How to Attach an Eyelet - Attaching Grommets

    Grommets (also called eyelets) are one of those things that seem to really separate homemade garments and bags from store bought ones. They're incredibly useful for utility-type items (bags, curtains, tarps) and can range from making something look more sturdy to more elegant. There's also been a more recent trend in using eyelets with scrapbooking projects. The look might seem hard to accomplish, but it really isn't.  And you don't have to purchase expensive equipment in order to attach them to your project.

    I have been attaching eyelets for the better part of the last decade and only last year purchased a eyelet punch, which looks like a hole punch but the tip of it is made to curl the ends of the metal grommet around the fabric. Before that, I used the hammer-on grommets. As long as you have a hammer and a hard surface to hammer against, this works just as well.

    For the hammer-on method, simply buy a pack of grommets at your local fabric or craft store - they often come with the necessary tool (see the image below) to use for the attachment. You'll need a hammer, however.  I highly recommend using interfacing under the fabric in the area where you will be attaching the grommet. The extra reinforcement will help support the fabric.  Mark the location where you want to attach the grommet.  Cut an x-shaped slit over the area with a pair of sharp scissors - you don't want to exceed the area where the grommet will be hammered on, just enough to let the fabric "give" when it is hammered, so it doesn't pull on the fabric around the grommet.  Making sure you are working over a hard surface (such as a concrete floor or work desk,) place the metal disc tool on the underside of the fabric where the grommet will be hammered on. Put the bottom piece of the grommet on the disc.  Put your fabric over the bottom grommet and center it where it will be hammered on. Set the upper eyelet on top of that area and put the long tool on top of the upper eyelet.  Try to hold it in place and not let it move around. Now strike the long tool with your hammer. Keep striking it until the grommet is set.

    Eyelet pliers are great but the kind pictured here do not attach the larger heavy duty ones. They also leave a slightly rough edge on the underside, so be aware of this fact if you're making a garment with it.  However, if you don't need a larger grommet on your project, then the punch tool might be worth your time and money. As with the larger grommet, you'll mark the location where you want the eyelet. Cut a small x-shaped slit where the eyelet will be installed. Place a "blank" eyeler on the pliers, hold the tip over your fabric, and squeeze it just as you would with a hand held hole punch. Voila! Your eyelet is attached.

To view a video of a grommet punch in use, click on the image below: