The source explains that a grommet consists of a barrel and washer and shows three setting methods: pronged grommets, pliers, and a press. For stretchy fabric, choose a grommet 1–2 mm smaller than the hole, and make sure its barrel is 1–2 mm longer than the fabric thickness.
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Translated
Things you will learn
A grommet has two parts: a barrel and a washer that closes around the edge during setting.
For non-stretch fabric, match the grommet to the hole size; for stretchy fabric, use one 1–2 mm smaller.
The grommet barrel should be 1–2 mm longer than the fabric thickness, and the setting die must match the grommet size.
Set grommet
A grommet reinforces the edge of a hole for threading cord or tape through; it can also be decorative.
Materials and tools
Materials
Grommet, It consists of a barrel and washer; metal barrels are commonly used in fabric.
Fabric or leather, Reinforce the setting area in fabric with fusible reinforcement; for leather, cut an additional reinforcing piece.
Fusible reinforcement, For reinforcing the future hole in fabric.
Tools
Hole punch, For a hole for a small round barrel; it may be part of the pliers or fitted into a press.
Setting die, It must match the grommet size; it flares the barrel around the washer.
Hammer, Used to tap pronged grommets into place and with hand-setting tools.
Grommet pliers, Specialty pliers may be sold with punches in different sizes.
Grommet-setting press, The source recommends it for leather items or grommets in different sizes and shapes.
Pliers, For bending and opening the prongs on large grommets.
Preparation
Choose the grommet and die size
Measure the barrel by its inside diameter. For non-stretch fabric, match the grommet to the hole size; for stretchy fabric, use one 1–2 mm smaller. The setting die must match the grommet size, and the barrel should be 1–2 mm longer than the fabric thickness.
Understand grommet construction
Identify the purpose and type
A grommet, also called an eyelet, is a plastic or metal barrel set in a hole in fabric, leather, or paper. A cord or tape can pass through a grommeted hole; grommets can also be decorative and come in different shapes and colors, including rhinestone styles.
Understand the construction
One grommet consists of a barrel and a washer that closes around the edge during setting. Large grommets for curtains and textile accessories may have two parts, one with prongs.
Set a pronged grommet
Prepare the hole in leather
Press the grommet part against the leather, mark the outline with a light impression, then remove it. Cut the hole along the impression, then cut another leather piece to reinforce the hole. Glue the reinforcing piece in place, aligning its hole with the main piece.
Fasten the grommet in leather
Insert the grommet base from the right side of the leather. Place the second grommet part on the wrong side, open the prongs, and tap them with a hammer.
Prepare and fasten a pronged grommet in fabric
Reinforce the future setting area with fusible reinforcement. Press the grommet part against it to mark the outline, then cut the hole along the outline. Layer the lining with the main fabric and pin around the edge; insert the grommet base from the right side, place the second part on the wrong side, open the prongs, and tap them with a hammer.
Set a grommet with pliers
Reinforce the area and punch the hole
Reinforce the area for the future grommet hole. Fit a hole punch into the pliers and make the hole.
Assemble the parts in the pliers
Insert the grommet base from the right side of the fabric. Fit the setting die into the pliers and place the second part, the washer, on the wrong side.
Flare the barrel
Place the grommet on the setting die in the pliers and squeeze to flare the barrel around the washer.
Set a grommet with a press
Punch the hole
Reinforce the grommet setting area. Fit the hole punch into the press and make the grommet hole.
Assemble the grommet in the press
Insert the grommet base from the right side of the fabric and fit the dies into the press. Place the second grommet part on the wrong side.
Set the grommet
Place the grommet on the die in the press and press the lever.
Finish and variations
Finish
Check that the hardware matches
Before setting, make sure the die matches the grommet size and the barrel length suits the fabric thickness.
Variations
Choosing a tool
For small round barrels, the source allows a hand punch and setting die with a hammer; for leather or grommets in different sizes and shapes, it recommends a dedicated press.
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