Patchwork Leather Top with Grommets

Step 5 Grommet grommet

Acquire a home grommet kit. They're readily available at any hardware store and most craft stores. You can get the smash-with-a-hammer variety or the big-hole-puncher-thingy. I'm cheap and so get to use my rubber mallet.

Mark your grommet sites on the front and back pieces of your top, then get to work.

First, use the punch tool to make a grommet-sized hole in your leather. Next, pop the grommet bottom (the larger piece with a long neck) under your leather with the neck sticking up through the hole. Place the grommet top (small ring) over the neck, sandwiching the leather piece, concave side down. Place the reinforcing base underneath the whole mess, making sure the grommet bottom is fitted smoothly into the matching groove in the base. Next, take the setting tool (solid metal pencil-looking thing) and insert the tip into the top of the assembled grommet. Place the assembly on top of a piece of wood to dampen vibrations.

Hammer until the upper side of the grommet has folded over, pinning the top tightly against the leather. The top should not spin or wiggle; if it does, hammer more. The amount of smashing required will depend on the thickness of the leather you're trying to pinch inside the grommet.