7 Best Metal Grommets For Drawstring Closures To Use
Discover the top 7 metal grommets for durable drawstring closures. Learn which materials and finishes ensure long-lasting quality for your custom projects.
Adding a drawstring closure to a hand-knitted project is the ultimate way to marry structural integrity with soft, cozy textiles. Whether you are crafting a sturdy project bag for your circular needles or a drawstring pouch for your latest sock WIP, the hardware you choose dictates the longevity of the piece. Metal grommets prevent the friction of cords from wearing through your delicate yarn, ensuring your hard work remains intact. Here are the best options to help you finish your fiber projects with professional polish.
Dritz Heavy Duty Grommets: Best Overall Choice
When you’ve spent forty hours knitting a complex cabled project bag, you don’t want the closure to fail after a month of use. Dritz Heavy Duty Grommets are the gold standard for a reason; they provide a clean, professional finish that stands up to the constant tugging of a drawstring cord.
These grommets are constructed with a thicker metal gauge that resists bending during the setting process. This is crucial when working with dense, felted wool or heavy-duty canvas linings, as it ensures the two pieces lock together firmly without wobbling.
The trade-off here is the setting tool included in the package. While functional, it requires a solid, non-yielding surface like a concrete floor or a heavy workbench to get a perfect crimp. If you’re a perfectionist, consider investing in a separate setter to ensure the edges roll over smoothly without snagging your yarn.
Prym Vario Pliers Grommet Kit: Best for Ease
If you struggle with the mallet-and-anvil method, the Prym Vario Pliers are a game-changer for your craft room. They allow you to apply pressure with a simple squeeze, which is much easier to control than a hammer blow.
This system is particularly beneficial for those with limited hand strength or those who are nervous about damaging their fabric. By using a lever action, you minimize the risk of the grommet shifting mid-set, which is the most common cause of a ruined project.
However, keep in mind that these pliers have a limited throat depth. You won’t be able to place a grommet in the center of a large tote bag; you are restricted to the edges where the pliers can reach. Always measure your drawstring placement carefully before you begin.
Goldstar Tool 1/4 Inch Brass Grommets: Best Value
For the knitter who produces project bags in bulk for gifts or craft fairs, buying individual blister packs becomes expensive quickly. Goldstar Tool offers high-quality brass grommets in larger quantities, which is far more economical for the serious maker.
Brass is an excellent choice for fiber arts because it is resistant to rust and corrosion. If you happen to get a bit of steam from your iron on the bag during blocking, you won’t have to worry about the grommet bleeding unsightly orange stains into your yarn.
The downside is that these are often sold as "grommets only," meaning you must purchase the setting dies separately. Ensure you have the correct size die for the 1/4 inch opening, or you will find that the metal doesn’t set flush against the fabric.
General Tools 1264 Grommet Kit: Best for Durability
General Tools is known for industrial-grade hardware, and their 1264 kit is built to last a lifetime. If you are using thick, hand-spun wool or multiple layers of fabric for your project bag, this kit provides the raw power needed to punch through.
The steel construction is incredibly robust, making it nearly impossible to crush these grommets by accident. This is ideal for those who tend to over-strike with their hammer, as the material is forgiving and maintains its shape under high impact.
Be aware that these are quite "industrial" in appearance. They lack the decorative finish of fashion-forward brands, so they are best suited for rugged, utility-focused bags rather than delicate lace pouches.
Singer 1/2 Inch Grommet Refills: Best for Variety
Singer remains a staple in the sewing world for a reason: they are accessible and reliable. Their 1/2 inch refills are perfect for those who like to use thicker braided cords or ribbons for their drawstring closures instead of thin cotton twine.
The wider diameter allows for a smoother glide, which reduces friction against your knitted fabric. Less friction means less pilling over time, especially if your bag is knit from a soft, single-ply merino yarn that is prone to abrasion.
One tip: Singer grommets can sometimes be thinner than specialized hardware. If you are using a very loose or delicate knit, consider reinforcing the area with a small square of interfacing or heavy cotton behind the grommet to prevent it from pulling through the stitches.
Tandy Leather Brass Grommets: Best for Heavy Bags
When you are combining leather accents with your knitting, you need hardware that matches the weight of the material. Tandy Leather grommets are designed for thick leather hides, making them more than capable of handling the weight of a heavy project bag filled with yarn.
These grommets have a longer "neck," which is the metal barrel that passes through the fabric. This extra length is a lifesaver when you are trying to sandwich a layer of leather and a layer of knit fabric together.
Because these are designed for leather, they can be quite stiff. You will need a heavy-duty mallet and a solid surface to set them properly. Don’t try to use a soft surface like a cutting mat, or you will find the grommet doesn’t set tight enough.
Fiskars 5/8 Inch Grommet Set: Best for Beginners
Fiskars is a household name for a reason: their tools are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Their 5/8 inch set is large enough to be forgiving, making it a great starting point if you’ve never set a grommet before.
The larger size is easier to align and provides more room for error if your hole-cutting is slightly off-center. It is also a great size for chunky, oversized drawstring cords, which look fantastic on winter-themed project bags.
The main limitation is the size itself. A 5/8 inch hole is quite large and can look disproportionate on smaller pouches. Use this size for larger tote bags or drawstring backpacks rather than small notions pouches.
How to Select the Right Grommet Size for Projects
- Small (1/8" to 1/4"): Best for thin cords, silk ribbons, or delicate pouches.
- Medium (3/8" to 1/2"): The "Goldilocks" size for standard cotton drawstrings and most project bags.
- Large (5/8" and up): Ideal for thick ropes, chunky wool cords, or heavy-duty canvas bags.
- Weight Matters: Always match the grommet size to the diameter of your cord; you want the cord to slide freely without dragging.
Essential Tools for Setting Metal Grommets Safely
You cannot rely on the included plastic tools for long-term use. A heavy-duty rubber or rawhide mallet is essential, as it provides enough force to set the metal without marring the finish.
A self-healing cutting mat is helpful for the initial hole, but you should move to a hard wood block or steel anvil for the actual setting process. If you try to set a grommet on a soft surface, the bottom of the grommet will not curl properly, leading to a jagged edge that will eventually shred your yarn.
Tips for Preventing Fabric Fraying Near Eyelets
Before you punch a hole in your knit fabric, you must stabilize it. I always recommend applying a small piece of fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric where the grommet will go.
Additionally, a tiny drop of fray-check liquid around the cut edges of the fabric can prevent the fibers from unraveling. If your fabric is very loosely knit, consider a quick zigzag stitch around the intended hole location before cutting to lock the stitches in place.
Choosing the right metal grommet is a small detail that elevates your knitting from a homemade craft to a professional-grade accessory. By considering the weight of your fiber and the intended use of your bag, you can ensure your hard work stays protected for years. Don’t be afraid to practice on a swatch of scrap fabric first to get the feel of your setting tools. With the right hardware, your drawstring closures will be as durable as they are beautiful.
