Eyelet tool?

[Tripletap]

This sucks....
I really like the idea of grommets, but, I hate my life and everything that requires any effort.
Does anyone know of a magical spell that makes in-destructable grommets perfectly placed everytime?
Maybe Voo-Do or something, so I can get maximum results with minimal effort?
I have just started sewing, and the new moves never stop!!!

[Kate XXXXXX]

Like so many sewing processes, you just need to do them a few times and you start to wonder what all the fuss was about.

This is why I love my Simflex gauge for spacing buttons/holes/trims:



And that nifty eyelet kit that makes stitched eyelets the nearest thing to effortless you can manage.

[LadySeasan]

i need to go to the hardware store then and get a grommet tarp kit thingy that Gem suggested. I pretty much have my bodices 80% done except for the boning and grommets for lacing. sure i can use an awl and bind the edges, but you know me...hand sewing + me= nooooooooooooo!

[isabelladangelo]

This sucks....
I really like the idea of grommets, but, I hate my life and everything that requires any effort.
Does anyone know of a magical spell that makes in-destructable grommets perfectly placed everytime?
Maybe Voo-Do or something, so I can get maximum results with minimal effort?
I have just started sewing, and the new moves never stop!!!

Yes, say no to grommets (they aren't period anyway) and embrace spiral lacing eyelets.   You don't need to space them perfectly and it's the period way to lace up!

[Cilean]

I am with you Isabella!  Plus? Once you do like 20 of your own eyelets it does become a breeze.  I love the spacer too, it is difficult to get in the US, but if you can pick it up? Do it helps with Cartridge Pleating as well.  I use this method not just because it is more accurate, but because I am not cutting my fabric but using the awl to make a hole this way the fabric is not looking to split from around the hole and will not fray which also happens.

Here is an awesome how to guide on how to make eyelets:
http://renaissancetailor.com/demos_eyeletholes.htm

Here is another on spiral lacing, because it will stay laced while you are pulling and fitting!!! Really works!
http://www.festiveattyre.com/research/lacing/lacing.html

Cilean

[Rosamundi]

I am swooning, yea verily swooning, over those lovely sewn lacing holes.  Does anyone know if a buttonhole foot on the smallest setting will approximate the effect?  My machine is a Brother . . . beginner's model I fear . . .

[Kate XXXXXX]

No.  You make them by turning the fabric round a post.  Watch the Bernina Video to see how.  The only machines that currently have an attachment to do this are Pfaff, Husqvarna, and Bernina.

[Rosamundi]

Thanks Kate! Well, they are gorgeous indeed but I may have to wait a while for those. :-)

[GirlChris]

Elna used to make eyelet attachments as well. I know they exist for my Mom's machine, but I have yet to successfully track down the proper parts.

[Kate XXXXXX]

I haven't been able to track down an Elna eyelet place newer than 30 years old.   

And when you see them, they are SPENDY!   

[Tripletap]

You make them by turning the fabric round a post.  Watch the Bernina Video to see how.  The only machines that currently have an attachment to do this are Pfaff, Husqvarna, and Bernina.

Would you happen to know the models of these machines, and which is cheapest?
I am gonna research deals.

[Kate XXXXXX]

Bernina have a version of their eyelet tool for each of the current models, as far as I can remember.  The bit that is different for each of the five kits is the foot.  You need to get the correct foot with the tool for the range of machines within Bernina that you buy.

As far as I am aware, the Pfaff eyelet plates come as separate items and you buy each one individually.  I think there are three sizes.  They should fit all the current models, but do check.

The two sizes of Husqvarna eyelet plate again should fit all the current models, but if you get an older one, check.

The kits and plates to dot fit the bought-in budget ranges of machine, only the main ranges of each brand.