6 Best Grommets For Drawstring Project Bags
Choosing the right grommets is key to durable project bags. We review the six best options, focusing on material quality, ease of installation, and style.
Every knitter knows the frustration of a project bag that refuses to stay closed, spilling precious hand-dyed skeins across the floor. A well-placed grommet isn’t just a hardware choice; it’s the difference between a secure carry-all and a yarn-tangled disaster. Choosing the right metal reinforcement ensures your drawstrings glide smoothly without snagging your delicate lace or snag-prone wool. Here are the top picks to elevate your handmade bags from amateur to heirloom quality.
Dritz 1/2-Inch Brass Grommets: Best Overall Choice
These brass grommets are the gold standard for a reason. They offer a classic, professional finish that complements almost any fabric, from sturdy waxed canvas to soft linen blends.
When you are hauling a heavy sweater project, the grommet takes a lot of physical stress. The Dritz brass construction resists bending, ensuring your drawstring channels don’t warp over time.
I recommend these for anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss result. They are widely available, consistent in quality, and hold up exceptionally well to the daily wear and tear of being tossed into a knitting tote.
Prym Vario Pliers Set: Best For Easy Application
If you’ve ever ruined a project by hammering a grommet off-center, you know the value of precision. The Prym Vario pliers take the guesswork out of the installation process entirely.
These pliers apply even pressure from both sides, which is crucial for getting a clean "crimp" on the grommet. This prevents the jagged edges that can catch on your yarn fibers—a nightmare when you’re working with single-ply or mohair.
While the initial investment is higher than a simple hammer-and-anvil kit, the time you save is worth it. It’s the perfect tool for the knitter who makes bags as gifts and wants every single one to look like it came from a high-end boutique.
Goldstar Heavy Duty Metal Grommets: Best For Durability
Sometimes, you need hardware that can survive a cross-country flight or a long summer of knitting at the park. Goldstar grommets are significantly thicker than standard craft-store options.
They are designed for industrial use, meaning they won’t pull through the fabric even if your drawstring is made of thick, braided cotton cord. They provide that satisfying, solid "clunk" when you drop your bag on the floor.
If you’re working with heavy-duty fabrics like denim or upholstery-weight cotton, these are your best bet. They provide the structural integrity required to keep heavy project bags from sagging at the drawstring point.
Fiskars Eyelet Setter Kit: Best For The Beginners
Starting your first project bag can be intimidating, especially when you have to cut a hole in your beautiful fabric. This kit is designed to be approachable and forgiving for the novice maker.
The set includes all the basic components to get you started without requiring a workshop full of tools. It’s a great introduction to hardware installation before you decide to invest in professional-grade pliers.
Keep in mind that this is a manual, hammer-based system. It requires a bit of practice, so I always suggest testing your technique on a scrap piece of fabric—ideally the same weight as your project bag—before tackling the real thing.
Creative Hobbies Silver Grommets: Best For Aesthetics
Sometimes, the hardware is the jewelry of the bag. If you are using a cool-toned fabric, like a slate gray linen or a navy canvas, these silver grommets add a crisp, clean look.
They have a beautiful, reflective finish that doesn’t look cheap or plasticky. They elevate the overall design, making your bag look like a deliberate, well-considered accessory rather than a DIY afterthought.
Use these when the aesthetic is just as important as the function. They pair beautifully with modern, minimalist project bags that feature clean lines and subtle hardware accents.
General Tools 1/2-Inch Kit: Best For Heavy Canvas
If you are a fan of rugged, "workhorse" project bags, you need hardware that matches that aesthetic. The General Tools kit is built for utility and handles thick, multi-layered fabrics with ease.
This kit is particularly effective because of the included punch tool, which creates a clean, precise hole in even the toughest materials. A clean hole is the secret to a long-lasting grommet; if the hole is ragged, the grommet will eventually work itself loose.
This is the choice for the knitter who makes bags out of repurposed materials or heavy-duty duck cloth. It’s not the prettiest kit on the market, but it is undeniably effective for heavy-duty applications.
How To Select The Right Grommet Size For Your Bag
Choosing the right size is all about the diameter of your drawstring. You need enough "wiggle room" for the cord to slide freely, even if the bag is stuffed to the brim with a bulky sweater project.
- 1/4-inch: Best for thin, waxed cotton cords or delicate ribbon ties.
- 1/2-inch: The gold standard for most project bags; fits standard paracord or braided cotton.
- 3/4-inch or larger: Ideal for chunky rope handles or thick, decorative tassels.
Always remember that as you fill your bag, the fabric pulls tight. If the grommet is too small, your drawstring will bind, making it difficult to close your bag quickly when you need to pack up and go.
Essential Tools For Installing Project Bag Grommets
You don’t need a professional workshop, but you do need the right basics to ensure a secure fit. A sharp pair of fabric scissors is non-negotiable for cutting the initial hole.
- Cutting Mat: Protects your table while you punch through the fabric.
- Rubber Mallet: Essential if you are using an anvil-and-setter kit; it provides force without marring the metal.
- Fray Check: A liquid sealant that prevents the fabric from unraveling around the grommet hole.
Never try to force a grommet with household tools like pliers or screwdrivers. You will almost certainly warp the metal, creating sharp edges that will inevitably snag your precious hand-knit lace.
Metal vs Plastic Grommets: Which Lasts The Longest?
In the world of fiber arts, metal is almost always superior to plastic for hardware. Plastic grommets are prone to cracking under the tension of a drawstring, especially if your bag is frequently opened and closed.
Metal grommets provide a permanent, structural edge to your fabric. They don’t degrade over time, and they provide a smooth, low-friction surface for your drawstring to glide over.
While plastic might be cheaper and easier to find, it’s a false economy. Spend the extra few dollars on brass or nickel-plated steel to ensure your project bag survives as long as the sweaters you keep inside it.
Pro Tips For Preventing Fabric Fraying Around Holes
The biggest enemy of a long-lasting grommet is the fraying fabric underneath. Once the threads start to pull away from the grommet edge, the entire installation will eventually fail.
Before you set the grommet, apply a small amount of clear fabric glue or fray sealant around the hole. This creates a "stabilized" ring that keeps the weave of the fabric locked firmly in place.
Alternatively, you can fuse a small piece of lightweight interfacing to the back of the fabric before you cut the hole. This adds an extra layer of structural support that prevents the grommet from tearing through the fabric under the weight of your yarn.
Investing in quality grommets is a small detail that pays massive dividends in the longevity of your handmade project bags. By choosing the right hardware and taking the time to install it with care, you ensure your knitting gear remains as beautiful as the projects you create. Happy making, and may your drawstrings always glide smoothly.
