Today we’re finishing our little holiday shoe project, and the next step is setting the eyelets. These small hardware pieces give your shoe a professional finish and let you lace it up neatly. Here’s a clear, simple walkthrough of the process.

What You’ll Need

• Eyelet setting Punch & Anvil
• Hole punch (standard punch or screw punch)
• Eyelets: Face and Washer
• Cutting mat or pressing surface
• Small steel block or solid metal surface
• Mallet or hammer
• Your shoe pattern to make hole locations
• Marking tool (invisible pen or Sharpie)

Step 1: Mark the Eyelet Positions

Start by identifying the correct pattern piece for the side you’re working on. Align the pattern with your finished upper and transfer the eyelet locations using your marking tool. Repeat for the inside/medial panel.

Step 2: Punch the Holes

You can use either a standard hole punch or a screw punch:

• Standard Punch: Test the punch size on scrap, then place the upper on your cutting mat and punch out each marked hole using a mallet.
• Screw Punch: Position the tool on each mark and press down to cut a clean, precise hole.

Step 3: Insert the Eyelets

Each eyelet has two parts: the face (with the long shaft) and the washer. Push the eyelet through the material from the outside to the inside. Place the washer over the shaft on the back.

Step 4: Set the Eyelets

Place a steel block or solid metal surface beneath your work area. Position the setting arbor under the eyelet and the setting punch over the shaft. Tap gently with a mallet until the metal flares and secures the washer. Repeat for all holes.

Step 5: Finished!

Once all eyelets are set, admire your clean, professional results. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the shoe. Stay tuned for the next step in our holiday shoe project!