For corsets, bodices, Renaissance faire garbs and more, grommets are essential. These can often seem tedious or difficult to install without destroying your fabric. However, I’m here to show you just how easy it is. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to put grommets in fabric so you can ensure they hold and fabric doesn’t fray.
How Do You Punch a Grommet Hole
Before installing a grommet, you need to punch a hole in the fabric.
- Measure and mark your holes – Before you start punching the holes, make sure to measure and mark where you want them using tailors chalk. That way everything is equally spaced and lines up properly.
- Use the right tools – There is two style tools you can get to punch a grommet hole. One is a punch set that you use with a hammer, and one is a grommet hole puncher that won’t require a hammer. Make sure yo use the right tool so you make clean holes without fraying your fabric.
- Work in the right space – You want to work on a sturdy and clean surface so you don’t dirty your fabric or if you’re using a hammer, you don’t damage a table.
How Do You Reinforce Fabric For Grommets
If you’re working with fragile fabrics, you might want to consider reinforcing it before you install your grommets. Otherwise it could tear when you lace them up.
- Interfacing – Fusible interfacing of medium-weight can be added to the back of the fabric where your grommets will go. It adds stability without the bulk of patches or doubled up fabric.
- Patches – Sewn, iron-on or glued fabric patches can help reinforce your fabric before installing grommets. Be sure to attach them on the back side of the fabric and use heavy-duty fabrics for the patch.
- Doubling the fabric – You can fold the edge of the fabric over itself and secure it with stitching or tape before adding the grommet. This can create bulkiness though.
How Do I Choose the Right Grommet
Not all grommets are the same. They come in different sizes, colors and more. You should choose your grommets based off the fabric you’re installing them into.
- Light fabrics – Plain grommets, with or without teeth and self-piercing grommets can work best for your lighter weight fabrics. You want to work with it carefully though to avoid tears.
- Heavy-duty fabrics – Heavy-duty grommets such as brass or stainless steel work well for heavy-duty fabrics.
- Other considerations – Besides the fabric type, consider the following when choosing the right grommets.
- Size – The rope or cable and hole diameter needs to be considered so you get the right size grommets.
- Color – Grommets come in all different colors. Make sure you match them to the fabric you’re using so it coordinates well.
Types of Grommets
These are the types of grommets you have to choose from:
- Plain grommets – Standard grommets work best with plain or toothed washers.
- Self-piercing grommets – These will punch their own holes into the fabric as you install them.
- Rubber grommets – Rubber grommets are flexible and waterproof.
How Do You Install Grommets
There’s two ways to install grommets. Each one requires a different tools. You can use an anvil set or a grommet press. An anvil set would be to install the grommets manually whereas the press helps make it a little easier.
Can You Use a Hammer For Grommets
When you’re installing grommets with an anvil set, you can use a hammer to help secure them.
- Step 1. Prep your fabric – Make sure to punch a hole in the fabric and add reinforcements before you install the grommet.
- Step 2. Insert the grommet – Place the front part of the grommet into the hole from the front of the fabric so you push the barrel through the hole.
- Step 3. Place the washer – On the back side, where the barrel is protruding, place the washer with the rounded side facing up.
- Step 4. Set the grommet with an anvil – Place the anvil base under the grommet on a sturdy surface. Then place the setting tool on top of the washer. Use a hammer on the setting tool to securely crimp the edges.
How Do You Install Grommets With a Press
A grommet press makes it even easier to install grommets.
- Step 1. Prep your fabric – Make sure to punch a hole in the fabric and add reinforcements before you install the grommet.
- Step 2. Prep the press – Put the correct size grommet dies into the press before you begin using it.
- Step 3. Insert the grommet – Place the front part of the grommet into the hole from the front of the fabric so you push the barrel through the hole.
- Step 4. Place the washer – On the back side, where the barrel is protruding, place the washer with the rounded side facing up.
- Step 5. Press the grommet – Position the grommets on the press, over the dies. Then firmly press down on the press handle to secure the grommets.
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