Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Eyelets for tarpaulins, awnings and vinyl should have a washer, be made of a rust-resistant material such as brass or stainless steel and have an inner diameter of around 10–15 mm or more, depending on the rope. They are set in a reinforced or folded hem at a spacing that allows the sheet to be tensioned evenly. A correctly set eyelet takes the wind load without tearing the material.
Why technical textiles need eyelets
Tarpaulins, awnings, sunshades and advertising vinyl sheets are tensioned with ropes, bungee cords or hooks. The load is concentrated at a few points and multiplies in the wind. Without an eyelet the hole in the material tears quickly. A tarpaulin eyelet:
- spreads the force over a larger area around the hole;
- protects the material from abrasion by the rope;
- allows the sheet to be fitted and removed quickly;
- gives the product a professional, finished look.
Which tarpaulin eyelets to choose
Material
Awnings and tarpaulins are exposed to rain, sun and dirt, so the eyelet material must resist corrosion. Brass and stainless steel are the most reliable. Ordinary steel with a thin coating can rust and leave stains on light-coloured awnings. Plastic eyelets are suitable for light products, but not for tightly tensioned sheets outdoors.
Size
The inner diameter depends on the rope, bungee or hook that will pass through it. The shank must take in the folded edge of the material – with tarpaulins it is often double or triple.
| Product | Approximate inner diameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising vinyl banner | around 10–12 mm | eyelet with washer, folded or welded hem |
| Cover tarpaulins, covers | around 10–15 mm | brass or stainless steel |
| Awnings and sunshades | around 12–20 mm | sturdy eyelet, reinforced hem |
| Tents and marquees | according to the rope and pegs | eyelet with washer in a reinforced corner |
The values are approximate and depend on the material and the load.
Spacing between eyelets
The spacing is chosen according to the size of the sheet and the expected load. The closer the eyelets, the more evenly the force is spread. Practical guidelines:
- always set an eyelet in every corner, where the load is greatest;
- on advertising banners the eyelets are usually at equal intervals around the whole perimeter;
- on large awnings and sheets exposed to strong wind, reduce the spacing;
- keep the intervals equal so there are no folds or "pockets" that trap water and wind.
Reinforcing the edge
An eyelet is never set in a single layer of tarpaulin or vinyl close to the cut edge. The edge is folded, stitched or welded, and at highly loaded points a reinforcing patch or tape is added. The distance from the edge must be enough to leave material around the flange. Corners are reinforced additionally, because forces from both sides meet there.
Points to note with vinyl
Vinyl and PVC-coated fabrics are slippery and stiff in the cold. Punch them at room temperature so they do not crack around the hole. On advertising banners the hem is often hot-air welded or glued rather than stitched – this makes the hem denser and the eyelet grips well. With mesh vinyl sheets that let the wind through, reinforcing the edge is even more important, because the mesh has less material around the hole.
Points to note with canvas tarpaulin
Cotton and polyester canvas are more flexible, but cotton canvas shrinks when wet. Set the eyelets after the hem has been finally folded and stitched, and under high load add a round reinforcing patch of the same material around each corner eyelet.
How to set eyelets in vinyl and tarpaulin
- Mark the eyelet positions using a template, starting from the corners.
- Punch a hole with a hole punch of the right diameter – do not cut with a knife, because a ragged edge splits.
- Place the eyelet on the face side and the washer on the reverse.
- Flare the shank with a hand setter and hammer or with a press and the correct die.
- Check that the washer is pressed tight and the eyelet does not turn.
In series production of banners and awnings, manual or pneumatic presses are used that set the eyelets quickly and with consistent force.
Eyelets for textiles under lighter load
For patio sunshades, cases, furniture covers and bags made of technical textiles, smaller eyelets are often sufficient. It is important to take into account the material and how the product is used. Eyelets used for thin cords can be combined with suitable cords, and for hanging with metal rings.
Common mistakes
- Steel eyelets without a resistant finish outdoors – they rust and stain the sheet.
- Too much spacing between eyelets – the sheet billows and tears.
- Eyelets in an unreinforced edge – the hole rips in the first strong wind.
- The wrong tool – the eyelet is only half flared and works loose.
Caring for products with eyelets
Before the season, check the eyelets at the corners – cracks in the material around the flange appear there first. A loose eyelet is replaced with a new one of the same size, or slightly larger if the hole has widened. Where possible, do not tension the sheet directly with a metal hook – a rope or bungee loads the eyelet more evenly.
Eyelets for tarpaulins and technical textiles from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience. In the eyelets category you will find models with washers in various diameters and finishes, suitable for clothing, bags and technical textiles. Send us the material, the thickness of the hem and the intended use via our contact page to receive samples and a quote.
