Eyelet help

[Ginette]

I got this pattern years ago on sale and had started it but got to the point where I need to put the eyelets in.  Well not thinking I used upholstery fabric thinking the thick fabric would be more durable, I didn't think about having to put the eyelets in the thick fabric.  I've used scraps of the fabric to mess with the eyelets and can't seem to get them to set right.  Any suggestions and help on what I can do to help with the eyelets would be greatly appreciated, I'm at a loss.   


http://butterick.mccall.com/b4669-products-6871.php?page_id=916

[raevyncait]

 I suspect that part of your problem is using eyelets instead of 2-piece grommets.

[gem]

No easy way 'round it, grommets/eyelets are WORK! (Well, OK, Lady Kathleen has an easy way around it--she takes hers to somebody else!  ) But for the rest of us, it's definitely one of the labor-intensive parts of costuming.

A couple of things I'd recommend. First, as Raevyn said, I'd make sure you're using good materials. My preferred grommets come from the hardware store, and are sold as "tarp grommets." They're available in a kit that includes the hardware to set them--usually a hole cutter, and a 2-part setter (a small heavy base like a tiny round anvil, and a rod to hammer the grommets together). I routinely set grommets through multiple layers of very heavy fabrics, and for the really thick stuff, I've found the best way to get a good hole is often just to use the setter and the anvil to punch a hole in the fabric. With thinner fabrics/fewer layers, I can get away with using an awl to work the hole instead of cutting--but it's not easy. I know that's the preferred method, as cutting can weaken the fabric, but honestly, I've NEVER had a quality grommet pull out, even on my bodices and corsets where the lacing takes a lot of strain.

...Which brings us to the second option. If you can get a good hole with just an awl, hand-bound eyelets are a great alternative to setting grommets, particularly if you enjoy handwork.

Good luck!

[DonaCatalina]

You need to use grommets and washers. I'm sorry; but eyelets will give you problems from now until....well, when you throw the whole thing off a bridge.
http://corsetmaking.com/category/grommet-setting-tools.html
The hand tool sets come with a fabric punch for making the nice neat hole. Insert grommet, place washer and bang away.
Works with the heaviest thicknesses of canvas.

[Adriana Rose]

A shoe repair shop will be more than willing to set the grommets for a fairly good price after they look at you like you are bonkers. So much easier 

[Ginette]

So many good ideas, THANK YOU ALL!!

[DonaCatalina]

A shoe repair shop will be more than willing to set the grommets for a fairly good price after they look at you like you are bonkers. So much easier 

Mine used to until their machine broke. They said that there wasn't enough demand to buy a new one (table mounted). They even called around for me and couldn't find a working one. So this is not always an option.