Set up the Machine
Eyelets are an interesting finishing detail that can add the perfect touch to garments and other projects. To make an eyelet with a sewing machine, you need to assemble the necessary tools and equipment along with the fabric. Start by gathering what you need: a sewing machine, size 11 needle, eyelet, specialized mounting foot, cutting tool, stabilizer, and eyelet setting tool. The cutting tool and setting tool depend on the size of the eyelet that you’re using.
Thread the machine with a thread to match the fabric. Ensure the upper and lower tension disks are adjusted. Attach the mounting foot on the shank of the machine’s presser foot.
Stabilizing the Fabric
For robust eyelits, stitches should not penetrate the entire fabric grain. To avoid this, add a stabilizer to the backside of the material before you start stitching. Professional results require using an iron-on stabilizer, but you may use regular fusible web tape or a fabric-covered cardboard stabilizer. To attach the stabilizer, first cut it to the size and shape of the desired eyelet. Then, use an iron and press it onto the fabric.
Positioning the Eyelet
To begin creating the eyelet, set the fabric on the machine with the stabilizer side up. Place the eyelet on the fabric, positioning it as close as possible to where the finished opening will be. Use a marker pen to trace the edges of the eyelet. Lift the foot, by pressing the needle tail button and slide the eyelet out of the way.
Making a Hole
Drop the foot again and stitch a circle around the traced lines. Take your time and ensure that the stitching comes within the edges of the circle you traced. Stitch slowly, stopping and continuing stitching in a different place from where you stopped, to ensure that the stitching is even. Finish off the circle, back stitching when you’re done.
Cutting the Hole
Using the sharp cutting tool, cut a hole in the center of the stitching made in the previous step. Take your time and make sure that the hole is in the size and shape of the eyelet. It should fit snugly. If the hole is too large or too small, use scissors to adjust the edges of the hole to fit the eyelet.
Eyelet Setting
Position the eyelet into the hole and attach the setting tool. Thread the tool with the same thread used for sewing the eyelet. Use the setting tool to cut off the needle thread, making sure it is securely nested into the eyelet flaps. Now, place the eyelet on top of another tool and give it a sharp struck with a hammer. This will bend down the edges to firmly set the eyelet in place.
Finishing Touches
Detach the setting tool from the eyelet. Remove the stabilizer from the side of the fabric, if necessary. To ensure a perfectly finished eyelet, trim off any loose threads.
Fixing errors
In case the stitching circle was not successful and didn’t come up to the edges of the eyelet, use the eyelet setting tool to carefully detach the eyelet from the fabric. You may need to cut off the needle thread, using the scissors. Once off, re-thread the stitching machine and try again.
Selecting the Right Tools
It is important to select the right tools for making eyelets. The most economical choice is a simple mounting foot along with the cutting and setting tools for creating the hole. For professional results, however, an eyelet press is an ideal choice. An eyelet press is available in different sizes, depending on the size of the eyelets you plan to use.
Variations of the Designs
You can play around with the eyelet design to get the desired look. For instance, instead of making a circular stitching, you can make a scalloped shape using “arrowhead” stitches or add some decorative elements like daisies. To add a unique look to your project, make holes with a contrasting thread instead of a matching one.
Clean Up
When you are done with the eyelet, it is recommended to go for a quick clean up. Unthread the needle and vacuum the dust from the machine and fabric. Attach the cover over the presser foot and store the machine away.
Caring for Eyelets
To ensure your eyelets remain intact for a long time, make sure to gently treat them. Hand wash fabrics with eyelets. Do not machine wash them or scrub them with a brush. Also, hang the fabrics to dry instead of tumble drying them. Iron them inside-out, using a light setting. And once the eyelets are completely dry, press them on the right side using the lowest temperature possible.
