Grommets vs. Eyelets

"What is the difference between Grommets and Eyelets?"

Well, that depends on the grommets and the eyelets you are comparing. They are basically the same thing. Some people say that eyelets don't have washers but that's not a fact of all eyelets...only of some brands.

Grommets and eyelets at typically made of some type of metal (though plastic do exist), they're typically a circular short tube with a "flange" (flat end). 

 I use them primarily for the back of corsets, they strengthen the holes that the lacing goes through. The tube of the grommet or eyelet goes through the hole from the "right side of the fabric", so you'll see the flange on the outside of the garment. 

A washer looks a bit like the "flange" of the grommet or eyelet but without the tube. The washer goes on the "wrong side" of the fabric or on the "inside" of the garment. The washer keeps the grommet or eyelet secure during lacing and inhibits the grommet or eyelet pulling out of the fabric. Using fusible interfacing on the "wrong side" of the fabric also helps. Washers should always be used with grommets and eyelets unless the grommet and eyelet are just decorative.

Grommets are available in brass (gold colour), nickel (silver colour) and matte black (gunmetal). washers are included and match the colour of the grommet.

Eyelets are available in brass (gold colour), nickel (silver colour), antique brass, shiny black (made of aluminum), white (made of aluminum) and matte silver (aluminum).  Washers are sold separately and are matte silver (aluminum). Aluminum does not corode when exposed to persperation which makes it a great choice for corsets that are worn alot or exposed to other moister.

It's important to note that grommets and eyelets are not universal in size. Meaning not all grommets listed as size #00 can be set with the same grommet setter. You need to have the grommet setter that was designed and engineered to set the grommet brand you have otherwise you risk a poorly set grommet or worse...a grommet stuck onto your grommet setter, which means your garment is stuck on to!

www.farthingales.on.ca

Grommet Setting

Basic Grommet Setting Tips

1. Always test your setting technique on scrap of the same fabric and same number of layers.
2. When hammer setting, always work on a stable surface which will not flex with the pounding of the hammer. The floor is the best surface but can be awkward.
3. Work slowly and carefully. It is impossible to "unset" a grommet.
4. The grommet goes on the "right side" or "outside" of the garment and the washer goes on the inside.
5. Always use a washer!
6. Only use rubber or rawhide mallets.

Grommet Machines

The grommet machine sets grommets perfectly and with ease. It is however quite large and not to be considered a mobile unit. It requires three screws (not included) in order to be mounted onto a table. As it functions on the principle of leverage it must be mounted on a table in order to work effectively.

The machine and the dies for setting the grommets are sold separately. We stock only size #00 dies but other sizes are available by "Special Order"

INSTRUCTIONS

SETTING GROMMETS

A) By Machine
1. Punch hole in fabric	2. Place the washer over the spike in the bottom die. It is slightly concave on one side and this side should face upward. Pretend it has to hold a drop of water.
3. Fit the grommet through the hole in the fabric. Place the grommet and fabric onto the spike of the lower die, fabric side down.	4. Slowly pull the lever down so that the grommet sets evenly.
B) With Pliers
Punch hole in fabric with included hole punch. Use rubber mallet. Place grommet through hole in fabric. Pliers should be in your hand with the longest center "probe" coming up from the bottom jaw. Place the fabric and grommet on this with the grommet against the jaw, the fabric upper most and the probe through the grommet hole. Slowly squeeze the pliers shut to attain an even set. NOTE: We have found that the shank of grommet is not always long enough on this kit and that a rough finish can result. This could be uncomfortable next to the skin and a placket may be required to finish the garment.
C) With Hammer Punch Tool
Hammer Setting Kits require a rubber or rawhide hammer which is NOT included. Punch hole in fabric with included hole punch. Place grommet through the hole in the fabric. Place grommet and fabric, with grommet on bottom, onto the round metal disk. Grommet should rest in the circular groove found on the top of the disk.	Place washer over grommet with fabric in between. Place the steel setting tool over the washer with the "probe" entering the grommet and washer hole.
Be sure all pieces are in place and hammer 3-4 times.	Grommets can be purchased at www.farthingales.on.ca