How to Set Grommets on Curtains: Step by Step

Setting grommets in curtains is a task anyone can do, but a professional or amateur result comes down to two factors: the method chosen and the quality of the tools. There are three methods depending on the volume of work and the available equipment: without a machine (hammer and die), with a manual bench press, and with a pneumatic press. This guide explains all three, from lowest to highest production.

Which grommets to choose for curtains: size, material and type

Before the methods, you need to be clear about which piece you need. The right choice of grommet determines the final result in both appearance and function.

Size

The standard size for setting grommets in curtains for decoration is the 40 mm inner diameter grommet: it matches most standard curtain poles (19–25 mm diameter) and produces the characteristic drape of a grommet-top curtain. For thicker poles or industrial curtains, larger grommets can be used. See the full range at curtain grommets.

Material

• Nickel- or chrome-plated brass: the most common in residential decoration. Uniform silver finish, accessible price.
• Gold-finish brass: for classic or gold-themed curtains.
• Matte black / lacquered: the trend finish for Nordic and contemporary decor.
• Stainless steel: for bathroom or kitchen curtains exposed to humidity.

Number of grommets

For the pleats to hang symmetrically, always use an even number of grommets. Rule of thumb: start and finish 3–4 cm from the side edge, and leave 15–20 cm between grommets. For a 150 cm wide curtain, the typical calculation is 8 grommets (one every 17–18 cm).

Method 1: without a machine (hammer and die)

The no-machine method is suitable for setting a small number of grommets occasionally. It requires no investment in equipment, but the result is less uniform than with a press.

Materials required

• Grommets + washers of the chosen diameter (typically 40 mm for curtains)
• Circular hole punch of the grommet inner diameter
• Rubber or steel mallet
• Setting die (concave punch of the grommet diameter)
• Firm base: marble slab, small anvil or dense wooden board
• Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk
• Ruler or measuring tape

Steps

1. Prepare the top hem of the curtain. If the fabric is thin or loosely woven, reinforce the area with fusible interfacing. The hem must be sewn and pressed before marking the positions.
2. Mark the positions. Measure and mark each position with a fabric marker, starting 3–4 cm from the side edge and with even spacing. Use an even number.
3. Punch the hole. Place the hole punch centred on the mark and strike firmly with the mallet on a solid base. The hole should be clean and the diameter of the grommet barrel.
4. Insert the grommet from the front face. Push the grommet barrel (the piece with the longer barrel) through the front face of the curtain so the flange is visible on the front.
5. Place the washer on the reverse. Turn the curtain over and place the washer over the barrel protruding through the reverse.
6. Crimp with the die and mallet. Position the concave die over the grommet (front face), rest the assembly on the firm base and strike evenly. The barrel folds outwards clamping the washer against the fabric. Check that the grommet does not rotate and the washer is firmly fixed.

Critical point: strikes must be centred and even all around the barrel. If the die rolls or drifts, the barrel folds unevenly and the grommet ends up crooked. Practise on an offcut before tackling the final curtain.

Method 2: with a manual bench press

A manual bench press is the recommended tool for garment workshops, upholsterers and private users who set grommets frequently. It delivers uniform crimping with minimal effort and a consistently professional result.

How it works

The press has a lever that drives a punch onto the grommet with enough force to fold the barrel cleanly. The dies (upper punch and lower base) are interchangeable and must match the exact diameter of the grommet. See our selection of manual bench presses and the spare parts and dies available.

Steps

1. Fit the correct dies for your grommet diameter.
2. Prepare and mark the fabric as in Method 1.
3. Punch the hole with the hole punch of the right diameter.
4. Place the grommet and washer in the press: grommet body in the upper punch (face down), washer on the lower base, centred.
5. Lay the fabric over the washer, centred on the hole.
6. Lower the lever in a firm, controlled movement to the stop. The press does the rest.
7. Check that the grommet is set correctly: it should not rotate or have any play.

Key advantage of Method 2 over Method 1: the force is constant and symmetrical at every installation. The result is the same on the first grommet and the last, regardless of operator fatigue. For a run of 10 or more grommets, the bench press saves time and noticeably improves the finish.

Method 3: with a pneumatic press

A pneumatic grommet press is the solution for industrial garment workshops, series-production upholstery and any business fitting more than 500 grommets per day. It runs on compressed air and reduces the setting time per unit to just a couple of seconds.

When to use a pneumatic

• Production above 300–500 grommets per day
• Large-diameter grommets (over 25 mm) that require more force than a manual press can deliver
• Very thick or high-strength materials
• Need for speed and series uniformity

Advantages over the manual press

• Speed: 5–10 times faster than a manual press with an operator
• Adjustable force: pressure can be set to suit the material without mechanical changes
• Lower operator fatigue on long shifts
• Total uniformity: each installation is identical to the last

See the grommet setting machines section for the available models with their matching dies.

Common problems when setting grommets on curtains

Need curtain grommets or setting tools?

We manufacture curtain grommets in every size, material and finish. We also supply manual presses, pneumatic machines and spare parts. Get in touch if you cannot find the reference you need.

[email protected]

Types of curtain grommets: what’s different

Beyond the installation method, the choice of grommet type affects the final result. The market has several categories for curtains:

Flat grommets for curtains

The most common type in decorative curtains. Their low profile leaves the pole visible between grommets, creating the characteristic curved drape. Standard inner diameter is 40 mm for 19–25 mm poles. Available in nickel-plated brass, gold, black, white and other finishes to match pole and fabric.

Large-flange curtain grommets

With a larger flange on the visible face for a more decorative look. Used on classic-style curtains or on thicker fabrics where the larger flange helps spread the load.

Grommets for blackout and heavy curtains

High-density blackout curtains require more robust grommets because of fabric weight. Brass grommets with reinforced washer in 40 mm diameter are recommended. For very heavy blackout curtains, some installers use two grommets per fastening point (one inside and one outside) to spread the load.

See the full catalogue in the curtain grommets section.

Grommet spacing in curtains: practical calculation

Grommet spacing sets the pleat size and the curtain’s drape:

• 15 cm spacing: smaller, more numerous pleats, a formal and dense look. Suitable for living rooms and classically decorated rooms.
• 17–18 cm spacing: the most widespread standard. Produces a balanced drape, neither over-pleated nor too flat.
• 20 cm spacing: more open pleats, a more minimalist look. Common in Scandinavian and contemporary decor.

Golden rule: always an even number of grommets. If the calculation gives an odd number, adjust the spacing until you find an even count within the desired range. Start and end 3–4 cm from the side edge of the curtain.

Materials and tools required for each method

The spare parts and dies for manual presses are available in our shop for every grommet diameter.