Eyelets are rings of two elements for fixing part of the fabric between them. Nowadays, it is a universal device used in many areas. The ring holds its shape perfectly, so it adds strength to the fastening. For the textile industry, eyelets have become indispensable elements. Clothing designers have repeatedly used the structure of overlays to emphasize the beauty of the product. Due to the multidisciplinary use, eyelets have acquired all sorts of proportions. In some cases a flat leg is needed, and in other cases a high leg is needed. The width of the product is also very different: it is designed for both thick ropes and thin laces. In industry, high-strength linings made from modified materials are used. Eyelets are distinguished by shape, although the most widely used is the classic ring-shaped one. In some cases, the installation of eyelets is done by hand. Public master classes will help with this.
Eyelets: history of appearance
The likely timing of the grommets' appearance remains unknown. It is known that this happened a very long time ago, perhaps during the times of Ancient Greece. Scientists do not know the language in which this word appeared, much less the inventor of this device. The appearance of the grommet is associated with the use of wind power, and the term itself refers to the hole in the sail for threading the fastening threads. In ancient times, this is how the rigging of a ship was formed. Nowadays, the term has expanded its meaning. Now this is an option for strengthening the edges of holes that are less strong than the cable passing through them.
The grommet is often used as a decorative device rather than a means to strengthen the material. Examples include linings in leather products, fiberboard, and foam board. A modern grommet is a mechanism made of a washer and a shaped sleeve. In this case, the material used is mainly metal or plastic.
How to install shoe eyelets (blocks) at home?
Shoe eyelets (blocks) without a ring, on the tubular part there are notches in the form of a crown. When flaring, the notches fit tightly directly into the leather (or other material) in the form of a daisy.
Tools:
- block;
- special nozzle;
- press;
- hammer;
Installation requires a press and a special matrix attachment. The nozzle consists of two parts: upper and lower. The lower part should be equal in diameter to the size of the shoe block. If the flaring is not perfect, use a hammer to correct the errors. When installing without a press, use a hammer.
Application area
The part is widely used in the production of clothing, shoes and accessories. Shoelaces for tying shoes, belt tongues, and laces for bags are threaded into it. Another area of application is parachuting, where fastening reliability plays a very important role. The awning fixing cables are also threaded into the eyelets. This use case can be seen on tourist tents, marquees, and large trucks. The device is also known to signal makers who are familiar with the arrangement of street advertising: banners with large format printing, banners, etc.
Eyelets have not bypassed the office, where sheets of paper are sealed with the help of these parts. Heavy draped curtains are also hung on these holes. At the same time, the product is still relevant for sailing ships, but now these are either private yachts or sports vessels. The device is also called a block, which is not entirely correct, because the design consists of a ring and a bushing, which is also called a block.
The grommet sleeve is also called the leg and block, the washer is called a ring, sometimes a cap.
Advantages and disadvantages of application
This is a functional device with obvious advantages. Firstly, they facilitate the process of putting on, taking off, and attaching. Eyelets also diversify and decorate the design, especially since models of different shapes have appeared. However, a round structure resists deformation best. The grommet is easy to use, so any type of work can be done quickly and without complications. This is a very useful and cheap part with a large distribution, and it is also easy to manufacture. Among the shortcomings, the first thing that appears is damage to the material that is being strengthened. A careless or sudden movement of the lace can cause the eyelet to fly out, at the same time damaging the integrity of the fabric. If we talk about use on curtains and tulles, metal parts make a lot of noise. The hinge fastening method is more convenient in this regard. A common problem is color deterioration, but this depends on the specific material.
Manufacturing technology
The technology for making curtains with eyelets includes several stages. Let's look at a manufacturing master class.
Calculation of the required material
The main elements of curtains on rings are the waves of drapery. To get such waves you need a woven product that is about three meters wide. You shouldn’t save money, otherwise it will affect your appearance. The width, which is four meters, is too much. The whole structure will look bulky. As for the length, it is selected individually.
Slicing Process
The next manufacturing stage is the processing of sections. You must remember to tuck the edges of the selected material. Therefore, you need to add four centimeters on the sides and bottom, and also about 5-6 centimeters from the top. To calculate the amount of material for the hem in the upper part, you should pay attention to the density of the fabric. The thicker the fabric is, the larger the hem should be. According to the recommendations of experts, the hem on dense fabric should be thirteen centimeters.
Also pay attention to the diameter because it is directly related to the bar. The diameter should be one and a half centimeters - this will help the curtains move freely.
Materials and tools
To do the sewing you need:
The number of eyelets must be precise to ensure beautiful waves of drapery.
It is worth immediately determining the required distance between the rings. The distance between the eyelets depends on how deep the pleats you want. For deep relief folds, the distance between the rings should be 22-23 centimeters, for soft folds - 14-16 centimeters. If there is a huge gap between the eyelets, the fabric will sag. The average interval is 18 centimeters.
When attaching two thick, heavy curtains (drapes) to the bar, the assemblies should be laid in a mirror image. This is necessary in order to maintain symmetry.
It is imperative to calculate the offset from the top. In this case it depends on the density of the fabric. If soft material is used, then the bend should be six centimeters. In this case, the eyelets should be four centimeters.
Marking fabric for eyelets
Before installation, make sure that the curtain is ready. By done we mean the edges are finished and the top of the material is reinforced with tape. Marking the product is the most important procedure. First we need to make marks in the places where we install the grommets. In these places, cutouts for the holes are carefully made.
Installation of eyelets and their snapping occurs on both sides. There is no need to use special tools. But using a punch and flaring tool would make the job easier and faster.
Types and materials
The overlays come in standard round, square and various shapes. Manufacturers also produce polygon eyelets and animal figures. The variety depends on the overall design intent and purpose for a specific application. If grommets of the required shape are not found, a separate special order will be required. Based on the material used, there are metal, plastic and wooden linings. In the fashion industry, the plastic version is more often used. They are easier to attach and cheaper. Metal parts are more reliable, but make more noise. If a metal strip is threaded through the holes, it will scratch and wear out. However, for large objects like tents it is better to use metal options. Wooden overlays are useful for a certain interior, for example, simultaneously with the use of aged furniture.
Self-installation without special tools
In the process you will need:
- Determine the required distances on the tape for the eyelets.
- Prepare the tape.
- Install grommet parts.
To do your own fastening, it is enough to have a ruler, a hammer and some kind of stabbing device, for example, a hole punch, on hand. First, distances are calculated. There are recommendations regarding the spacing between the top edge and the center of the grommet, between the pads themselves, and also regarding the optimal diameter. In any case, the eyelet parts are placed at the same height. The next thing is to cut the ribbon, fold it with the wrong edges inward and iron it. The braid must cool before attaching to the base material. Unnecessary fragments are also removed. In the future you will need glue and an iron. Installation of the eyelets themselves begins with marking. Moreover, it is advisable to first practice on some material. Next comes the precise and meticulous process of fixing the lining in the hole. To normalize the fastening you will need a hammer.
Calculation of the distance between eyelets
Self-calculation is usually needed at home to determine the installation location on the curtains. A miscalculation will cost damaged property. First you need to determine the possible number of holes. In any case, we are talking about an even number so that the edges of the curtain look in one direction. Then, when hanging, you will need to choose the direction towards the window. The same distance is left between each eyelet - for curtains it can be 17 cm. We are talking about the distance between the centers of the holes. The minimum is 15 and the maximum is 22 cm. The minimum allowable interval to the edge of the curtain is between 5 and 7 centimeters. If you ignore this rule, there is a high probability that the overlay will not fasten. The processing should include 12 cm at the top, 5 cm for the hem at the bottom and 2 cm at the sides, as well as the internal and external diameters of the holes at 35 and 55 mm.
As a result, you need to calculate:
- Eyelet diameter.
- Spacing between eyelets.
- The distance from the outer overlays to the edge of the fabric.
Using grommet tape
Reinforcing tapes come in one- and two-layer types. They differ in the number of pasted sides. To select the ideal width, add at least 2 cm to the outer diameter. In this case, transparent tapes are chosen for thin curtains. The braid should be ironed at a minimum heating temperature. Next, we glue it in short sections with a delay of 8-12 seconds each. Tight adhesion of the grommet tape to the fabric is ensured by light pressing. There is no need to touch the material during the fastening process, otherwise the braid will lie askew. Theoretically, the sealing tape can be secured with small needles. When it comes to washing curtains with grommets, you should choose the delicate cycle at a water temperature of about 20 °C. It is not recommended to turn on the spin cycle, as it will have a bad effect on the tape. If the pads are made of plastic, you will have to refrain from using chemical cleaners.
Installation technique
First, we mark the places on the paper or on the fabric itself. Before punching holes, make sure that the holes of the pads and the hole punch meet. In any case, the diameter of the latter should be inferior to the eyelets so that they do not fall out later. Small holes, in turn, are made with an awl or a stationery knife. In any case, we treat the area under the holes with an adhesive composition even before punching. When the hole is ready, carefully insert the grommet into it, with the cap on the front side. To prevent damage, place a metal ruler or sheet of iron on the substrate. Next, we place paper with a grommet on the backing, so that the legs look up. Then we insert a flattening tool into the leg with pre-opened or cut edges. At the end, we hit the tool with a hammer, which is inserted into the leg - the grommet is secured.
Important to remember
To install the fittings correctly, pay attention to the following points:
- It is better to do the work on a wooden surface. Do not place fabric on rubber, the fasteners may become deformed;
- the distance between the centers of the eyelets should range from 15-22 cm. From the side edge of the curtain to the center of the first element - 5-7 cm;
- do not leave a large gap on the side, the curtain will hang on the rod unattractively;
- if you have two curtain rods, consider the distance between the rods so that the fabrics do not touch;
- lay out fittings only on ironed material;
- Make sure that the edge of the fastener does not touch the seam, otherwise the grommet will not close.
Installing eyelets with your own hands is not difficult. Follow the advice from our article, be careful in your calculations and purchase suitable fabric, then any housewife will envy your curtains.
Installation using specialized tools
You will need tongs and a press. In addition, the construction supply store will have a set of punches - this will partially solve the problem of creating large holes. If eyelets are needed to support heavy curtains, then the openings are made as wide as possible. The sizes of the linings and the diameter of the hole are marked. For example, the length of the grommet element bushing directly depends on the thickness of the material being processed. If we are talking about weighty textured draperies, you will need a grommet with the largest leg. The size of the lining on the marking is indicated by the letter L, and the diameter of the sleeve and, accordingly, the hole - by the letter D. The smallest eyelets are attached using balls or rounded steel rods. The ends of the rods can be processed on a lathe. Metal axles with a tapered end and a diameter larger than the lining are also suitable.
List of potentially necessary tools and devices:
- bearing balls;
- rods;
- forceps;
- rubber mat;
- stationery knife;
- marker;
- sheet of iron;
- ruler;
- hammer.
Tips for installing grommets on a canvas awning
For awnings, linings are selected from a high-strength plasticized mixture. The surface of the parts must be nickel-plated or galvanized. In this case, installation can be carried out using professional equipment. The unit for welding two parts of the lining is best suited for these purposes. The machine guarantees fast and high-quality soldering. For installation on a tarpaulin awning, flaring and a punch are used. A separate roller is provided for each grommet option. But besides them, you can use a compact hand press. In this case, the need for impact force will disappear, and ordinary compression will suffice. In addition, the press comes complete with attachments and settings for the type and size of eyelet parts. The implementation of this installation method does not require physical strength or skills. The listed fixation methods can be used when installing street advertising banners.
How to Prepare a Tarp
First, select an awning of the required thickness and size. Next, we prepare the tools: a hammer, a punch, a marker, a pencil, a ruler - the devices necessary for punching holes. Using a ruler and pencil, we determine and immediately mark the places where we will subsequently install the eyelets. The size of the marks should be equal to the diameter of the ring. We apply everything evenly, making sure that the distances between adjacent elements correspond to the same value. After this, we take a hammer with a punch and begin to form openings in the tarpaulin according to the drawn marks. You should immediately decide on the distance from the edges, as well as the height of the placement of the overlays, so as not to cut out unnecessary holes. Before breaking through, we fold the awning in half for greater reliability of future fastening. Before creating the openings, we place a wooden board under the tarpaulin to absorb the impact of the hammer on the punch.
If the material is thin, it is better to use brass or plastic washers.
Basic recommendations: how to wash?
· curtains should be washed separately from other items
· if the curtains are massive, then it is better to wash them one at a time - the product should move freely in the drum. Tightly packed curtains will not be able to be washed properly.
· use a liquid version of the detergent for washing - it will help to avoid powder stains that were not washed out after rinsing.
· after washing, thoroughly wipe the fittings, especially metal ones, with a dry cloth to avoid rust.
· you cannot wash curtains in a machine if the product purchased in the store has an icon of a crossed out square with a circle inside it.
· Curtains with eyelets must be removed from the machine immediately to prevent the rings from oxidizing.
· for high-quality and convenient ironing, place several chairs next to the ironing board to make working with large fabric easier.
· It is better to start ironing the curtain from the areas of fabric around the eyelets, carefully moving down the curtain.
