How to insert eyelets in fabric projects

One of my latest patterns was a wonderful opportunity to sew lots of different pieces. Isn’t it great when a simple technique allows you to sew such variety of projects: pouches, boxes and baskets, gift bags, tote bags, shopping bags?

I made 26 pouches, baskets and boxes for this pattern and the pieces below are my favorite ones.
With just a little additional effort, some eyelets and a piece of ribbon, I turned tall boxes into gift bags. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn something new.

In case installing eyelets is something new for you, here is a tutorial on how to do it,  with pliers or hand tools.

Some time ago I bought this Prym Vario Plus set. It comes with the Vario pliers and different types of eyelets and fastenings.

You can buy the pliers and fastening sets separately; all sets come with tools for installing (you need a hammer) and for most sets (depending on the size of fastening) these tools are compatible with the pliers. The 4mm, 5 mm and 8 mm eyelets come with tools compatible with the pliers. Bigger size tools (11 mm, 14 mm)  can’t be used with the pliers.

The VARIO pliers comes with these cutting tools for punching 3 mm (1/8 inch) and 4 mm (just a little more than 1/8”)  holes.
See below how they are inserted into pliers …

…
and how to punch holes- squeeze the pliers firmly, with the pointed tool on top of the fabric piece.

For punching holes you can also use this revolving punch pliers – it works great and punches holes in different sizes from 2 mm  (1/16”) to 5 mm (3/16”).

This plastic piece below is used to remove the tools when you need to switch to different tools.

Here is how to install these small, simple (no washers), 4mm eyelets. These are the tools needed that come with the Vario set. Insert them into the pliers.

It is best to make a hole smaller than the size of the eyelet.  If you use the revolving pliers, insert the eyelet into the pins (see the red arrow below) until you find the best size.

Push the eyelet through the hole, from the right side of the piece.  Turn the piece on the back side – the post of the eyelet is visible on this side of the piece.
My fabric is interfaced with Bosal foam, you need to use some kind of fusible interfacing with your fabric.

Place eyelet+fabric (back side up) in the white plastic tool; squeeze the pliers as tight as you can, until you feel the eyelet is set.

Here is the look of the eyelet from the front and back side of the fabric piece.

Here is how to install the 11 mm eyelets (0.43”- 7/16”); these eyelets come in a package with tools that do not fit the Vario plier, so you have to use a hammer.
The white plastic disc tool has two sides, the grooved side you see below is the setting side, the other side is flat and it is used for cutting the hole. There are other two metal parts, one is used for cutting the hole and the one for setting the eyelet.
These eyelets have washers.

Mark location for eyelet on your piece. Position the white disc (flat side up) under the fabric piece;  you will use the cutting tool for cutting the hole.

Position this tool over mark; strike the tool with the hammer several times to cut the hole in fabric.

Insert the eyelet from the right side.

On the back side place the washer on the eyelet post. Use the grooved side of the white plastic disc…

…and place it under the eyelet. Place the setting tool in eyelet post…

Strike tool with hammer several times to set the eyelet.

This is the look of the eyelet from the right and wrong side of the fabric piece.

One more idea!
If you work with different sizes and types of fastenings, it is best to store them in separate boxes/tins to keep them organized. Also, keep the original package, it shows the size of the fastening and on the back there are some succinct installation instructions.

Inserting eyelets is easy task if you have the tools and instructions at hand.  I hope this helps. Let me know if you would like these instructions into a pdf for printing.

Curious about my latest patterns? 40 quick, fun, and easy projects here.

Happy sewing!