15 Ways Grommets Help You Unleash Your Creativity

If you love to craft, sew, and create, then you’ll love grommets. These handy hardware accents are as helpful as they are aesthetically pleasing. They’re so versatile you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of ideas and uses for these.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about grommets and how you can incorporate them into your creative sewing projects.

What are Grommets?

Grommets are sets of two rings used to protect the edges of holes punched into materials like canvas, leather, denim, and other fabrics. By placing grommets on these areas, the material is reinforced, and fraying is prevented.

You may see metal grommets more frequently, but they also come in rubber and plastic. No matter the material you choose, they come in a variety of finishes that are suitable no matter the style or aesthetic you’re going for.

These pieces are typically used on textile fabrics and heavier materials like sheet metal and wood. However, they can be used on various materials and are often used purely for decorative purposes on clothing, shoes, and home decor.

Grommets vs. Eyelets

Eyelets are another type of hardware used to prevent fraying, and many people mistakenly use the terms interchangeably. But these are two different types of closures.

Grommets are usually used for heavy-duty materials, while eyelets are used on lightweight fabrics. However, grommets are still utilized on thinner fabrics since they can add an excellent effect to clothing and decor.

Eyelets come as one circular t-shaped piece punctured through the fabric and flattened down using an eyelet press. Grommets, on the other hand, start as two separate washer-type ring pieces. Each ring is placed on either side of the material and set together using a grommet press.

Unlike eyelets, grommets come in a wide range of sizes. The only size eyelets are available in is 3/16”. But grommets come in all sorts of diameters, large and small, from ⅛” to 1 ½” holes.

How to Use Grommets in Sewing

Grommets have many uses, especially when it comes to sewing. But to use them, you need a fabric cutter to create the holes and a grommet pressing tool that can install them. Various fabric cutters range from small to large, depending on the type of material you work with.

It is possible to install grommets or eyelets without a hole cutter. Some people simply use a utility knife or small pair of scissors instead, but we don’t recommend this. This can leave room for error and make it challenging to find correct fitting grommets.

Choosing the Right Grommets

Before you start working with grommets, you have to pick the proper grommet for your project. There are some things to consider when choosing, and that’s the function of your product, the fabric you’re using, and the size of the holes you’ll create.

Not all materials are made the same, so it’s essential to choose one that will successfully hold onto the fabric. The size of the hole and grommet you’re using depends on your making and the look you want. The grommet material is also dependent on this.

The best way to choose the proper grommet is to simply plan your project and think these factors through before getting started.

10 Ways to Use Grommets for Fashion

There’s no better way to express yourself than through fashion, especially when you’re sewing and designing your creations! Whether you upcycle or start from scratch, one tool can transform any piece of clothing into a one-of-a-kind piece, and that’s a grommet.

Keep reading to learn what a grommet is and how it can take your wardrobe and designs to a whole new level.

Be Riveting

Add some serious hardware to your jackets, jeans, bags, and more with rivets. In case you’re not clear on what rivets are, they include things like studs, pearls, rhinestones, and buttons. They’re great for adding flair to clothing, but they are also suitable for practical uses like buttoning jeans or jackets.

Fearless Fringe

Fringe is a dramatic detail that will transform everything from handbags and jackets to shirts and hats. By cutting holes in the material and sealing them with grommets, you can create your fabulous fringe look. Simply choose your fabric, cut into strips—if not pre-cut— and tie the material through the grommets. It’s so easy. You can even switch out the fabric now and then, adding even more versatility!

Modern Details

As practical as grommets are, people also love them just as much for their appearance. Whether you’re adding more style to your home or sprucing up old clothes, grommets are an original way to achieve a contemporary look.

Enhance Your Handbags

Got an old handbag? Grommets are an excellent way to give your bag a complete makeover. Even if you make your purse from scratch, grommets are perfect for creating an eyecatching bag that everyone will want.

Step Up Your Leather

Ever wonder how leather jackets get those unique hardware details? Grommets, of course! These are how people get the fantastic studded information that is synonymous with leather. When working with this material, you will need a heavy-duty grommet press since it is thick and tough.

Do Denim Right

Denim is a sturdy fabric that isn’t always easy to work with, but grommets make it simple to enhance your denim pieces. Add studs to jackets and jeans, or just use a press to replace buttons and fasteners.

Get Snappy

If you love the classic button snaps, you’re not alone. They are an excellent enhancement for shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, and handbags. They’re also handy for making tents, curtains, and other utilitarian items. A grommet press can make apply snap buttons to whatever project you’re working on.

Lace it Up

Grommets give you flexibility when it comes to closures and gives you the chance to ditch buttons and zippers. For a trendy look, and two even sets of holes and grommets on shirts, jeans, or jackets and lace fabric through them, give a shoelace or corset effect.

Accent Zippers

Sometimes grommets don’t need to serve a purpose and can be purely decorative. An excellent example of this is using them to accent zippers on jackets and bags. Apply them at the bottom of your coat on either side of the zipper for a touch of luxury and style.

Shape Up Your Sneakers

Have you ever thought about adding some pizzazz to your sneakers? Grommets can do just that too. They work best on canvas shoes since this fabric is thin and doesn’t have additional padding. Add some on the heel of your sneakers or cover the entire shoe in them. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have a pair of shoes everyone will envy.

Create a Custom Apron

There’s nothing like a fun apron, and creating one is a great sewing project that is easy to complete and perfect for grommet accents. Instead of sewing the tie around the back and neck, install grommets at the waist and chest, then string fabric through the holes for a more custom look.

5 Ways to Use Grommets Around the House

Grommets aren’t just useful for creative fashion projects. They’re also the perfect way to add flair to your home. Here are some DIY ideas to get you started.

Drapes and Shower Curtains

One of the most popular ways people use grommets is for drapes and shower curtains. These are two straightforward sewing projects where this hardware will come in handy. Install them where you plan to hang the curtains. String a curtain rod through them or use rope, hooks, or additional fabric to turn them.

Utilize Your Space

One less-than-obvious way to use grommets is for storage. Puncture a hole in anything from towels to gloves and hang them on hooks. This is a great way to utilize your wall space and get more organized.

Make To-go Cups

Believe it or not, you can use a grommet to create a custom to-go cup! All you need is a mason jar, a cutter, and a rubber grommet for your straw to go through.

Create Custom Art

Want some home decor that you can’t find anywhere else? Just create it yourself with grommets! Start with a thin piece of fabric to apply the grommets, too, then string different textures and colors of yarn and leather through the holes. Loop another piece for hanging through the holes, and voila! You have a custom piece of abstract art.

Enhance Your Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are already a great accent to your home’s decor, and grommets can take them to an entirely new stylish level. When creating a pillow cover, add an extra layer of fabric on each side and create even holes for grommets. Once you apply your grommets, lace another piece of material through the holes, giving your throw pillows a unique look that you can’t buy in stores.

Unleash Your Creativity Today!

As you can see, the possibilities with grommets are genuinely endless. The only limit is your creativity. Start making and designing your creations, and order your grommet supplies today!