Credit header image: Burberry

Time was, I associated grommets and safety pins in fashion with the punky, goth look. Since then, acceptance has had a slow but distinct climb to grommet-eyelet acceptance. Finally, I dipped my toe into the world of shiny little grommets and pins on everyday clothing where the grommet/pin combination formed a closure. Now I can be a tiny bit excited. Long way to go. Sigh…

But, stop right there — let me disclose that I’ve used large plastic grommets on curtains and other projects in lieu of tabs or casings to thread and you can read that post here. I’ve also used a few grommets on a floppy-ish hat to thread a ribbon through (see image below or read the full post). In this post I’m referring to the previously “edgy” look of small gold or silver grommets (aka eyelets) either as pure embellishment or to hold two edges together with a fancy pin meant for this purpose. Mind you, I’m just dipping my toe here, but am inspired to take it further.

Are they grommets or eyelets? Whatever they’re called, I’m not shying away anymore. A brief visual is below about the hardware which comes with instructions and online videos, but there are a couple of things I must point out. Please feel free to add your own tips if you’ve done this.

First two images are the grommet set which i used for the gray rib knit capelet (or a throw) which just about covers my arms. Depending on fabric, it’s best to interface the back; in my case, I doubled the fabric and it worked fine but we’ll see whether it pulls out with wear. With this set, you take one grommet, align it in the tool (wrench?), a good hard press and we’re done. Note: on the wrong side, I noticed sharp edges of the grommet sometimes do not turn in completely; therefore I took a light hammer to bend them and behold, no more sharp edge.

The other images show another kind of set and the hat I used them on; it includes three pieces: the grommet, a back piece and a plastic “washer”. Also easy to use, the set is made by Dritz and comes with a steel rod and anvil. You have to use a hammer here to install each one. No dealing with sharp edges in this one.

Now my fave part of this post (any post) — fashion inspiration from the runway, red carpet or anywhere.

Then back in the day, along came Elizabeth Hurley in the now-iconic Versace safety pin gown and the high fashion world exploded. Even without grommets, the elaborate safety pins took the dress to a whole new level of blending punk and high fashion to make it work. Link to the article!

Okay, I’ll end at this inspiring point and go find places to add lots of grommets and pins.

Samina