Eyelet or Grommet?

Eyelets are an easy and attractive way to add a professional look to your finished garments.  In this tutorial we will learn just how easy they are to apply and conquer our fear of them once and for all.

What is an Eyelet...or is it a Grommet?

Is it a grommet or an eyelet?  Eyelet or grommet?  There are slight differences in the two, an eyelet is comprised of two rings of metal that have small prongs that when applied together with forced, form a strong bond with one another.  A grommet is very similar.  Grommets are typically used for more heavy duty materials and usually are bigger in size.

Eyelets are often used to finish off the opening for a drawstring casing.  A buttonhole will serve the same purpose, but an eyelet can be a professional looking detail.  Eyelets can also be used for lacing on various parts of a garments or even be purely decorative.  Once you learn how to apply them you may find new and creative uses for them.  

How do I apply them?

Eyelets come in various sizes and you may find that a larger variety works best for your project.  You will have two parts to your eyelet, the top part that has a shank on it and a washer.  You will also have something called an anvil and a setting tool (this may look differently depending on which kit you got).  

You will need to place some interfacing so your eyelet has some stability.

Next mark an “X” where your eyelet will go. 

You will use some scissors to cut right along this X to give the shank of your eyelet room to push through. 
Now push your eyelet in with the fabric wrong facing up. 

Lay the washer section of your eyelet on top, making a sandwich of washer, fabric, eyelet.

Now placing your fabric/eyelet sandwich on top of the anvil, and then placing the setting tool on top of your washer. It should all fit nicely. 

Now you’ll take your hammer and carefully but forcefully tap it a few times. You want to crush the shank of the eyelet, thus making it grip onto the washer. 

And once you’ve dove that, you have an eyelet!