How to Install Grommets for DIY Curtains with a Tool

By Les Tissées – Curated Fashion Fabrics | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to install grommets with a tool for DIY curtains. This guide covers marking, cutting, and setting eyelets for a professional finish at home.

Quick Answer

To install grommets for DIY curtains, you need a grommet kit with a setting tool, fabric, and a marking guide. The process involves marking placement, cutting holes, and pressing the eyelets into place using the tool.

Why Use a Grommet Tool for Curtains?

A dedicated grommet tool, like the one included in a grommet kit, ensures consistent pressure and alignment. This prevents the eyelet from bending or loosening over time, which is crucial for curtains that are opened and closed regularly. Without the tool, you risk uneven installation and fabric damage.

Choosing the Right Grommet Size

For standard DIY curtains, 8 mm (5/16 inch) grommets are a common choice. They work well with lightweight to medium-weight fabrics like cotton or linen. If your curtain fabric is very heavy, consider a larger size, but the 8 mm option is versatile for most home projects.

Step-by-Step Grommet Installation

Mark the Placement: Measure and mark the center of each grommet position on your curtain fabric. Use a ruler and fabric pen to ensure even spacing, typically 4-6 inches apart from the top edge. Double-check measurements; uneven spacing can cause the curtain to hang crooked.
Cut the Fabric Holes: Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, cut a small hole at each mark. The hole should be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the grommet to ensure a snug fit. Cutting too large a hole can cause the fabric to fray or the grommet to slip out.
Insert the Grommet: Place the front part of the grommet (the decorative ring) through the hole from the right side of the fabric. Then, place the back part (the washer) over the front part on the wrong side. Ensure the grommet is oriented correctly; the front ring should be on the visible side of the curtain.
Set the Grommet with the Tool: Position the setting tool over the assembled grommet. Apply firm, even pressure by pressing down with your palm or using a hammer if the tool allows. You should hear a click when it's secure. If the grommet feels loose, apply more pressure; a poorly set grommet can pull out during use.
Test and Repeat: Gently tug on the installed grommet to confirm it's secure. Repeat the process for all marked positions, ensuring consistent placement across the curtain panel. Test one grommet first before doing all; adjust your technique if needed.

Product Facts

UNIQUE | Grommets with Tool | 8mm (5/16″): The UNIQUE Grommets with Tool set includes 14 pieces of 8 mm (5/16 inch) eyelets and a setting tool, available in multiple colors. This all-in-one kit simplifies the process, and the rust-resistant finish ensures durability for curtains that may be washed or exposed to humidity.
UNIQUE | Grommets with Tool | 8mm (5/16″)