All Projects
Personalised Sublimation Acrylic Keyring
Add a sentimental or stylish accessory to your keys, bags, or gift bundles with this quick and easy sublimation project. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to personalise your own acrylic keyring using our 4.8cm Round Acrylic Keyring Blank — perfect for everyday use, bags, or heartfelt keepsakes.
For this project we’ll be using artwork from our Mum Love collection, designed to celebrate mums with warmth and charm. We also offer additional suitable designs in our Dad Love collection, perfect for creating a gift for Dad. All artwork is free with any dye-sub blank purchase from Echidna. You can also use your own images or designs—just ensure they’re correctly sized for the 4.8cm blank and formatted for sublimation. How to access the provided artwork →
Whether you're making a keyring for yourself or a gift for a loved one, this project is a simple and meaningful way to get started with sublimation.
What you will need:
- Sublimation Printer & Inks (Sawgrass, Brother SP1)
- Sublimation Transfer Paper
- 4.8cm Round See-Through Acrylic Sublimation Keyring Blank (Single Sided)
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Protective Heat Resistant Sheet x 2
- Plain Copy Paper
- Flat Heat Press
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Micro-fibre Cleaning Cloth
- Heat Gloves (Optional)
- Keyring Hardware (included with the blank)
For more information on Essential Equipment for Dye Sublimation, take a look at our article →
Shop online:
Download the artwork:
This project uses artwork from our Mum Love collection. This design is included free with any dye-sub blank purchase from Echidna.
Formats included: PNG / PDF (A4 & Letter Size), suitable for 4.8cm Round Acrylic Keyring Blank
Already purchased a blank? Learn how to access the artwork →
⚠️ Tip: Planning to use Artspira on your phone or tablet? Be sure to download the files straight from our website using that same device.
Printing help:
In this tutorial, we’re using the Brother SP1 with A4 paper and printing directly from the ready-made PDF template provided. If you prefer to use your own artwork or are working with a different blank size, you can use any sublimation printer and compatible software. Refer to the helpful links below for guidance tailored to your setup.
Helpful Links
Brother SP1 Users
- Creating your own artwork in Artspira? Learn how to Upload & Print from Artspira.
- Using a PDF with correct sizing? Refer to Brother's video on How to print from PC.
Sawgrass Users
- Creating your own artwork in CreativeStudio or printing directly via the Print Utility? Refer to the Sawgrass Knowledgebase for help.
Detailed instructions:
Pressing guide for instructions 4.8cm Round Acrylic Keyring Blank:
- Preheat your press to 180°C - 190°C
- Time: 60-75 seconds
- Pressure: Medium
- Print your design
⚠️ Important: This blank does NOT need the artwork mirrored. Be sure to turn off mirroring before printing.
Use the PDF template provided by Echidna, which is specifically designed to suit the 4.8cm round acrylic keyring blank and includes a helpful alignment circle for easy positioning. The template is available in both A4 and Letter sizes, so be sure to select the version that matches the paper you are using. To ensure correct sizing and positioning, we recommend following Brother’s video guide on How to print from PC for the Brother SP1.
- Cut out your design
Trim your printed design, leaving a slight border to allow space for taping. We’ve spaced out each keyring design within the template to give you room for cutting and securing with tape. This extra margin helps you line up the artwork and helps prevent shifting during pressing.
- Protect your press surface
Place a protective heat-resistant sheet on the bottom platen of your press. This shields your equipment from ink bleed during the pressing process.
- Protect your sheet
Place a plain sheet of copy paper on top of the protective sheet. This extra disposable layer absorbs any excess ink and helps keep your protective sheet clean.
- Prepare the keyring blank
Start by carefully peeling off the protective film from both sides of the acrylic keyring blank.
- Clean the surface
Using a microfibre cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, gently clean the surface to remove any dust, oils, or residue. This ensures a clean transfer and helps prevent imperfections. Avoid touching the cleaned surface with your fingers, as oils or smudges can interfere with the final result.
- Align and tape the design
Position the keyring (white side down) onto your printed design, using the alignment circle on the template as a guide. You should be able to faintly see the image through the acrylic. Once aligned, secure it firmly with heat-resistant tape to prevent any shifting during pressing.
- Place keyring on heat press
Lay the taped keyring with the paper face up (printed side facing the heating element).
- Press the first side
Place a second protective sheet over the keyring and press according to your blank’s recommended settings (Refer to Pressing guide for instructions above for more information).
- Allow to cool completely
Carefully remove the keyring from the press and let it cool fully before handling.
- Assemble the keyring
Use your fingers to attach the keyring hardware through the pre-cut holes by simply pinching the hardware together.
- Gift your creation!
Attach it to your keys, bag, or gift packaging—or create a collection for friends and family. These keyrings are a thoughtful keepsake that’s both fun and functional.
Free Embroidery Designs
We're excited to offer our free Echidna designs available for download. These free designs are perfect for those at a beginner or an advanced level. Add these designs to your stash and create incredible embroidery!
View all free designs >
Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machines
Interested in learning how to sew, quilt or embroider? Take a look at the innovative Brother machines available for purchase at Echidna Sewing. Wherever possible we will beat any deal and you will always receive ongoing service and support!
Find out more >
Learn to Sew or Embroider with Echidna Sewing
Come along to our fun-filled classes to learn more about sewing, embroidery and crafting. Classes cater for all skill levels, whether you're just starting out or already have advanced knowledge.
Find out more >
Echidna project material/ fabric requirements are an indication only and can seem to be generous. This has been intentional. Should you make a cutting or embroidery mistake you will have sufficient fabric to rectify your error.
