Sewing Eyelets & Metal Grommets

Eyelets (sometimes referred to as grommets in larger sizes) are small metal rings used to reinforce circular holes cut into fabrics, leather, or paper. Their primary function is to protect raw textile edges from fraying, stretching, or tearing when subjected to daily physical stress. They are highly essential for threading drawstring cords in hoodies, running corset laces through structured bodices, hanging shower curtains, assembling sturdy bag handles, and creating reinforced tag holes in papercrafting.

To choose the perfect size, you must match the internal diameter of the eyelet to the thickness of the cord, ribbon, or strap passing through it. We stock three highly versatile, industry-standard sizing kits:

• 4mm Eyelets: Best for fine apparel details, historical corset lacing, delicate gift tags, and babywear.

• 5.5mm Eyelets: The ultimate utility size for sportswear drawstrings, hoodie cords, and medium-weight activewear.

• 10.5mm Eyelets: Heavy-duty fasteners engineered for larger cords, heavy canvas bag straps, and lightweight drapes.

Every one of our carded eyelet packets (including our Hemline 4mm and Milward 5.5mm/10.5mm packs) comes complete with its own dedicated manual setting tool. To apply them:

1. First, mark and punch a neat hole in your fabric slightly smaller than the eyelet shaft.

2. Push the tall neck of the eyelet barrel through the hole from the front (right side) of the fabric.

3. Turn the fabric over and place the flat washer/ring over the protruding metal neck on the back (wrong side).

4. Position the plastic or metal setting tool (die) into the center of the eyelet barrel.

5. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer to compress and roll the metal neck flat, locking the fabric securely in between.

Unlike our metal craft eyelets which require a hammer and specialized punch tool to permanently deform the metal, our Curtain Eyelet Rings are large, lightweight plastic rings designed for interior drapery headers. They feature a user-friendly, clip-together design. To install them, you simply cut a circular opening in your curtain heading tape and face fabric, place the two halves of the ring on either side of the hole, and press them firmly together until they click-lock. This creates a clean, professional, smooth-sliding header that feeds directly onto standard curtain poles.