NEW How-to Install No Sew Eyelets Video & Tutorial
The Wholecloth Logan Bag uses a drawstring top closure where the string travels through eyelets around the top opening of the bag. I'm going to demonstrate how to install the Dritz Extra Large Eyelets on the Standard size Logan Bag, but the process is the same for the smaller eyelets used on the Mini Logan.
I like the Dritz Eyelets because they can be installed with basic household tools, and don't require special pliers. The Dritz eyelet kit comes with a little tool for setting the eyelets that can easily be stored with any leftover hardware. It's a basic, entry level supply that any beginner can use. I've used them for all of my sample Logan Bags and have found them to be durable too.
Let's start with the difference between eyelets and grommets. While they are technically two different things Dritz, the company that manufactures most big box sewing hardware like this, uses them interchangeably. Their grommet tool is used to install Extra Large Eyelets. Their grommets sometimes have a third piece, a plastic washer that compresses in the space between the decorative front hardware and the facing on the back, but not always. For basic bag sewing, you could use Dritz grommets and eyelets interchangeably. I'm calling this an eyelet tutorial, because I use the Dritz hardware, and that is how they are labeled.
The Dritz Extra Large Eyelets consist of two pieces. The piece that goes on the outside of your project is more decorative and has a short tube around the center opening. The piece that goes on the inside of your project has small prongs around the center opening.
To install the eyelets you need a little two piece tool that in included with the eyelet kit. The flat round piece (shown on left) is the base. It holds the outside of the eyelet while you set it. The other piece is a setting pin that goes inside the eyelet and you hammer on one end to set the eyelet.
The inside facing piece goes over the little tube in the back on the outside piece with the fabric sandwiched between. When you set the eyelet the tube is rolled down to touch the facing and lock the eyelet onto the fabric.
To set the eyelets mark the center point of where the eyelet will be on your fabric. Center the outside piece of the eyelet on the mark and trace the inside of the center ring with a chalk pencil.
Cut out the inside of the circle you just marked. You can do this by cutting an X across the circle with scissors or an xacto knife.
Trim the flaps of the X to make an opening in the fabric. Cut a little bit at a time, frequently checking to see if the center tube of the front of the eyelet fits through the hole. It's better to be a little too small than too large.
Push the front of the eyelet through the hole.
Turn the project over so you are now working from the wrong side of the fabric. Place the base of the setting tool on your work surface, and place the outside of the eyelet in the base. There is a dip around the middle of the base that accommodated with ridge in the eyelet.
Working from the wrong side of the fabric, place the eyelet facing over the tube of the outer eyelet, with the prongs pointing toward the fabric. Place the short end of the setting pin into the center hole of the eyelet.
Hammer the end of the setting pin a few times. Use moderate pressure when hammering. The ridge around the setting pin rolls the tube down around the eyelet facing as you hammer. If you hit the pin too hard it can crack the tube. Hammer gently (is that a thing?!) so that the tube rolls evenly.
Check to see that the front and back of the eyelet are firmly connected. If you can wiggle the facing, hit it a few more times with the hammer and setting tool.
When the eyelet is firmly attached to the bag you're finished! Move on to the next eyelet.
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