Technically speaking eyelets are a single piece and grommets are two pieces. Also, use a rubber mallet rather than a hammer, it's quieter, you can hit harder for a better set, and you won't disfigure the setter or cutter. Lastly, cutting the fabric will actually make the fabric weaker and more likely to blow out. (The exception to this being leather.) The awl sucks to use but it's the strongest method because it keeps all the threads intact and strong. This isn't super important for decorative grommets but it is important for structural lacing that puts a huge amount of stress on the holes (eg a functional corset). All that said, use whatever method is most appropriate for your project and/or your level of accessibility. Just keep in mind how much stress the garment will be under over the course of it's lifetime.

@SharonOfTheRose

7 ай бұрын

Agreed about the awl. It was frustrating for me to troubleshoot (getting the eyelet portion through the hole...that wasn't big enough), so I found that using the awl and a chopstick (knitting needle or similar would work well too if it's big enough) was really helpful. I could stretch the hole big enough to fit my eyelet through the hole and the fabric tightened quickly back into place. For fabric's I've used interfacing on though, I do cut a very small hole (about half the size of the eyelet) and it tightens back easily. I made a Ren Faire bodice that way and I tightened it over and over and the grommets have held up beautifully!

@Spookysewing

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!! I'm gonna keep trying, I have picked up a few of the tools you have talked about, but I didn't see a link for the bigger handled tool you have with the three different size, for the gages. The hammer method hasn't worked out for me yet, and the cheaper hand-held thingy SOMETIMES works, lol!

@SharonOfTheRose

7 ай бұрын

@ashleyprevil9051 I struggled with the same issues. Tried many different handheld ir hammer type grommet setters and none of them did what I wanted (professional set/look). I did find a wonderful hammer setter through Tandy Leather (in person, but have an online shop). I get my grommets from etsy. No issues so far, and wonderful grommet setting! It's truly about finding the right tool! Probably *not* via Amazon.

@thorunns.craftstudio

5 ай бұрын

i came here to say this, but you said it waaaaaaay better than i could :)

Tip: On the el cheapo one, that weird cutting tool is used by placing the fabric on a cutting board then using a twirling motion to create your hole. These are extremely sharp, so be careful. You really don't have to put a lot of force on them unless your fabric is really thick. First time I used one I not only cut my fabric, but put a hole in my cutting board. The reason it has that channel is because your material will go into it & it makes it easier to clean out. I ended up buying a set with several different sizes for all different projects. Hope this helps. 💖💖💖

@zevrxn

8 ай бұрын

i have a tiny one i use to mark darts and other stuff on pattern pieces and you are absolutely correct you will punch a hole through whatever surface you're using if you put too much pressure. just a twist is enough.

@chronicbread

8 ай бұрын

... I feel so dumb right now 😅 Thank you so much for this knowledge!

@Horo8448

2 ай бұрын

OH. I was smashing mine with a hammer. Didn't think you could just... Cut it out by twirling 🫣 THANKS!

Cosplayer and historical reenactor here - also pro sewist with 30+ years... I love this series, honestly, because it reminds me that we can all learn new things and review information that we forgot. If you have questions, feel free to drop a line. I'm happy to answer questions.

I just giggled to myself at 11:10 when I predicted you would say "and yet I don't have a surger" after you said you went on a shopping spree lol! It's the running theme now and I just hope you get a sponsor or something one day for it just purely for the length of time you've went without one

I was putting in lacing holes in a set of stays, I “split” the fabric with progressively larger knitting needles so there was no actual hole and I could fix bad placement. Then slid a washer I got from the hardware store between the the layers and button stitched around. The washer was there for added strength and size control.

@jessicaneal8553

8 ай бұрын

Ooh, I really like this method!

i think people who are afraid of grommets have mostly encountered the horrible cheap crocodile and been scarred for life

TIP: I use a little fray check on the grommet holes prior to putting in the grommet. If it is a fabric that is stringy like some of my tapestry fabrics, I'll put the fray check on the fabric before I cut. I always let it dry before the next step.

There is also a version of the Crop-O-Dile called the "Big Bite" that would allow you to reach further in the material instead of limiting you to the edge. Love the info and I hope this helps!

@laurawilliams7782

8 ай бұрын

seconding the big bite, i don't have the hand strength for the regular one

Another quick and dirty way to fit mock up cuffs are on coffee cups. You get cup cozies, it's more ergonomic to work with and hella cute!

@gettheetothestitchery

8 ай бұрын

That's a fun idea!

For the hole-punch.... I was taught you didn't want to cut the threads, rather to pus them out of the way to keep your fabric more stable.

Split Away!!!! We love watching you and enjoy the details and trials and errors. Makes it all the more fun. Big Hugs!

I'm recovering from surgery, so I've been binge watching your videos for a few days (probably a good 40 hours of content.... I too get a tad obsessive when discovering new crafts...) But just watched one of your older videos and saw you say that when you get a house, you'd name it "Le Hermitage"... Now that you have a house, you should do a craft making a name sign for your house! Also, I'd love to see you experiment with Quilt As You Go, like Monica and Alaura do on Pattern Poole TV!

I'm totally cool with the extra time. This is really interesting. I love how you go into deep dives on stuff before you start a new project!

The ankle modeling just tickled me so much.

At the end when you were saying you'd already shot enough for a full length video, I had to check how long I had watched so far because I thought it had only been about 5 minutes at that point. Gonna go add the Crop-a-dial to my wish list. ❤

Oh nooo how dare you show your ankles!!!!! Haha, jokes aside, thank you so much for the demonstration! Seeing all the tools and how they work gives me an idea of what I want to get that fits my budget and still functions well enough.

Great channel, makes me think of a sewing focused Technology Connections. 17:04 actual gold when the unfinished grommet cuff still gets the catwalk treatment

Personally I really like using grommets/eyelets! But I have always hammered them by hand. The Crop-A-Dile is going on my Christmas wish list!

Grommets are SO EASY! Why do people think they’re hard? I love putting in grommets. Many of the grommets sold in the craft stores are of really lousy quality, though. I get mine online. The bit about cutting the hole as a somewhat correctly sized hole is really important. Having extra fabric stuffed inside of the grommet will interfere with the two parts of the grommet being able to fit tightly together. I have a Crop-A-Dile that I use for paper grommeting. I never even thought of using it for fabric. Duh! An easy task just got easier!

@shyrlbyrd3520

5 ай бұрын

How much would U Charge to cover the front of my Turtle Neck Shirt with Grommets???

as others have said, do NOT cut your fabric if you want to actually use these as a functional item. cutting the fabric weakens the fibres and you just end up with a mess on your hands. also, if you want these to be functional, do NOT use metal grommets anyway. where the metal bends over, it will slowly saw away at your fabric and you'll still have a mess on your hands. for functional lacing holes, always handsewn them as the needle passes between the fabric fibres, rather than cutting them. so you'll end up with longer lasting, stronger holes. also, an eyelet is just the post part, a grommet is the post and the disc part.

You should be able to get cutting dies for the press as well as dies for leather working.

I was waiting the (w)hole time for Wallace to show up 😁 Crop-o-dile seems like a good compromise, maybe someday. Looking forward to the next video 🍄🌻

Yeah I went from that cheap tool and yelling at it, to getting a grommet press I attached to a table and yeah baby that big press is where it is at!!!

I have the cheap tool and I got it for a dollar from like an estate sale or something. I've had good luck with it as it did have instructions with it. I never had to precut a hole for it. I think the little hole punch that came with it is actually for leather. I say this because I've been looking at a lot of leatherworking stuff lately and it looked like the leather punches in a lot of the kits.

You are set for making sailcloth shades for your patio now. I adore my grommet press although I fit mine from FB Marketplace.

Interesting. I was always taught grommets were the set with 2 parts and eyelets were a single piece where you are folding the metal round the fabric or different material. Like grommets are used for clothes and flags but eyelets are used for sails as you can add a ring of stronger metal to reinforce

The concept of the d-ring actually sounds so cool, I have a friend who has major steampunk energy and I think he'd love that

Many times I find the best craft store, esp for obscure accessories, is a hardware store. When you were looking for macrame (that doesn't look like I spelled it correctly) I found cording that would work fine in a Princess Auto. Not sure if they exist out of Canada but they are like a liquidation store for all things mechanical, farming, tools and then a bunch of other stuff thrown in. Not only do they come in industrial sizes, they are so much cheaper than craft stores. I've often found the exact same thing in both stores but under a different name and volume.

@jessicaneal8553

8 ай бұрын

Ooh, this is a good idea

I recently watched a video from a bushcraft channel about grommets. I hated buying things with grommets bc they tear. The solution there was washers or more fabric for stability and reinforcement. This video making me want to test grommets out again.

I'm in camp "hammering grommets is hard" -- mostly because I feel like I never get them to set correctly. There's always a weird edge or a dented part or they somehow set loosely and wobble a little. And once you've messed it up you can't easily reset. The cutting really isn't my issue.

I use a leather hole punch. Was helpful when I was punching holes in a corset that was made of a table cloth and fusible fleece 🤣

“Because hammer!” Nearly choked because I drinking right when you popped that in

From what I can tell, my grommet setter is somewhere between the cheap one and the crop-o-dile in terms of quality. It came as a set with an adjustable hole punch and a snap button tool, so I would highly recommend it, if it had any identifying markings whatsoever that told me the brand... 😅

This was a video I didn't know I needed or wanted, but I loved it and it definitely helped me. Thanks!

The smashing cutter that goes with the red tool is supposed to be used on a slightly softer surface. Wood is recommended, but I usually use a huge stack of newspapers. The idea is that the cutter cuts into the surface a bit, to ensure it cuts the fabric entirely. Kind of like when you're cutting celery with a dull knife and so not all of the fibers get cut, so you have to do it again with more force and probably damage your cutting board. My least favourite part of using those is having to use a thick pointy needle to excavate the fabric and newspaper from the end

Eyelets are the main piece you hammer down Grommets are main piece + washer Grommets feel way more stable and secure to me than just eyelets alone. GROMMETS FOR LIFE!

can I just say that watching this with CC's wwas a RIDE!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THEM SO AWESOME!!

This was really useful, thank you!! There’s now a Crop-o-dile in my save-for-later list. I’m still not sure that lacing is how I’m going to handle the trousers I want to alter, but it’s a much less intimidating option now for sure.

So for the longest time I hated all closures and only once i mastered ties and eyelets and putting them into clothes did I stop feeling like there was no hope. I like ties best for my personal texture issues

Another piece of equipment I didn’t know I wanted to step up my game.

Idk why I never considered that eyelets could be done with a hammer? All my brain conjures up is an old scrapbooking kit I had for eyelets that came with its own punch that you force clicked down to seal them in (it was super loud and scary for like 13year old me but it was exciting!) I wish I knew where that kit was now I wanna punch holes in something (productively)

I used 4 yards of wool suiting from a dead stock place in Atlanta called Fabric Joint (for locals its on Memorial.) I did this to make a quick drying mattress cover for menopause sweating. It dries quickly but i needed a way to not have it slip so I ised gromets from Harbor Freight and we used the setter to form the hole and cleaned it up w embroidery scissors and my bf had to do the hammering and we used a block of wood on the end grain to set them because the side grain was too soft and kept keeping them from closing around the fabric

I have a crop a dile from the time I was into scrapbooking. Now I can grab it and use it again😉

As someone who started with handsewn eyelets, I was so thrilled to have an excuse to use grommets and I love them. Also my downstairs neighbors are loud and sometimes I need to be loud back.

I mark the spacing and use a drop of FrayCheck then when it dries, I use a multi-size leather punch on the smallest size and stretch it with a pencil. I've never had a grommet pull out of any corset or costume. The grommets you get from the fabric store are low quality and have sharp edges.

I was contemplating using the grommet setter for leather snaps so this video is incredibly well timed and so helpful thank you

Back when I was reading all things Renaissance and later, there was a section of a book on clothing and how the different parts of an outfit were laced on, like the sleeves laced onto the bodice, which also laced up and the ribbons or cords used in all these lacings had to be very specific diameter along with their fancy metal tips. One contemporary memory of the time was the sound of quickly getting undressed whilst in the heat of passion, trying to get undressed in a hurry (while also trying to be quiet?) and how the almost whipping sound of fast unlacing only added to the fever of the participants.

I have never seen washers for grommets, that's interesting! What do you use them for? When I am doing sewn eyelets, I use knitting needles to make my holes. I increase the size of the needle to stretch the hole. Stretching the hole is preferable for sewn eyelets. The crop-a-dile is good for paper crafts too. I love it for grommets.

@gettheetothestitchery

8 ай бұрын

I'm not entirely sure what the washers are for... which is why I didn't use them! XD Knitting needles is a great awl replacement!

Can I just take a moment to not only thank you for this informative and entertaining content, but for remindimg me that I have a cropadile in my craft room that hasn't seen action in ages? Also, love the bravery of putting your feetses on the internet, weirdos be damned! 😂

every time you put your ankle up with the string ensemble music i cracked up hahaha

On this perfect, cozy, snowy day, this is exactly what I needed ❤ you're the best!

Happy holidays, Charlie! Great video! Could you please edit the description (more section) to include links for where you purchased these tools? Thank you very much! 💙💙💙

@gettheetothestitchery

8 ай бұрын

I found all of them on Amazon, and those sellers/prices are always changing, so I'd recommend digging around to find the best deal if you're looking for any of these tools!

My mom would say, eyelets for clothing & shoes, & grommets are for things like bags, curtains, tent.

Wanted to add that the cricket(s) you're hearing outside are probably tree frogs and the best way to get them to stop is to take the hose and spray it up into the branches of the nearest tree, if the water won't hurt anything nearby. The frogs will go check out the new moisture and probably stop their peeping.

I always thought the eyelet was the hole and the grommet was the casing for the eyelet. You can do eyelets in knitting and crochet and laser cut eyelets in leather work. I would be intrigued to try the hook ones on say the top few hooks on a corset so I could put it on easier. Oh and I’ve used clip grommets before for my curtains no tools or hammers required.

For hammering without damaging my table I use a cutting board!

Grommets are typically used for more heavy duty materials and usually are bigger in size. Eyelets are often used to finish off the opening for a drawstring casing

There is a crop a dile big bite that has a 6 inch reach. The hole punching aspect is a bit fiddly but the setting of eyelets is spot on. I haven't used it for anything other than eyelets but it might solve your hook problem.

today's weird faces brought to you by grommets

Why am I living for all the ankle shots

I have used grommets and eyelets for years never seen a crop-o-dile before but a Christmas gift idea now. I had a grommet press on my wish list for a little while.

This is both informative and delightful. I had no idea there were so many ways to lace garments. Looking for ward to part 2.

"The Riveting world of Grommets" XD

@gettheetothestitchery

8 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness how did I not think of this???

I could have used this video last week! I did my first attempt at adding grommets to an under-bust corset, and it turned out horribly. The backing didn't fuse right, and the grommets shred my lacing ribbon😪Your video is perfect for take two.

I had heard that the lacing hole part is called an 'eyelet', and then we have edge protection methods, metal 'grommets' being one of them. But english is not my first language so who knows

I think the press would work for when you're at home so you don't get carpal tunnel and the pink one would be great if you have to take your project on the go and want to pack light!

There are hole punches in different sizes that one can purchase - meant for paper crafts, but you can (and I have) use them on fabric prior to grommet installation. :)

I have had that tool for a few months and I didn't try it because I was scared to do it. I will try it tomorrow. Thanks for your video. Very well explained.

Ah the speed laces. They actually have a special die for presses like your grommet press, but they cost a mint. A shame since they're such a nice lacing method for boots. I used a style like what you used, and I ended up using chicago screws instead of their rivets.

I hated doing grommets until I got the big machine. As a totally uncoordinated person I spent time swearing after I hit my own hand instead of the grommets. I was interested in the crop-a-dile, but I have arthritis in my hands. I'd rather save my hands for sewing and embroidery.

I have had the cheap boy one from my mom for several years now, never used it yet… but I had no idea there were so many different lacing options! I absolutely love your videos, I always learn so much! ❤

That little hammer punch thing is shaped like that to allow you to clean out the tiny fabric holes

In the vein of faster, I was watching your thread selection for the castle. What I do is get a heck of a big closing ring, or you might want 1 for whatever you deem a section, then put the thread on in numerical order. I also wrap my skeins on those paper wrappers and I have plastic boxes similar to yours and, again, sort them numerically. Especially when you have the huge thread guide card like yours, you don't need them separated into colors. If that's how you prefer it, you can still use the card method numerically, just in colors like you have. If you don't want to use cards, you can still sting them through the loops as the skeins come. I then put them in a closable bag such as a make up bag, to keep them clean and together. (I have parrots, parrots love thread, I cannot stitch with said parrots, said parrots are the dustiest type of parrot there is that it why I need to put them in a bag, the thread, jot the parrot..no parrot dust, no parrot beaks.) I find the closable (mine are metal) loops much faster. I know why some don't like the card, they can crease the thread but I've just used cold water and a damp sponge if they are really creased because I haven't used them fast enough and then press them -- I've had no problems, just make sure you let them dry but not much moisture is needed. Not sure if it's useful or useless information on 'how I do' but there it is.

You mentioned we could tell you about more options, and two came to mind because I used them both for a recent Italian renaissance outfit. The first one is alternative sewn eyelet, a lot of modern machines actually have an eyelets sewing stitch (similar to the button hole stitch). And my favorite is to use lacing rings, they're similar to the d-ring eyelets in function, but its just a little ring (or a fun shape like a heart) hand sewn on the inside or outside of the garments, depending on taste. You can even have hidden lacing points (like the hidden ribbon lacing points int he next video) if you sew the lacing rings farther back on the underside of the garment. Loved the videos, I learned a ton and will be referencing back to these videos pretty frequently I imagine

The Hammered hole punch should be done over a rubber mat for best results.I did that with leather. There is also a tool with a rotary dial to cut holes and press the gromet. If that's the direction you want to go.

This just looks like the start of ankle corsets to me

@gettheetothestitchery

8 ай бұрын

Gotta snatch those ankles... XD

That was great! The only thing I will add is that the cheapy version sometimes is so very cheaply made that the handles bend! Making it a waste of money! Once you get over your greystone moment you have to go back to the hammer! It always gives out in the middle of something!

When your doing the hooks, try starting in the center and working your way out so the don't get in the way of the tool.

Loved this. I inherited a grommet tool from my late MIL. I don't know why she had one; as far as I can tell, she never made anything with grommets, but I did not meet her until she was in her 60s, so what the heck do I know?! But I kept it, because (1) I am a pack rat; (2) you never know, I might need it some day; and (3) I do treasure the things she left behind, including her son. And yes, not all MILs are as wonderful as mine was.

Strong flashbacks to Bernadette Banner's Victorian ankle OnlyFans :) Loved all this detail actually, it definitely makes gromets less intimidating!

The cheap one got me 😂😂😂

So I do a lot of random crafts, including leather working and sewing. It looks like the piece that came with the cheapo grommet setter is missing the actual cutting cones used to punch a hole through the fabric (or leather). I have my own and it came with a set of different sized pieces to screw in. Fun fact: that slot is to easily remove the punched out bits of leather! I always learn something from your videos- I'm going to have to look into those D-ring grommets because those would look so choice in my area of crafting (I do a lot in the Post Apocalypse genre)

Some tips and tricks. Hole Punches - do not use them on metal. the cutting edge of a hole punch will dull immediately if you smash it against metal. Soooo what you do is get a block of wood and punch the hole with the cutting edge going into the END GRAIN of the wood block, not across the grain. If you are using a leather punch/pliers make sure to put a piece of cardstock (cereal box any thin cardboard will do) between the fabric and the metal base so the hole punch has to go through the fabric then into the cardstock. It will make a distinctive SNAP when it makes it all the way through. That way the fabric gets the hole completely punched out and no "hanging chad" situation that you have to use pointy scissors to complete. Next - The giant cast iron grommet setter uses grommets that are sharp enough on the edges to do the hole punching all in one movement. It is a life saver. BUT you do not need the base, nor do you need to screw it onto a sturdy surface. I carry mine to camp where I offer tent & tarp repairs. You just need a solid wood surface. Never hammer or use Grommet setter on concrete/brick/wood floors. Not only does it not offer the softness/give you need when setting it can also crack the concrete/brick or dent your floors. I do most of this on my wood deck. Next - You may need the washers. Those are to push your fabric against something in case it is too thin. When putting eyelets into silk/rayon/gauze I have to cut a secondary swatch to thicken up the area where the grommet needs to hold. The washer will take the place of those extra layers of fabric swatches. I use this method more with the tents/tarps that I make so the grommet area is reinforced to handle wind whipping it up and down. I do make costumes as well for over 50 years so these are just the tricks I've learned with trial and error. Good luck.

The nub forms the grommet by flaring it out 😊

Such great info. I love these ‘try everything’ videos since I have 0 patients to test things.

I hope to get a Cropadile soon! I was working at Michael's when it came out, and I thought it was only for paper or really thin fabric used in scrapbooking. 😂 Thanks for another amazing video. I can't wait to see all the others.

Glad to know I'm not the only one that has trouble with those cheapy (red handled) grommet pliers. I really need to invest in a grommet press 🤦🏽‍♀️

That tool looks great! I hate placing grommets or eyelets with a hammer

I always LOVE your videos and this one has such perfect timing for the project I am currently working on ♥So, thank you! Your hard work on this video is greatly appreciated!

I use a hole cutting bit on my drill/screw gun. They are made to cut holes in fabric. The set i got had various sizes. I've made 6 corsets using this tool and it is a game changer.

This is awesome, thank you so much!

That was super helpful, thanks!

This is sooo weird. I've just found your channel last week and just been looking at the green machine here and here you are with a video 😂 are you spying on me

Love how you model your grommets

The last two you did are absolutely rivets and not eyelets/ grommets. Your table press is interesting. I have a Kam Snaps brand press that I adore. Its more expensive but it has a gigantic variety of dies available; plastic snaps, plastic snaps removal, hole cutters, metal ring snaps, rivets, grommets, magnetic snaps, key fob press plates... I would definitely recommend getting an awl for hole making. Hand sewn (all kinds really) eyelets are stronger when the fibers are pushed aside instead of being cut. Granted, the bigger grommets (1/2" or more) need a snip.

Oooh, I may need to get a crocodile punch 😂

My intuition is that an "eyelet" is the hole in the fabric, and the "grommet" is the metal thing that is reinforcing the eyelet.... Because you can reinforce an eyelet with stitches as well? BUT I KNOW NOTHING SO. I've never made eyelets before but it feels so much less scary after this video! I might need to check out the Crop-o-Dile! :o

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy and be Blessed xxx

I did not realize a crop a dile could be used on fabric!!!

Wow! Great vid. Now i can do gromms! Thanks