If you are a DIY artist, a tailor, or simply a hobbyist who fancies arts and crafts, chances are you have or at least know about grommet pliers. But if you are new to this tool, you are probably still wondering how to use it properly.
To give you an idea, it is a piece of hardware to make holes and strengthen eyelets or grommets in the fabric and various art materials. This includes shower curtains, purses, belts, clothing, and scrapbooking items.
The good news is that, once you get a hang of using this tool, you can accomplish a lot of DIY projects and creative crafts. You can either make repairs or come up with something new using these pliers. So, without further ado, I will show you how to use grommet pliers and utilize them in many different ways.
1st Method: Installation of Grommets and Eyelets on Fabric
Cutting a hole in the fabric is a little tough, especially if you are producing your own clothes. This is because the fabric has a tendency to break if you do not utilize it properly. With that said, the following method will help you do this without a hitch.
Things you will need:
- Fabric marker
- Small piece of cutting board
- Eyelet
- Eyelet punch
Step-by-step Instructions:
- To begin, make a little mark or an “x” on the fabric. Make a point where you want to punch a hole, and that mark will guide you to where you want to attach the eyelet.
- Place a piece of cutting board underneath the fabric and punch a hole with an eyelet punch using the pliers or a hammer. Make sure you are in the right spot.
- Place the eyelet through the hole and make sure it is in the right spot.
- Align some slack threads under the eyelet.
- Squeeze it together with the grommet pliers. Then, double-check that it is in the right spot.
2nd Method: Making Artistic Crafts like Scrapbooking and Photo albums
Arts and crafts can be really detailed art to make. But with these pliers, you can create a lot more distinct shapes or designs. Here are some alternative applications for it.
Things you will need:
- Scrapbook paper
- Scrapbooking eyelet
- Eyelet setter
- Craft mat
- Photo leaves
- Leather
Step-by-step Instructions:
Scrapbook
- Make a mark on your scrapbook paper where you want to punch the hole for the eyelet.
- Place scrapbook papers aligned and place the eyelet on the hole. Then, squeeze the pliers gently.
- Place the craft mat underneath the paper, and punch a hole using an eyelet setter.
- Place the scrapbooking eyelet on the paper and create beautiful designs. You can use any kind of eyelet design in your scrapbook.
Photo album
- Align the photo leaves and punch a hole at the side.
- Place the leather to cover the front and back.
- Arrange the photos to form a book. Then, using the grommet pliers, place an eyelet to the side holes and gently squeeze it.
- Now you have your DIY photo album.
3rd Method: Creating a Customized Jewelry Pouch
It is a practical method to keep your accessories organized or to have a pouch within your backpack where you can put important items on the go.
Have you ever wanted to design your own pouch? Another way to make a jewelry pouch can be found here.
Things you will need:
- Grommet pliers
- Leather
- Ribbon
- Scrapbooking eyelet
- Bowl
- Eyelet setter
- Scissors
Step-by-step Instructions:
- To make a circular form, place the leather on a surface table and trace it with a bowl.
- Make a cutout of the circle you traced.
- Punch a hole on the round leather’s side. You can use grommet pliers or an eyelet setter at this point. To avoid ruining your table, use a craft mat or a tiny piece of cutting board underneath the leather when applying an eyelet setting.
- To each hole, add an eyelet. Scrapbooking eyelets can be used to add more design to your project.
- Using the pliers, secure the eyelet in place.
- Thread each hole with a ribbon. You can add bracelet charms or beads to add more details.
- Carefully pull the ribbon to close the pouch.
4th Method: Making grommet curtains that do not need to be sewn
Grommet curtains can be costly, and some of their materials, particularly the fabric, are one-of-a-kind. There are curtains with a wonderful quality to them, but you can make them yourself and do not have to sew them. Here’s how to do it.
Things you will need:
- Grommet tape
- Drapery fabric
- Iron
- Grommets
Step-by-step Instructions:
- The fabric should be measured and cut. It all depends on how long or wide you want your curtain to be.
- Using the iron, hem the panel’s edges. Flatten the edges and give it a clean-cut appearance.
- Attach the grommets to the grommet tape and trace circles into the fabric.
- Cut out the circles.
- Line up the grommets and secure them in place.
5th Method: Make a Summer Tote Bag
The best summer buys are tote bags, which are convenient to carry with you wherever you go. At the same time, they are simple, accessible, and trendy. This tutorial will show you how to make a summer tote bag.
Things you will need:
- Canvas fabric (outer layer)
- Lining fabric (inner later)
- Iron
- Two yards of rope
- Grommets
- Grommet pliers
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Cut the fabric for the interior and exterior layers.
- Sew together the fabric layer and leave it open. Make sure that the lining and the canvas fabric are aligned.
- Iron the tote. This is to show the overall look of the bag.
- Cut off the circles by tracing a mark on the bag’s edge or the opening (in this case four circles). This is where you will tie the ropes to make it look like a strap.
- Place the grommets into the circles and secure them with grommet pliers.
- To make two 1-yard pieces, cut the two yards of rope in half. Tie a knot on the exterior of the bag after guiding the rope from the inside. Start by tying it loosely, then tighten each knot once you’ve completed all four.
6th Method: Making Decorative Banners
Decorative banners are unique and creative designs for congratulatory messages and greetings for various celebrations or parties. Since it is detachable and easy to mount, you can use grommets to make your very own banner or tapestries. Thus, here are some easy ideas on how to make one.
Things you will need:
- Fabric
- Tapestry
- Fabric paint
- Grommets
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Layout your design on a piece of paper and try to create a design you want for your banner. (Tapestry)
- Recreate the layout you created on the fabric with fabric paint.
- Make a mark on the banner’s edge and cut out the circles.
- Place the grommets in the circle and securely place them with pliers.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, grommet pliers are an essential tool for making arts and crafts, home decorations, do-it-yourself projects, and even repairing items.
In addition to bringing excitement and fun to trying out these ideas, it can also be a family activity when putting these steps together.
I hope that by employing all of the suggested ways on how to use grommet pliers, you will be able to try out more ideas and develop more in the future. You can even use these tools to start your own business, too!