Prym hollow rivet 3-4mm 25 pieces in Silver
€8.70per piece
Rivets
Rivets join layers permanently and reinforce stressed points. On bag handles, belts and trouser pockets they hold where a seam would eventually give – and look good doing it.
A rivet consists of two parts pushed through the fabric and hammered together. Unlike a seam it takes the pull at a single point and does not tear out as long as the fabric holds.
The post length has to match the material thickness. Too short and the parts do not engage; too long and the post bends while hammering, leaving the rivet crooked.
Set with a setting tool and hammer on a firm surface. Practise on a scrap of the same layers before working on the finished piece.
On thin fabrics rivets need reinforcement, or they pull out. A piece of faux leather or firm interfacing under the rivet solves the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Which post length do I need?
Enough for the post to pass through all layers and stand one or two millimetres proud. Too short does not engage, too long bends while hammering and the rivet sits crooked.
Can I set rivets without a tool?
No, you need a setting tool and a firm surface. With a hammer alone the head deforms and the join does not hold reliably.
Where do rivets make sense?
At points under heavy pull: bag handles, belt loops, the corners of trouser pockets. There they stop the seam tearing open over time.
