What You Will Need
If you’re a crafty type, you’ll already have most of the tools to create eyelet curtains, including a sharp pair of scissors, a sewing machine with thread, an iron, a tape measure, pins and a fabric pen. The only specialist kit you’ll need is eyelet tape and the eyelets themselves, in a finish to suit your scheme (the most common are chrome, brass and silver). Finally, of course, you’ll need the curtain fabric – and we can help you there.
Measure up & make the hems
Be aware that eyelet curtains need to hang from a pole (they won’t work with bay windows, valances or pelmets). First step is to measure from the pole right down to where the bottom edge of the curtain will be (otherwise known as the drop). You’ll want to add on a few extra centimetres to compensate for the hems at both ends, plus the small distance from the eyelet to the curtain’s top edge (an additional 15-17cm should be about right). Carefully cut your curtain fabric to length, then create the hems by folding about 2cm under on either side of the panel (front to back). Iron, then fold under once again, before securing with pins and sewing.
Cut the eyelet holes
Repeat the folding and ironing process at the top of the curtain panel, using pins to attach the eyelet tape along the fabric’s top edge, before sewing in place. Next, having drawn around the inside of each circle with a fabric pen, cut out the holes where your eyelet rings will go (remember that you don’t want to place a ring on a seam). Cut as carefully as you can, of course, but don’t be too worried about small nicks and frayed edges, as the rings will hide any superficial damage once in position.
Attach your eyelet rings
Now you know how to cut holes in fabric for eyelet curtains, all you need to do is press the eyelets into place (and finish off your hems). You’ll find a great selection of eyelet rings right here. Meanwhile, for an easy life, why not use our clip on eyelets, which can be used without eyelet pliers or any special tools. You’ll find a tutorial on attaching them here.
