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How to insert eyelets in fabric projects

May 24, 2021 4 Comments

One of my latest patterns was a wonderful opportunity to sew lots of different pieces. Isn’t it great when a simple technique allows you to sew such variety of projects: pouches, boxes and baskets, gift bags, tote bags, shopping bags?

Easy pouch pattern

Easy pouch pattern

Easy basket pattern

Easy basket pattern

Easy basket pattern

I made 26 pouches, baskets and boxes for this pattern and the pieces below are my favorite ones.
With just a little additional effort, some eyelets and a piece of ribbon, I turned tall boxes into gift bags. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn something new.

Easy basket pattern

In case installing eyelets is something new for you, here is a tutorial on how to do it,  with pliers or hand tools.

Some time ago I bought this Prym Vario Plus set. It comes with the Vario pliers and different types of eyelets and fastenings.

How to insert eyelets

You can buy the pliers and fastening sets separately; all sets come with tools for installing (you need a hammer) and for most sets (depending on the size of fastening) these tools are compatible with the pliers. The 4mm, 5 mm and 8 mm eyelets come with tools compatible with the pliers. Bigger size tools (11 mm, 14 mm)  can’t be used with the pliers.

How to insert eyelets

The VARIO pliers comes with these cutting tools for punching 3 mm (1/8 inch) and 4 mm (just a little more than 1/8”)  holes.
See below how they are inserted into pliers …

How to insert eyelets

…
and how to punch holes- squeeze the pliers firmly, with the pointed tool on top of the fabric piece.

How to insert eyelets

For punching holes you can also use this revolving punch pliers – it works great and punches holes in different sizes from 2 mm  (1/16”) to 5 mm (3/16”).

How to insert eyelets

This plastic piece below is used to remove the tools when you need to switch to different tools.

How to insert eyelets

Here is how to install these small, simple (no washers), 4mm eyelets. These are the tools needed that come with the Vario set. Insert them into the pliers.

How to insert eyelets

It is best to make a hole smaller than the size of the eyelet.  If you use the revolving pliers, insert the eyelet into the pins (see the red arrow below) until you find the best size.

How to insert eyelets

Push the eyelet through the hole, from the right side of the piece.  Turn the piece on the back side – the post of the eyelet is visible on this side of the piece.
My fabric is interfaced with Bosal foam, you need to use some kind of fusible interfacing with your fabric.

How to insert eyeletsPlace eyelet+fabric (back side up) in the white plastic tool; squeeze the pliers as tight as you can, until you feel the eyelet is set.

How to insert eyeletsHere is the look of the eyelet from the front and back side of the fabric piece.

How to insert eyelets

Here is how to install the 11 mm eyelets (0.43”- 7/16”); these eyelets come in a package with tools that do not fit the Vario plier, so you have to use a hammer.
The white plastic disc tool has two sides, the grooved side you see below is the setting side, the other side is flat and it is used for cutting the hole. There are other two metal parts, one is used for cutting the hole and the one for setting the eyelet.
These eyelets have washers.

How to insert eyelets

Mark location for eyelet on your piece. Position the white disc (flat side up) under the fabric piece;  you will use the cutting tool for cutting the hole.

How to insert eyeletsPosition this tool over mark; strike the tool with the hammer several times to cut the hole in fabric.

How to insert eyeletsInsert the eyelet from the right side.

How to insert eyeletsOn the back side place the washer on the eyelet post. Use the grooved side of the white plastic disc…

How to insert eyelets…and place it under the eyelet. Place the setting tool in eyelet post…

How to insert eyelets

Strike tool with hammer several times to set the eyelet.

How to insert eyeletsThis is the look of the eyelet from the right and wrong side of the fabric piece.

How to insert eyelets

One more idea!
If you work with different sizes and types of fastenings, it is best to store them in separate boxes/tins to keep them organized. Also, keep the original package, it shows the size of the fastening and on the back there are some succinct installation instructions.

How to insert eyelets

Inserting eyelets is easy task if you have the tools and instructions at hand.  I hope this helps. Let me know if you would like these instructions into a pdf for printing.

Curious about my latest patterns? 40 quick, fun, and easy projects here.

Happy sewing!

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Filed Under: bag tutorials, boxes and bowls tutorials, handmade bags

Comments

  1. andria for oliver says

    May 24, 2021 at 5:14 pm

    looks great – must practice some time

    Reply
  2. Robyn Lidstone says

    May 25, 2021 at 12:35 am

    Thanks Geta for this great tutorial.

    I will try to source the Virio set of tools etc. in Australia.

    I’ve downloaded my new patterns and love that the pouches and bags will be so easy to make.

    Thanks and best wishes …
    Robyn

    Reply
  3. Brenda Witt says

    May 25, 2021 at 8:49 pm

    Best explanation of putting these grommets into fabric. Please, at PDF would be great to have. I bought the patterns and I am anxious to start sewing. Your patterns are the best!

    Reply
  4. Sharon Honegger says

    June 6, 2021 at 10:55 pm

    Very good lesson ,also great for kids clothes.

    Reply

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