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Step 7Grommets
20. Gather your grommet supplies. Now's the time your hammer will come in handy. I made a conscious choice to use larger, shiny golden grommets instead of the smaller eyelets. Smaller eyelets can be quicker with a wrench, but the look of the larger grommets was more appealing to me for this particular project. So... You'll want an awl or sharp scissors (or a skewer or anything pointy that makes a decent but tiny hole). Hammer, newspaper and ruler will be handy here, too.
21. Mark your holes. I went with one grommet every inch using the center of the grommet as my spacing guide. I used a felt tip pen because I knew I'd be severing those fibers. If you choose to make marks with a felt tip pen for any sewing step, be aware it may bleed in the wash or show through an unforgiving fabric. You have been warned.
22. Cut the first hole and insert grommet. I usually start at the bottom because I assume it will be the least obvious if I mess up. Using your awl or eensy-weensy frighteningly sharp (embroidery) scissors, make a tiny hole. Cut only one fiber at a time until you can force one half of your grommet through (and remember to start pushing from the outside towards the lining side). If you cut your hole too large the grommet has nothing to hold on to and will just fall out. Sometimes, this takes a few wearings before it happens. It's best if you can get away with cutting only a few fibers and, unfortunately, straining your hands and bruising your fingertips to force the grommet through the hole. The first couple are always kind of trying for me, but then I get a rhythm and the pace picks up. Are you nervous about ruining your beautiful corset at this stage? Practice on scraps first. You may waste a few grommets, but you'll be happier for it.
23. Put the top on and hammer it in place. Now that your grommet is pushing through to the lining side, put the second half of the grommet on, center it all on your rubber stopper thing from the kit, grasp the punch and hammer it down. I give it two solid whacks. You really only need one, but I like the sound. It's good stress relief, too!
21. Mark your holes. I went with one grommet every inch using the center of the grommet as my spacing guide. I used a felt tip pen because I knew I'd be severing those fibers. If you choose to make marks with a felt tip pen for any sewing step, be aware it may bleed in the wash or show through an unforgiving fabric. You have been warned.
22. Cut the first hole and insert grommet. I usually start at the bottom because I assume it will be the least obvious if I mess up. Using your awl or eensy-weensy frighteningly sharp (embroidery) scissors, make a tiny hole. Cut only one fiber at a time until you can force one half of your grommet through (and remember to start pushing from the outside towards the lining side). If you cut your hole too large the grommet has nothing to hold on to and will just fall out. Sometimes, this takes a few wearings before it happens. It's best if you can get away with cutting only a few fibers and, unfortunately, straining your hands and bruising your fingertips to force the grommet through the hole. The first couple are always kind of trying for me, but then I get a rhythm and the pace picks up. Are you nervous about ruining your beautiful corset at this stage? Practice on scraps first. You may waste a few grommets, but you'll be happier for it.
23. Put the top on and hammer it in place. Now that your grommet is pushing through to the lining side, put the second half of the grommet on, center it all on your rubber stopper thing from the kit, grasp the punch and hammer it down. I give it two solid whacks. You really only need one, but I like the sound. It's good stress relief, too!
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