The “back” or “unseen” side of the fabric is the side that is not meant to face outward where other people can see it. For example, the inside of a shirt is the “back” or “unseen” side of the shirt’s fabric. The fusible side of the interfacing is the bumpier side. The non-fusible side is the smooth side. Don’t glide the hot iron across the interfacing, as this may cause it to be displaced. If you have to iron multiple spots on your piece of fabric, pick up the iron and move it to these other spots instead of gliding it. There are 3 types of interfacing available: non-woven, woven, and knit. Each of these types comes in different weight. If you’re not sure which type to get for your fabric, use the type that is closest in weight to your fabric.
If your grommet kit didn’t come with a stabilizing block to place underneath the fabric, a small wooden block will also work. Leave about 4. 5 inches (11 cm) of space between each individual grommet. Each grommet must be at least 2 inches (5. 1 cm) away from the edge of the fabric.
The hole cutter included in most grommet kits is usually just a small metal cylinder with the correct diameter for the grommet. Make sure the fabric is flat against the wooden block before you strike the hole cutter. If you can’t punch straight through with the hole cutter, make a small X in the hole outline you’ve created with an X-acto or fabric knife and cut the inside of the circle out. [4] X Research source
Your grommet kit should include an anvil. If it doesn’t, you can make one by cutting a small circular hole into your wooden block. Cut the hole to be just slightly wider than the diameter of the grommet, so that it fits securely in the hole and won’t slide out.
The washer is sometimes referred to as the “female piece” of the grommet kit.
Check your progress after the first 2 hammer strikes. If the pieces don’t seem to be “melding” together, you may need to hit them harder. Once the pieces are securely attached, the edge of the grommet’s top should have rolled back over the inner edge of the washer.
Use as slow a drill speed as possible when you drill the hole, especially if it’s a tough metal. This is especially important if you’re using a drill bit that’s larger than 1⁄8 inch (0. 32 cm).
If you’re having trouble bending the grommet, try boiling it. Letting a rubber grommet sit in boiling water for a few minutes makes it much more pliable. If the fit is a bit tight, an easy way to install the rubber grommet is to use silicone applied around the outside of the grommet just before pressing it into place. Using a silicone sealant will help keep it in place after the silicone dries too.
Test the grommet by trying to push it out of the hole with your thumb. If it’s successfully installed, you shouldn’t be able to push it out.
