Understanding the Difference Between Eyelets and Grommets
Understanding the Difference Between Eyelets and Grommets
In everyday sewing, leather goods crafting, outdoor tents, banner advertisements, and even home curtains, we frequently encounter eyelets and grommets. These two small hardware components appear similar at first glance-both reinforce holes in fabric or leather to prevent tearing while serving dual purposes of aesthetics and functionality. In reality, eyelets and grommets differ in structure, strength, applications, and installation methods. Below is a detailed breakdown of their distinctions to help you make an informed choice quickly.
What Is an Eyelet?
Eyelets are small, one-piece metal or plastic rings used to secure or decorate holes in fabrics, leather, paper, and other materials, effectively preventing tearing or wear. Eyelets feature a compact flange size and come in a variety of colors and shapes to meet the needs of different product styles. Additionally, eyelets are easy to install using handheld pliers or a simple hammer tool.
Common Applications of Eyelets
Fashion & Footwear – shoelace holes, corsetry lacing, belts.
Crafts & DIY Projects – scrapbooks, cardmaking, stationery.
Bags & Accessories – drawstring bags, hats, straps.
Branding & Labels – reinforcing tags, adding decorative accents.
Specification | Details |
Structure | One-piece design (flange + barrel) |
Size Range | Inner diameter: 2 mm – 10 mm (common: 3–6 mm) |
Material Options | Brass, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic |
Finishes | Nickel, antique brass, black oxide, painted/enamel coating |
Shape Options | Round, oval, decorative (heart, star, custom shapes) |
Applications | Footwear (shoelace holes), corsetry, belts, hats, leather tags, crafts, packaging |
Installation Method | Hand press, pliers, hammer tool |
Strength Level | Light- to medium-duty |
What Is a Grommet?
A grommet is a two-piece hardware accessory consisting of a ring and a washer, used to reinforce holes in fabrics, leather, vinyl, plastic, or other materials. Its primary function is to increase strength and prevent tearing, especially when the hole is subjected to tension, pressure, or frequent use. Grommets are more durable and can withstand outdoor exposure to sunlight or humid environments.
Common Applications of Grommets
Curtains & Drapery – large grommets allow smooth gliding on curtain rods.
Tarps & Tents – provide reinforced tie-down points to prevent tearing.
Sails & Marine Gear – stainless steel grommets withstand saltwater and heavy loads.
Advertising Banners & Vinyl Signage – ensure wind resistance and long-term durability.
Electrical & Automotive – rubber grommets insulate and protect wires passing through panels.
Specification | Details |
Structure | Two-piece design (grommet ring + washer) |
Size Range | Standard sizes #00 (4.8 mm) to #12 (40 mm) ID |
Material Options | Brass, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, rubber, plastic |
Finishes | Plain brass, nickel plated, black oxide, painted, marine-grade stainless steel |
Special Types | Plain grommets, spurred grommets (with teeth), rolled rim, self-piercing, rubber grommets |
Applications | Curtains, banners, tarpaulins, sails, tents, upholstery, cable/wire protection |
Installation Method | Grommet press machine, self-piercing setting tools |
Strength Level | Heavy-duty, designed for outdoor and industrial use |
Eyelet vs. Grommet
Feature | Eyelet | Grommet | Notes / Similarities |
Structure | One-piece (flange + barrel) | Two-piece (ring + washer) | Both reinforce holes in material |
Size Range | Inner diameter: 2 – 10 mm | Standard sizes #00 – #12 (≈4.8 mm – 40 mm) | Grommets are generally larger |
Material Options | Brass, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic | Brass, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, rubber, plastic | Both available in metal and plastic variants |
Finishes / Coatings | Nickel, antique brass, black oxide, painted/enamel | Plain, nickel-plated, black oxide, painted, marine-grade stainless | Custom finishes available |
Types / Variants | Round, oval, decorative (heart, star) | Plain, spurred (with teeth), rolled rim, self-piercing, rubber | Both can have decorative or functional variants |
Applications | Shoes, corsets, belts, hats, leather tags, crafts, stationery | Curtains, banners, tarps, sails, tents, upholstery, cable/wire protection | Both used to prevent fraying/tearing of material |
Installation Method | Hand press, pliers, hammer tool | Grommet press machine, self-piercing tools | Both require proper hole size; grommets need washer |
Strength / Load Capacity | Light- to medium-duty | Medium- to heavy-duty | Grommets designed for higher stress and repeated use |
Aesthetic | Low-profile, neat, often decorative | Functional with larger flange; can be decorative in curtains/signage | Both can enhance appearance of finished product |
Typical Users | DIY crafters, fashion designers, small-scale apparel manufacturers | Industrial, marine, outdoor gear, large-scale banners, curtains | Both relevant to sewing, leathercraft, and fabric reinforcement |
Eyelet size chart
| Round Edges | Flat | ||||||
| Model | Outer diameter (mm) | Inner diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Model | Outer diameter (mm) | Inner diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
| 4# | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4# flat | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| 3# | 8.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 2# flat | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| 2# | 9.5 | 5 | 5 | 2#(12) flat | 12 | 5 | 5 |
| 2#10 Outside | 10 | 5 | 5 | 20# flat | 12 | 6 | 5 |
| 20# | 10.5 | 6 | 5 | 21# flat | 15 | 7.5 | 5 |
| 20#11.5 | 11.5 | 6 | 5 | 22# flat | 15 | 8 | 5 |
| 20#12 Outside | 12 | 6 | 5 | 24# flat | 17 | 10 | 5 |
| 22# | 13.5 | 8 | 5 | 24# flat | 18 | 10 | 5 |
| 22#14 Outside | 14 | 8 | 5 | 26# flat | 21.5 | 12 | 6 |
| 22#15 Outside | 15 | 8 | 5 | 28# flat | 25 | 13.5 | 7 |
| 24# | 16.5 | 10 | 5 | 30# flat | 28 | 15.5 | 7 |
| 24#17 Outside | 17 | 10 | 5 | 32# flat | 32 | 20 | 7 |
| 26# | 20.5 | 12 | 6 | 35# flat | 35 | 21.5 | 7.5 |
| 28# | 23.5 | 13.5 | 7 | 36# flat | 40 | 26 | 7.5 |
| 30# | 28 | 17 | 7 | 38# flat | 50 | 30 | 8 |
| 32# | 32 | 20 | 7 | 40#(60) flat | 60 | 40 | 8 |
| 35# | 35 | 21.5 | 7.5 | 40#(62) flat | 62 | 40 | 8 |
| 36#40# | 40 | 26 | 7.5 | Oval | |||
| 38#50# | 50 | 30 | 8 | Width x Length (mm) | |||
| 40#60# | 60 | 40 | 8 | 4x10 | 6x25 | ||
| 40#62# | 62 | 40 | 8 | 4x12 | 6x30 | ||
| 55# | 55 | 33.5 | 8 | 6x15 | 6x35 | ||
| 8# | 4.5 | 2 | 4 | 6x17 | 6x40 | ||
| 7# | 5 | 2.5 | 4 | 6x19 | 7x50 | ||
In this article, we detail the differences between eyelets and grommets. When selecting between them, consider the product's application, material thickness, hole size, and aesthetic requirements to determine the appropriate choice.