Keychains are one of the quickest things you can sublimate. They’re cheap, they press in under a minute, and you can fit a whole batch on your heat press at once.
That makes them perfect for craft fairs, party favors and little add-on gifts.
I rounded up 16 sublimation keychain ideas, starting with round keychains, then square ones, and finishing with motel and wristlet keychains. Each one comes with the file.
Tip: Adding names to keychains? Try out different name styles first with our free Cricut Font Previewer.
Types of Sublimation Keychain Blanks
Here are the blanks used in this post:
- Round and square keychains: usually MDF or aluminum, about 2.5 inches across. Most come with a white coated side for printing.
- Bezel keychains: a metal frame with a small round insert. They look more like jewelry.
- Motel keychains: the retro long diamond shape, often made of FRP plastic.
- Wristlet keychains: a strip of polyester webbing that loops around your wrist, finished with a metal clasp.
Always use blanks sold for sublimation. Peel off the protective film before pressing, or the print won’t take.
Tips for Pressing Sublimation Keychains
Lay several keychain blanks face down on your printed sheet so you can press them all at once. Use heat tape to stop them from sliding.
Put a sheet of foam or a pressing pillow underneath for even pressure. Let MDF and plastic blanks cool flat, then add the rings and tassels.
16 Sublimation Keychain Ideas
Here are my favorite keychain designs, starting with round keychains, then square ones, and finishing with motel and wristlet keychains.
1. 150+ Round Keychain Mega Bundle
Most Popular Keychain File
Over 150 round keychain designs, from stained glass birds and roses to pets, mandalas and northern lights.
With over 700 favorites, it’s the most popular file in this list by far. One bundle gives you enough designs to fill a whole craft fair table.
2. Alcohol Ink Abstract Keychains
Prettiest Abstract Design
A bundle of 30 abstract designs with flowing pink, blue and gold alcohol ink.
Abstract prints suit anyone, so they’re an easy keychain to sell or gift when you don’t know someone’s style.
3. Lilac Marble Keychain
Most Elegant Keychain
Soft lilac marble with pink and gray veins, sized for a round keyring.
Marble looks great on a metal bezel keychain. It’s a simple, grown-up design that goes with any key.
4. Watercolor Peony Keychains
Most Romantic Keychain
A bundle of 18 watercolor peony designs in deep red, cream and navy.
Peonies are a lovely pick for bridesmaid gifts. Tie one onto a gift bag as a little extra.
5. Floral Rose Keychains
Best Floral Bundle
Twenty round rose patterns in pink, blue, yellow and white.
Make a set in different colors and let people pick their favorite. They make sweet Mother’s Day gifts too.
6. Wildflower Meadow Keychain
Best Spring Keychain
A bright meadow of red poppies and yellow and blue wildflowers under a soft blue sky.
It’s a cheerful design for spring. Add a tassel and it’s ready for an Easter basket.
7. 3D Paper Mountain Keychain
Best for Nature Lovers
Green mountains, pine trees and a winding blue river, drawn to look like layered paper.
The 3D effect is all in the print, so the keychain stays flat. It’s perfect for hikers and campers.
8. Highland Cow Keychains
Cutest Animal Keychain
Twenty baby highland cows with bows, sunflowers and iced coffees.
Highland cows are a hit with teens and farm lovers. With over 200 favorites, this bundle is a proven seller.
9. Colorful Owl Keychains
Best Bird Keychain
Six fluffy owls with big eyes in purple, orange and pink.
Owls make a nice gift for teachers and graduates. Hang one on a backpack for back to school.
10. Dog and Book Keychains
Best for Dog Lovers
Twenty-four dog breeds in glasses, each reading a book on a bright blue background.
There’s a breed for almost every dog owner. It’s a fun gift for book lovers and librarians too.
11. Football Mama Keychains
Best Sports Keychain
A bundle of 24 football designs, including “Keep calm and play on,” “Football mama” and “Game day.”
Make a set in your team colors for football moms. They sell well at games and school fundraisers.
12. 3D Gummy Candy Keychains
Most Colorful Keychain
Six designs packed with shiny 3D gummy candies in every color.
Kids love these. They look good enough to eat, and they’re easy to spot at the bottom of a bag.
13. Pink 3D Daisy Keychain
Best Square Keychain
A big puffy pink daisy with a yellow center on a soft pink, dotted background.
It’s sized for square keychain blanks. Pink and girly, it’s perfect for tweens and teens.
14. Rainbow Hearts Keychain
Best Valentine’s Keychain
A happy pattern of watercolor hearts in every color of the rainbow.
Press a few for Valentine’s Day class gifts or best friend gifts. It works all year too.
15. Retro Motel Keychain Template
Best Retro Keychain
A template for the classic retro motel keychain shape, in SVG, PNG, PDF and more.
Use it to line up your own design so it fits the blank. Add a room number or a funny saying for a vintage look.
16. Wristlet Keychain Designs
Best Wristlet Keychain
A bundle of 50 wristlet strips, from leopard and cowhide to turquoise Aztec, butterflies and glitter.
Wristlets slip over your wrist so you never lose your keys. With over 300 favorites, this is a best seller.
Sublimation Keychain FAQs
What size are sublimation keychain designs?
Most round and square keychain blanks are about 2.5 inches across. Make your design a little bigger than the blank so the edges are covered.
Do I need to mirror keychain designs?
Yes. Always mirror your design before printing, especially if it has words, so it reads the right way on the keychain.
Which side of the keychain do I sublimate?
Sublimate the white, glossy side. Many blanks have a clear protective film on top, so peel it off first.
Can I sublimate both sides of a keychain?
Yes, if both sides are coated. Press one side, let it cool, then press the other side with a fresh sheet of butcher paper.
