Omar Khalid
Snap-on plastic grommets are a great solution for a variety of projects. They are traditionally associated with curtains but can also be used for apparel, bags, athletic gear, outdoor rugs, and more. Installation is easy and does not require any special tools. For thicker fabrics, a hammer can be used to set the grommet. The process involves pairing the grommets, marking the fabric, cutting out a circle, inserting the grommet halves, and snapping them together. Snap-on plastic grommets provide a tight hold, are durable, and can be easily removed for laundering.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the front and back of the grommet
Snap-on plastic grommets are a great way to reinforce holes in fabrics, especially in high moisture/humidity applications, as they will not corrode or rust. They are also washable and dry cleanable, and UV resistant.
To apply snap-on plastic grommets, you must first identify the front and back of the grommet. The front of the grommet is the 'raised centre' side, while the back is the 'prong' side. The front and back of the grommet snap together easily without the need for special tools, and they grip the fabric for a tight hold.
When identifying the front and back of the grommet, it is important to note that they are sold in front/back sets. This means that you will have one piece that is the 'raised centre' and another that is the 'prong'. The 'raised centre' side will be the decorative or visible part of the grommet, while the 'prong' side will be the functional part that attaches to the fabric.
To install the grommet, you will need to mark the position of each grommet on the fabric. You can use the included plastic template to help with positioning. The template has a crosshair to determine the centre of each circle. Once you have marked the position, you can insert the grommet halves. Place the ''raised centre' side of the grommet through the cut circle from back to front so that the ridge of the ring pokes up around the inside edge of the circle. Then, snap on the 'prong' side of the grommet to complete the installation.
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Mark the position of each grommet
Marking the position of each grommet is a crucial step in ensuring a neat and functional finish to your project. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
Firstly, identify the front and back of each grommet. The front is the 'raised centre' side, while the back is the 'prong' side. This distinction is important as it ensures the grommet will snap together securely. Place the ''raised centre' side of the grommet from back to front so that the ridge of the ring pokes up around the inside edge of the circle.
Next, use the plastic template provided in the set to mark the exact position of each grommet on the material. This template is designed to make positioning simple and accurate. Align the template with the desired location for each grommet, marking the position clearly. For projects like curtains, you will mark the position on the header of your fabric.
For thicker fabrics, it may be necessary to use a piece of wood on top of the grommet and gently tap it with a hammer to set it in place. This ensures a secure fit without causing damage to the fabric or grommet.
Before cutting out the marked circle, it is recommended to reinforce the fabric with a zig-zag stitch to prevent fraying, especially if the grommets will be removed for laundering. Cut the circle close to the zigzag stitching, then fold it in half and make a 1/2" slit. Finally, cut around the circle—the cut-out circle will be hidden by the grommet, so it doesn't need to be perfect.
By following these steps, you will have accurately marked and prepared the fabric for the grommets to be securely snapped into place.
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Insert the grommet halves
When inserting the grommet halves, it is important to first pair the grommets. There is a front ('raised centre' side) and a back ('prong' side). The raised centre side of the grommet should be placed through the cut circle from back to front, so that the ridge of the ring pokes up around the inside edge of the circle.
For thicker fabrics, place a piece of wood on top of the grommet and tap it with a hammer to set it in place. The grommet halves can also be inserted by hand, by simply snapping the two halves together. No special tools are required for this.
If you are using a Dritz Home Snap-On Plastic Grommet, place the raised centre side of the grommet through the cut circle from back to front so the ridge of the ring pokes up around the inside edge of the circle. Then, snap the 'prong' side of the grommet on to complete the process.
For larger projects or more professional-looking results, a heavy-duty press machine with the appropriate die set can be used to insert the grommet halves. This is a more versatile option, as the press machine can also be used to apply snaps, buttons, and rivets.
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Snap the front and back together
To apply snap-on plastic grommets, you must first pair the grommets. There is a front and back to each one—the front is the 'raised centre' side, and the back is the 'prong' side. Using the included plastic template, mark the position of each grommet on the header of your curtain.
Then, run a zig-zag stitch around the marked circle before cutting it out. This reinforces the cut edges, ensuring the fabric won't fray when washed. Cut out the circle close to the zig-zag stitching, fold the sewn circle in half, and make a 1/2" slit. Cut around the circle—it doesn't have to be perfect as it will be hidden by the grommet.
With the wrong side facing up, insert the grommet halves. Place the ''raised centre' side of the grommet through the cut circle from back to front so that the ridge of the ring pokes up around the inside edge of the circle.
Finally, snap the 'prong' side of the back of the grommet onto the front to complete the process.
Snap-on plastic grommets are traditionally used for curtains, but they can be used for a variety of projects, including apparel, bags, and athletic gear. They are easy to install and remove, and they are great for high moisture/humidity applications as they will not corrode or rust.
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Use a hammer for thicker fabrics
When working with thicker fabrics, a hammer is a reliable tool for attaching plastic snap grommets. This traditional method is ideal for those who prefer manual work and can be used for smaller projects or when attaching grommets to specific, delicate areas.
Before starting, it is important to test the placement of the grommets by laying them on the fabric. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments before permanently attaching them. Use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the exact location for each grommet, marking the centre of the grommet with a pencil.
When you are ready to attach the grommets, place the fabric on a piece of scrap wood to protect your work surface. Then, place the grommet on the marked spot and use a hammer to tap it into place. For thicker fabrics, you may need to place a piece of wood on top of the grommet and gently tap with the hammer to set it through the fabric.
If you are working with thicker materials such as plastic, nylon, or canvas, you will need to carefully cut a hole in the fabric before attaching the grommet. The hole should be the size of the male portion of the grommet, allowing enough fabric to be pressed together by the grommet.
By following these steps, you can securely attach plastic snap grommets to thicker fabrics using a hammer. With the right tools, careful preparation, and a little practice, you can achieve professional-looking results that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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Frequently asked questions
Snap-on plastic grommets are traditionally used for curtains, but they can also be used for a variety of projects, including bags, athletic gear, and home decor.
Snap-on plastic grommets are easy to install, functional, fashionable, and durable. They are also versatile, as they can be used for a variety of projects, and will not corrode or rust.
Snap-on plastic grommets can be installed without any special tools. However, for smaller projects, you can use a hammer/anvil hand setter, and for larger projects or more professional results, you may want to use a heavy-duty press machine.
First, pair the grommets by identifying the front ('raised center' side) and the back ('prong' side). Then, mark the position of each grommet on the fabric using the included plastic template. Run a zig-zag stitch around the marked circle and cut it out. Fold the sewn circle in half, make a 1/2" slit, and then cut around the circle. Insert the grommet halves with the wrong side facing up, and snap them together.
Yes, it is recommended to reinforce the fabric with a zig-zag stitch before cutting to prevent fraying during laundering. Additionally, for thicker fabrics, place a piece of wood on top of the grommet and tap it with a hammer to set it securely.
