Easy Grommet Tutorial

  No tools needed and no sewing.

I purchased my grommets at JoAnns.  They come in different colors--gold, silver, champagne, black, and tortise shell.  There are larger grommets which I have used for curtains and smaller ones which I have not tried yet.  These are the medium size.  Directions are on the back.  I'm a visual learner but let me tell you the directions on the package are very clear.

The grommets have a front and a back...the one on the left has teeth and the one on the right has grooves.

I mark the grommet location on the right side of my bags before doing any layering, quilting or finishing.  Decide where you want your grommet.  The package directions tell you how much width you need to work with.  I use a ruler to evenly space them then lay the grommet (either one at this point) on the right side of the fabric.  Make a pencil mark at the top of the inside of the ring.

The package comes with a template.  Lay your template top aligned with the pencil mark.

Trace your circle in the template grooves.  Mark your bag front and back.  If you're using grommets for curtains you make your panels first and then measure, mark, and install your grommets last.

Cut a slit through all layers then cut all layers--front, batting or fleece, lining.

Lay the grommet with the groove on the underside.

Lay the grommet with the teeth on top and press with the heal of your hand.  You'll hear a snap sound.

This is the lining side.  I told you it was easy.

So now I have another new bag.

The green is a Jennifer Paganelli beauty and the yellow is linen.

I made curtain panels for my new sewing space using this fabric from IKEA and the big grommets.

Now go forth and use your grommets with confidence!  I'd love to see what you make.
s
~Piecefully, Stephanie