Eyelets
Construction — one of 70 in the glossary
Small holes punched through a fabric and finished so they cannot fray, either by stitching around the edge or by setting a metal ring — a grommet — through it. On apparel they are most often there for ventilation, in rows under the arms or across the back of a cap; elsewhere they carry laces, cords or drawstrings.
Two jobs, one hole
Ventilation is the common one on apparel: a row of small eyelets under an arm or in a cap panel lets warm air out where it collects.
Carrying something is the other: laces on footwear, a drawstring at a waist or hood, a cord on a bag.
Both need the same thing — a hole that will not fray or tear out — which is why one word covers both.
Stitched against set
A stitched eyelet is finished with dense embroidery around its edge. It is soft, adds no hardware and is what you find on shirting and on broderie anglaise.
A grommet is a metal or plastic ring set through the fabric from both sides. It is far stronger and is used where a cord will be pulled hard.
Metal adds weight, can corrode, and will mark a press platen — which matters if the garment is going to be decorated.
For a decorator
Eyelets are usually in places nobody prints, but a cap is the exception: ventilation eyelets sit in the panels, and an embroidery design has to be placed clear of them.
Metal grommets must be kept out from under a heat press. They conduct heat, they do not compress, and they can damage both the garment and the platen.
Check for them before pressing anything near a hem, hood or waistband.
Common questions
- What are eyelets on clothing?
- Small holes finished so they cannot fray, either stitched around the edge or fitted with a metal ring. On apparel they are usually for ventilation, or to carry a cord or lace.
- What is the difference between an eyelet and a grommet?
- A stitched eyelet is finished with embroidery and adds no hardware. A grommet is a metal or plastic ring set through the fabric, much stronger and used where a cord is pulled hard.
- Do eyelets affect printing?
- On caps, yes — ventilation eyelets sit in the panels and a design has to clear them. Metal grommets must never go under a heat press; they do not compress and can damage the platen.
See also
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