea!
Thank you for sharing!
will leave my comment here, i'am just new here on your blog. You have great ideas, you're inspirational, your way of thinking is very pleasant ( a bit practical, a bit philosophy, a bit humoristic) LIKE that all, Xd
I used your idea, thanks! http://ronandjana.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-sewed-things.html