Grommets, or eyelets, are useful pieces of hardware for bag-making, and are used to reinforce holes. They are generally made of metal and require a setting tool to attach them. They can be used for decorative purposes, or for functional purposes such as attaching swivel hooks to attach bag handles, or even for threading cording through for drawstrings. However for an easy and fun way to attach bag handles, you can’t go past Dritz Curtain Grommets.
Dritz Curtain Grommets are extra large and made of plastic, and are the perfect size for reinforcing holes that bag handles can fit through. Better yet, they require no special assembly – they simply snap into place. You can usually find them in your local sewing center or craft store, or here online at Amazon.
How to Attach a Dritz Curtain Grommet
The grommets have two assembly pieces – one side has a raised center and the other has prongs.
Using the template provided, position it where you want to attach the handles and trace the slots.
Cut away the fabric from the center and and position the fabric over the grommet with the raised center.
Place the grommet with the prongs on top and press with the palm of your hand. You should hear a snap as it snaps into place.
And that’s all there is. It really is that easy and they look great!
The grommets are the perfect size for a 1-1/2″ wide bag strap and I’ve used them as handle attachments for my sketchbook bag. They easily attached through a layer of Peltex stabilizer and I used a button to attach the ends of the straps. They would also look great on tote bags or any medium to large size bag.
