Eyelet, in the context of fabric and fashion, refers to small, round, or oval holes that are made in the material, often featuring a stitched or metal ring reinforcement. These holes are not only decorative but can also be functional, serving as a lace or cord passage in garments, footwear, or accessories.
What is an Eyelet?
In fashion, eyelet fabric is particularly popular, characterized by these holes forming a decorative pattern, often floral or geometric, throughout the material. The holes are precisely cut and are usually finished with stitching around the edges to prevent fraying and to add an aesthetic detail. Eyelet fabric is typically made of cotton or cotton blends, providing a lightweight, breathable texture ideal for warm weather clothing like dresses, blouses, skirts, and children’s wear.
The eyelet’s intricate, openwork patterns give it a delicate, feminine look, often associated with summer and spring attire due to its airy, breezy quality. The fabric’s vintage charm and romantic appeal make it a perennial favorite in fashion, offering a blend of sophistication and comfort.
Beyond its use in clothing, eyelet details are also found in home decor, such as in curtains, bed linens, and tablecloths, adding a touch of elegance and lightness to interior spaces. The timeless beauty and versatility of eyelet fabric continue to make it a cherished choice in various design contexts.
Eyelet vs Grommet: Key Differences
Feature | Eyelet | Grommet |
---|---|---|
Size | Smaller, delicate | Larger, sturdy |
Construction | One-piece or two-piece | Always two-piece with flange and washer |
Installation | Pushed through and crimped/punched | Setting tool required |
Appearance | More decorative, various colors/designs | Clean, covered hole |
Applications | Clothing, shoes, belts, crafting | Flags, banners, awnings, tarps, bags, shoes (heavy-duty) |
How to install an eyelet on fabric?
Here is the Step-by-Step process to install eyelet on fabric:
- Gather your supplies, including a hole puncher, clippers, chalk or pencil, eyelet tool, anvil, hammer, eyelets or grommets, fabric, and interfacing.
- Test the eyelet or grommet on your fabric to see if it needs any reinforcement. If it’s a lightweight fabric, you’ll definitely need to use interfacing or double up the fabric.
- Mark the spot where you want to install the eyelet or grommet. Make sure it’s at least one width of the eyelet or grommet away from the edge of the fabric.
- Use the hole puncher to create a hole in the fabric. If you don’t have a hole puncher, you can use clippers to carefully cut a small hole.
- Place the eyelet or grommet in the hole, with the shiny side facing out on the right side of your garment.
- If you’re using an eyelet tool, place the tool over the eyelet and hammer it down.
- If you’re using an anvil and hand tool, place the eyelet on the anvil with the stem facing down. Then, place the washer on top of the eyelet and use the hand tool to hammer it down.
- Repeat steps 3-6 for each eyelet or grommet you want to install.
Here are some additional tips:
- If you’re not sure what size eyelet or grommet to use, measure the inside of the eyelet or grommet to find the correct size.
- When marking the spot where you want to install the eyelet or grommet, it’s helpful to use a ruler or measuring tape to make sure it’s evenly spaced.
- If you’re using a hammer, be careful not to hit the eyelet or grommet too hard, as you could damage it.
- If you’re working with a delicate fabric, you may want to use a piece of scrap fabric as a buffer between the hammer and the eyelet or grommet.