Textile eyelets – How to choose the best ones?
Eyelets are pieces that fulfill the main function of holding or fixing through the passage of a 2nd element of the cord or rope type, or even, more recently, as a mere decorative function.
Eyelets, like other elements used in the textile industry, have several applications, for various areas, such as textiles, footwear, carpentry, metalworking, camping, etc.
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For each area, these accessories correspond to different functions, and therefore, each typology of this piece has different materials, thicknesses and designs.
The most common use of eyelets is in the textile industry, where they are used in the weaving process to fix yarns, warp and weft yarns, through a special yarn, called the warp yarn, and to fix the fabric, as a warp or a weft.
In the textile industry, there are different types of these pieces, according to the way they are used. In the textile industry, they are usually classified as:
Warp (or warp fastener)
They are used to fix the warp threads in the weaving process, and are generally used to fix the fabric or material. They are usually made of brass or aluminum, and are usually used for heavy fabrics and are usually used for carpets. They are thicker eyelets than the weft.
Weft
They are used for the weft yarns; weft (or warp fastening) eyelets, which are used to fix the weft threads in the weaving process, and are normally used to fix the fabric or material. Being thinner than warp eyelets, they are typically used for lightweight fabrics, and are typically made from brass or aluminum.
The eyelets are usually made of metals, such as aluminum or brass, which are relatively inexpensive but have a poor quality finish. Depending on the quality of the material used, they may be more or less resistant to wear, and are not particularly resistant to environmental conditions, due to the materials used.
When it is intended they can withstand adverse weather and environmental conditions, they are usually treated with a differentiated finish, where after the same, they are prepared for these conditions of use.
And then there are eyelets that are made of plastic, which are normally very resistant to environmental conditions, but which are more expensive.
Footwear Industry
In the footwear industry, eyelets are used to tighten the shoe, as well as in other customized situations, or for decoration. These are typically used for lightweight fabrics such as cotton, canvas or leather. They are usually made of plastic or rubber, which are relatively inexpensive but have a poor quality finish.
There are also eyelets for shoes produced in metallic alloys, coated or not.
How to choose the best ones for your application?
Before you start, you should know what you are going to do with your eyelets.
Are you going to attach them to a lighter or thicker fabric? What is your plan for attaching the eyelets?
When choosing eyelets for your project, you must select the best typology you want to use. What are your options?
In this link you can choose a set of eyelets that meet your expectations
1. Flat eyelets
Created to attach to fabric or skin. Flat pieces are the most frequently used. This typology can be used for fixing to fabric or items that use leather, such as footwear and leather goods. In these typologies, flat eyelets are more frequently used
2. With screw
The Screw eyelets are used to secure fabric to fabric. These accessories have a screw, which is usually a round piece of metal, which is inserted into the eyelet. They are usually made of aluminum or brass.
3. Various in composite materials.
Made of plastic, rubber or coated metal. All of these are very resistant to adverse weather conditions, and can withstand a variety of conditions. Plastic ones are usually more wear-resistant, but more expensive than other types.
4. Needle eyelets
The Needle eyelets are made from brass, aluminum, or steel, and are typically used for heavier fabrics. They are normally used for attachment to fabrics or items that use leather, such as footwear and leather goods. In these types, needles are most often used.
There are different typologies, materials and designs that influence the technical performance of the use of eyelets for different situations.
The best answer is to take a good look at the design drawings, whether textile, clothing, or otherwise, and choose the eyelets that are compatible with it. For example, if you want to wear a knitted jacquard dress with a jacquard sweater, you can use eyelets on the shirt as it will blend in with the shirt design.
However, if you want to wear a long knitted dress with a short knitted sweater, you can opt for a longer eyelet to match the design of the short dress.
