I bought a Dritz eyelet plier kit over the weekend. So much fun. I’m not sure about you, but I love buying new sewing tools and equipment. The excitement I feel about a silly tool always reinforces what a sewing nerd I am.
Here is a quick breakdown on how to use the pliers.. The package directions are very easy to follow, but as the saying goes.. Pictures are worth a thousand words. I have a drawstring jewelry jewelry pouch tutorial that I am sharing on Wednesday – it requires 2 eyelets for the drawstring opening.. So, please stay tuned.
I strongly suggest practicing with the pliers and eyelets before you start using them on your real fabric or project. Trust me, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Cut out a small square and give it a whirl.. I promise you will gain confidence in the process. A few screw ups along the way always reinforces what not to do.
Fuse interfacing on the back of the fabric/near the area you will be placing an eyelet. Using interfacing is important and gives the fabric more structure. It is easy for the eyelet to pull through the weave. Mark each eyelet placement on the back.
Puncture holes using the pliers. Once you puncture the hole, don’t jiggle the tool around too much. If you make the hole too big, the eyelet will not stay in place.
This part can be a bit tricky. You will need to figure out your own technique and get comfortable with it… Starting from the right side of the fabric, place an eyelet into the hole. Place another eyelet onto the plier prong and bring the pliers into your fabric. Match up the eyelets and squish HARD.. Squish again just a little harder. Pull out and check your work. See something your don’t quite like? Make a small adjustment in your technique on the next go round. Repeat until you feel confident.
Ta-da!! that’s it. Eyelets complete.. Fun stuff right?
Check back on Wednesday for my drawstring jewelry pouch tutorial. It’s super handy and small, so it’s great for travel. It also makes for an easy gift.
Ahhh cool! That looks like a fun little tool 🙂
Neat! I love hoarding sewing tools, even if I don’t know how to use them all. But now I could use an eyelet tool, thanks!
Thanks Trish and Ann.. I’m glad you guys stopped by!
Thanks so much for the pictorial! I learn so much more easily visually than reading instructions. Going to try this on a doll dress that does not quite fit the intended doll so I thought I could make the back lace up with fancy matching ribbon.
Thank you!
Theresa
Hi. Glad it worked for you. I’m the same.. I like seeing images and find they help. You’ll the love the eyelet pliers 🙂
Hello!
I liked the quick, to-the-point tutorial- I’ll definitely take a look again once I find our eyelet tool. Unfortunately, it’s currently MIA and I’m too broke to buy another one. Do you know how I could apply eyelets without one?
-Cass
HI Cass,
Truthfully, I would save up and buy a new one. Maybe the have them for a reduced cost on Ebay? I’ve tried other ways and the pliers work the best and makes the project look the most professional. I’d hate for you to sew something together and then not have the eyelets work out because you used a different method. Been there, done that and it stinks.
Have a great day.
Marni