Grommets and washers reinforce eyeholes in fabric similarly to eyelets. Compared to one-piece eyelets, they are much more robust and offer a cleaner appearance. It may be necessary to strengthen your material if it is lightweight. However, we will discuss in this article the alternatives to grommets.
Using Instead Of Grommets
You can use some substitutes if you do not have grommets or grommet-setting tools, but you need to install a grommet into your fabric application. Don’t worry, there are some effective alternatives to a grommet. The other options are advantageous, and they even have some added benefits. We’ll discuss some of the grommet alternatives. Let’s discuss this.
1. PowerTabs
PowerTabs are made of a polyethylene-based composite film backed with adhesive, just like Banner Tabs. The method provides a simple, economical, and robust alternative to grommets for mounting banners. There is no need for sewing or Grommeting Tools.
BravoTabs are square and are suitable for corners and edges. Banner mounts made from clear plastic are invisible. In addition to banners, these tabs are ideal for corrugated plastic, paper, foamboard, and other textiles.
2. Webbing Loop
Do not give up if the instructions require the installation of a grommet. If you don’t have grommets and grommet installation tools, you can still complete your project without them. Occasionally, you can help if you state a grommet for a sewn loop. You simply sewed a webbing loop to the edge of your fabric application.
Using a sturdy box X stitch, sew the doubled webbing layer. The stitch pattern we are discussing is one of the most robust common stitch patterns, with a strength level equal to that of a grommet. And the best choice is to use outdoor polyester or PTFE thread if your fabric is exposed to the sun for a prolonged period.
3. D-Ring
A great alternative to the grommet is the D-ring. You can also use D rings instead of grommets if you want. However, Grommets will generally last longer than D-Rings since no stitching is involved. Continuous tugging on the thread stitching used to attach the D-Ring to the tarp may eventually lead to stitching failure. UV rays and moisture can also weaken thread over time.
You may have experienced grommet issues with cheap tarps in the past. And this rarely happens with our tarps because the grommets are hydraulically punched into the durable seat belt base. So, the bottom line is that grommets tend to outperform D-rings over the long term.
4. Stitching
It would help if you used the smallest needle to accommodate the thread and a yard of thick lines—the use of scissors or a thread snipper to create eyelets. To wind the yarn around in the hole, you need something capable of incorporating the line.
Create a ring in the center by stitching several widely spaced “spokes” around the hole. Repeat the process a few times, gently tightening it each time. Ensure that whatever is intended to pass through the hole fits appropriately. It should be a little tight. To put each spoke in, just give the thread through the hole and back through the surrounding fabric.
5. Eyelet
A metal eyelet comprises two rings with prongs that form a strong bond when forced together. Grommets are similar. Heavy-duty grommets are usually giant and used for more heavy-duty materials.
An eyelet finishes off the opening for a drawstring casing. Although a buttonhole will serve the same purpose, an eyelet will look more professional. Using eyelets as lace on various garment parts or purely decorative elements is also possible.
What’s the Difference Between Grommets and Eyelets?
People mistakenly confuse Grommets with eyelets. However, these are two different types of closures. Heavy-duty materials typically require grommets, while lightweight fabrics require eyelets. Despite this, grommets are still used on thinner fabrics in clothing and décor because they can add an appealing touch.
Typically, eyelets consist of a circular t-shaped piece punctured through the material and flattened down by an eyelet press. In contrast, grommets are constructed from two separate washer-type rings. With the help of a grommet press, coils are placed on either side of the material and set together.
Unlike eyelets, grommets are available in a wide range of sizes. There is only one size of eyelet available, which is 3/16”. But grommets come in all sorts of diameters, large and small, from ⅛” to 1 ½” holes.
What Tool For Installing Grommets?
The grommet installation tool has to match the grommet size. However, an easy solution to this problem is to purchase a grommet tool kit. The best thing you can do when installing a grommet for the first time is to buy a grommet kit. The reason why? You do not need to worry about the tool matching the grommet size.
Grommet tool kits include an anvil and hole punch, a grommet setter, and washers. A small set I got for myself consists of the anvil as the small base, the hole puncher, and the grommet setter as the stick. Different manufacturers offer slightly different instructions but usually come with a short guide.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Which is Stronger, Eyelet or the Grommet?
A grommet is a much more robust alternative to an eyelet and is commonly used in situations where a more solid and long-lasting hold is required. Examples include permanent signage, curtains, and drapes.
Are Grommets The Same As Eyelets?
There is a difference between a grommet and an eyelet, although they are sometimes used interchangeably. It is important to note that the tiny stack of hardware on the right consists only of single, identical pieces, which are eyelets. Grommets come in two parts per set, a grommet, and a washer.
How Do You Reinforce Fabric for Grommets?
I usually support the fabric by adding a piece of interfacing at the back to prevent it from ripping. It is possible to use a scrap piece of mid-weight fusible interfacing, such as Vilene H250 or fusible fleece, for smaller projects and grommets. It is also possible to use Canvas!
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed 5 alternative methods of replacing grommets. You will require grommets, eyelets, or other alternatives if you are band-building a sail, tarp, boat awning, or flag. Banner Ups, Webbing Loop, D- Ring, and Eyelets are inexpensive alternatives to grommets. Thanks for reading our short and informative writing about an alternative to installing grommets on your fabric project.
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