Metal Eyelets & Grommets Guide for Textile

Metal eyelets and grommets are small but essential components in garments, leather goods, footwear, banners, tarps, and industrial textiles. They reinforce holes, prevent fraying, and guide laces, cords, or drawstrings. Despite their simple appearance, choosing the right eyelet involves decisions about size, material, finish, and installation method. This complete guide covers everything you need to know.

In This Guide:

Eyelets vs Grommets: What Is the Difference?
Types of Metal Eyelets
Size Chart & Dimensions
Materials & Finishes
Installation Methods
Applications by Industry

1. Eyelets vs Grommets: What Is the Difference?

The terms "eyelet" and "grommet" are often used interchangeably, but there is a technical distinction. An eyelet is a one-piece fastener — a single metal ring with a flange that is rolled or curled to grip the fabric. A grommet is a two-piece system — a barrel and a washer that clamp together.

Eyelet (One-Piece)
- Smaller sizes (2mm–8mm)
- Lighter duty
- Garments, shoes, corsets
- Set by curling the barrel

Grommet (Two-Piece)
- Larger sizes (8mm–40mm+)
- Heavy duty
- Tarps, banners, marine
- Barrel + washer clamped together

In practice, many manufacturers and suppliers (including us at Ata Buttons) use "eyelet" as the umbrella term for both types. When ordering, specify whether you need a one-piece or two-piece system to avoid confusion.

2. Types of Metal Eyelets

Self-Piercing Eyelets

These eyelets have a sharp edge that cuts through fabric during installation, eliminating the need for pre-punching. They are fast to install and popular in high-volume garment production.

Rolled-Rim Eyelets

The barrel curls outward to form a smooth rim on the back of the fabric. This protects laces and cords from sharp edges and provides a neat appearance on both sides. Common on shoes and bags.

Flat-Flange Grommets

Two-piece grommets with a flat washer. The barrel is rolled over the washer to create a strong clamp. Used for heavy-duty applications like tarps, sails, and industrial covers.

3. Size Chart & Dimensions

Eyelet sizes are typically specified by the inner diameter (the hole size). Here are the most common sizes used in textile and leather applications.

Inner Diameter	Outer Diameter	Common Use
2–3mm	5–6mm	Corsets, lingerie, small lacing
4–5mm	8–10mm	Shoes, bags, garment vents
6–8mm	12–14mm	Belts, drawstring bags, curtains
10–12mm	18–22mm	Banners, tarps, marine canvas
20–40mm	30–55mm	Heavy industrial, signage, tent floors

Pro Tip: When choosing an eyelet size, the inner diameter should be slightly larger than the cord or lace that will pass through it. For a 3mm cord, use a 4mm eyelet. For a 5mm drawstring, use a 6–7mm eyelet. This ensures smooth operation without excessive play.

4. Materials & Finishes

Metal eyelets are manufactured in brass, iron, stainless steel, and aluminum. Brass is the most popular for garments and leather goods due to its corrosion resistance and plating compatibility. Iron eyelets are cheaper but require plating to prevent rust.

Available finishes include nickel, antique brass, matte black, gold, and painted colors. The finish should match the overall hardware on the product for a cohesive look.

5. Installation Methods

Hand press: A manual bench press with interchangeable dies. Suitable for small workshops and low volumes. Consistent results with minimal investment.

Automatic eyelet machine: High-speed machines that punch, place, and set eyelets in one motion. Essential for production volumes above 1,000 pieces per day.

Hammer and die set: The simplest method. A punch creates the hole, and a die set curls the eyelet. Best for repairs and very low volumes.

Important: Always match the setting die to the exact eyelet size. Using the wrong die will crack the eyelet or create an incomplete curl, leading to sharp edges and weak installation.

6. Applications by Industry

Footwear: Shoe eyelets for lacing — typically 4–5mm brass with nickel or painted finish.

Fashion & Garments: Decorative eyelets on belts, corsets, hoodies, and jackets. Trend-driven sizes and finishes.

Leather Goods: Belt eyelets, bag ventilation holes, and strap adjustment points.

Signage & Banners: Large grommets (10–20mm) for hanging and securing printed materials.

Ata Buttons manufactures metal eyelets and grommets in brass, iron, and stainless steel, ranging from 2mm to 40mm. We supply garment factories, leather workshops, and signage companies from our Istanbul production facility.

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