Attaching eyelets: A perfect step-by-step guide

Attaching eyelets can be a real challenge on the first try. With our step-by-step guide, you will master the art of setting eyelets with ease.

Key points at a glance

• How are eyelets attached with a hammer?
• How does attaching eyelets with the Prym Vario Tool work?
• How to perfectly reinforce fabric at the eyelet position

In this guide, you will learn how to attach eyelets—using both a hammer and the Prym Vario Tool. Eyelets are not only functional for accommodating hoodie drawstrings, cords, or ribbons, but they can also enhance many projects decoratively. That’s why it’s a super great idea to learn how to attach them.

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My biggest mistake when setting eyelets? The stubborn refusal to follow the instruction manual. Somehow, you always think you'll do it right intuitively, right? ;) Well. I've ruined many a beautiful sewing project that way. :) By special request, here is how it works without a lot of fuss. #nähenmachtglücklich #nähen #sew #sewcialist #sewingtime #nähsüchtig #madetocreate #nähutensilien #nähenistwiezaubernkönnen #nähenistmeinyoga #nähenistliebe #nähenisttoll #nähenistmeinhobby

A post shared by Sabine (@sewsimple.de) on Nov 9, 2020 at 10:17 PST

Video Tutorial: Attaching Eyelets

Reading tip: Prym Tools and how to use them

Photo Tutorial: Attaching eyelets with Prym

A simple way to attach eyelets is with a hammer. Alternatively, instead of the plastic tool, you can use the Prym pliers.

You will need:

• Eyelets with tools^*
• Hammer
• Shock-absorbing surface (e.g., cork tile)

Assembling the tool

Before you attach the first eyelet, assemble your tool.

Take a closer look at the plastic part. One side is slightly beveled. This side faces up. The flat side will rest firmly underneath later when setting the eyelet.

Now you can insert the two metal parts:

Punching the hole in the fabric

With this tool, you can now punch a hole in the fabric (we used faux leather).

Remember: The flat side of the tool goes on the bottom. Make sure to strike the metal part in the middle straight from above—not from the side. Otherwise, it will end up crooked. ;)

Swap metal for plastic

Now swap one of the metal parts for the plastic part.

The second metal part stays where it is.

This is what it looks like then:

The eyelet itself consists of two parts. Place them on the tool as shown in the photo.

Slide the flat part under the hole

Now carefully slide the flat part of the tool under the pre-punched hole and push the metal rim of the eyelet through the hole.

Carefully fold the top part of the tool over it. Make sure the eyelet piece doesn't shift. Hold everything firmly while closing the tool!

Time for the hammer

Press together firmly and strike hard 3–4 times with the hammer.

And: Always strike directly from above, not from the side!

The result

This is what it looks like from the front:

And from the back:

Worked well, right?

Alternatively, you can also use the Prym pliers^*. In that case, the tool parts are simply inserted into the pliers. That's a bit easier than using the hammer. And often more precise, too.

To be safe, you should practice a few times on a fabric scrap before decorating your freshly sewn bags with eyelets. Then you'll be on the safe side! ;)

Photo Tutorial: Attaching eyelets with the Vario Tool

For those who frequently enjoy using eyelets, rivets, and Kam Snaps in their sewing projects, purchasing a Vario Tool^* is worth it. The Vario Tool is the further development of the Prym pliers.

You need:

• Eyelets
• Vario Tool with matching eyelet tool
• Interfacing to reinforce the fabric (here: Decovil I light)

The right tool is essential so that the equipment and eyelets fit together perfectly. Only then will attaching the eyelets work out. I used eyelets with a diameter of 11 millimeters here and selected the appropriate tool:

Punching a hole in the fabric

Reinforce the fabric at the eyelet position.

Insert the punching tool into the Prym Vario Tool.

Punch a hole in the fabric at the eyelet position by pressing the tool together firmly.

Now insert the eyelet tool.

Push the eyelet from the right side through the hole you just made.

Place the eyelet ring from the left side onto the eyelet shaft.

Now you can firmly squeeze the eyelet tool to secure the eyelet.

By the way: You can also sew eyelets—did you know that? You can find instructions for it here on my blog!

By the way, you can use eyelets not only as a functional element, for example for bags or hoodies, but also as a decorative eye-catcher.

Excursion: Reinforcing eyelets correctly

You surely know the worst-case scenario: You've attached fancy eyelets and zap! They pull out of the fabric during the first wash or the first wear. Very nasty. And often almost impossible to repair because hoods etc. are sewn with linings.

But: Help is on the way. In the form of interfacing pro Jeannette Knake. She has put together a practical table for us that you can use to find the right interfacing for reinforcing your fabric for eyelets in no time at all.

Conclusion: Attaching eyelets is child's play

My favorite method: Attaching eyelets with the Prym Vario Tool. Since I've owned one, I enjoy working with eyelets, rivets, etc. much more, because fastening the eyelets has become much easier.
And if you use the right tool, absolutely nothing can go wrong.

So: Be brave and embellish your sewing projects with colorful eyelets and cool rivets! Don't know how the rivets work? Then read our blog post on the topic of attaching rivets!

Happy simple sewing, your Sabine