How to Use an Eyelet Set Tool

Eyelets are often used on items that lace up.

Eyelets are small, commonly metal, hollow circles that are designed to protect both the edges of a hole poked through paper or fabric and the lacing or attachment that is threaded through the hole. Eyelets are commonly found on items like laceup shoes and corsets, where lacing and tying is the means for fitting and securing. Many eyelets are set by machine, but home kits exists that allow you to set light-duty eyelets using a hammer and a setting tool.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric marker or pencil
• Fabric or paper
• Awl
• Eyelets with setting tool
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Mark on the paper or fabric with the fabric marker or pencil the locations where you would like to place the eyelets.

2. Hold the paper or fabric taut, and lightly punch holes on your markings using the awl.

3. Place an unset eyelet (which will look like an eyelet face with a hollow stem) into the first hole so that the flat portion of the eyelet is lying flush against the right side of your paper or fabric.

4. Hold the eyelet in place as you flip the paper or fabric over, so that the wrong side and eyelet stem are facing up.

5. Place the pointed eyelet setting tool that came with your kit vertically into the eyelet stem. Tap the flat end lightly with your hammer until the stem spreads around the hole, securing your eyelet.

6. Remove the tool and hold the paper or fabric taught. Lightly tap directly onto the splayed spread stem to flatten any sharp or uneven parts.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when punching holes for the eyelets in Step 2. If you make holes that are too large, the eyelets will not have fabric to grip. Test the size of your holes on a piece of scrap paper or fabric first.

References

• AlteredBook.com: Setting Eyelets With an Eyelet Tool
• Farthingales Fabrics: Basic Grommet Setting Tips