How to Secure Grommets in Sewing

Whether you're sewing a custom shower curtain, making a handbag or just feeling adventurous in a craft project, securing grommets is easy and can add just the right functional touch to whatever you're making.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grommets
• Grommet snap press (optional)
• Rubber mallet
• Grommet tool/punch
• Scissors
• Interfacing (for knit and lightweight fabrics)

How to Secure Grommets in Sewing

1. First, position where you'd like the grommet to be placed, leaving plenty of room between the grommet and fabric edge. Mark with tailor's chalk or a water-soluble pen the center of the grommet.

2. Cut a hole where you marked the grommet's center with either scissors or grommet tool. Be sure to snip the smallest opening possible so the grommet fits snugly. Once the grommet is fit into the cut opening, turn your garment or project over to reveal the back of the inserted grommet. Make a "donut" out of interfacing to fit around the grommet so that when you attach the other half of grommet, the interfacing is sandwiched between. This helps stabilize the fabric around the grommet, but is an optional step.

3. Attach grommet back to project. Securing the entire grommet can be done with a grommet setting tool by placing the base beneath the grommet and the pointed setter on top, then tapping into place with a rubber mallet.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for subsequent grommets in your project.

Tips & Warnings

• Larger size grommets are wonderful additions to handbags, larger bags, shower curtains, awnings and other home decor projects. Smaller grommets are handy for clothing projects, replacing zippers or other closures for a unique look.