Monday, January 27, 2014

How to Add Grommets

Hey everyone – happy Monday!  I’m making my first appearance over on the Therm O Web blog today with a tutorial for a Valentine Pocket and an Organizer Wall Pocket. 

Valentine Pocket Tutorial

These are both quick projects and use fat quarters and fabric scraps.

You can use the one tutorial to make either style of pocket – I’ve made several of these wall pockets for my family so far and the kids loved choosing their own fabrics.

wall pocket tutorial



I thought the Valentine pocket would be fun for our family to use to leave little notes and treats for each other between now and Valentine’s Day.  Maybe that’s just wishful thinking.  Maybe I’ll just leave notes and treats for myself.  Ha!


valentine pocket tutorial





I used grommets for both the Valentine pocket and the wall pockets.  I love the look of grommets and I appreciate the durability they add as well.  For those of you who have never used grommets, I wanted to show you just how easy they are!

First of all, you need to get a grommet KIT.  The kit will be similar to this and include not just the grommets, but also the tools you need. 

For this project this is what I’ll be using  - two sets of grommet pieces (grommet and washer), and a taller tool (a setter) and a shorter tool (the anvil).  Oh, and a hammer.

How to install a grommet

Using the taller grommet, place it on your fabric and using a pencil trace around the inside of the opening.

How to install a grommet

Using sharp scissors, carefully cut out that circle.  I like to keep just a bit to the inside of the drawn circle. 


How to install a grommet

Push the tall grommet piece through that opening.  It should be nice and snug.

How to install a grommet

Now head outside to a find a nice, hard surface.  I have used the tile in my entry way before, but I was nervous that I would crack a tile.  I prefer to use my front steps – even when it’s cccccoold outside!  Just be sure that the surface you place your fabric on is fairly clean or use a towel to protect it from dirt.

Place the flat grommet tool (anvil) down and set the grommet onto it.  Both are grooved and you’ll feel them sort of lock into place.

How to install a grommet


How to install a grommet

Then place the thinner grommet piece (the washer) on top of that with the spikes pointing toward your fabric.

How to install a grommet

Grab the taller tool piece (the setter) and place it in the center of the grommet – it also sort of locks in place.

How to install a grommet

Now grab your favorite hammer and give the setter a few good whacks.  Check to see that the grommet is fully set and if not, whack it a few more times.  I call this hammer therapy.  Stress relief baby!

How to install a grommet

And there you go!  A couple of lovely grommets!  And this my friends, is what happens when I ask my photographer (a.k.a. husband) to get a “finished” shot.  You get to see way more than just the finished grommets.  At least I’m smiling, right?

How to install a grommet


How to install a grommet

Grommets are great for all sorts of things – bags, curtains, aprons…  I’ve even added grommets to a duvet cover to give it a bit more personality.  They were purely cosmetic, but gave it a great finished look.  What do YOU grommet?

2 comments:

  1. I've always wondered how to put a grommet on a project. ps... Nice finishing shot!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice idea to put some surprises/gifts for my Husband and kiddos in it :) And on the other days they can use them for paper, LEGO, magazines etc. Thanks for the tutorial !

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...