Common Applications
Eyelet's open-hole construction shows up across a wide range of projects, from summer wardrobes to home textiles, but the right base fabric changes depending on what you're making.
Summer Dresses and Blouses
Woven eyelet on rayon, voile, or CDC bases is the classic choice for warm-weather dresses and blouses, where the airflow through the open holes makes a real difference in comfort. The soft drape also suits tiered skirts and flowing silhouettes that don't need much structure.
Fitted and Ruffle-Trimmed Styles
Stretch knit eyelet handles fitted bodices and ruffle-trimmed garments that skip the zipper entirely, since the built-in stretch recovery lets the fabric move with the body rather than requiring a separate closure.
Structured Skirts and Occasion Wear
Scuba eyelet's firm, stable hand makes it the right call for pencil skirts, tailored tops, and occasion wear where you want the decorative holes without sacrificing structure. Our dress collection features several eyelet options across these different constructions.
Trim, Overlays, and Costume Work
Eyelet voile's sheer to semi-sheer hand works well as an overlay, trim, or standalone fabric for costume and cosplay projects. Our dance and costume collection is a good starting point if your project calls for that kind of delicate detail.
How to Choose Eyelet Fabric by the Yard
Picking the right eyelet starts with understanding how the holes are made and what base fabric carries them, since those two factors determine drape, stretch, and garment construction eyelets require.
Woven Eyelet
Embroidery on rayon, voile, or CDC bases drapes softly and suits flowy dresses, blouses, and tiered skirts, with little to no stretch, so plan your seam allowance accordingly. The Vine Eyelet Border CDC and Celestial Eyelet Embroidery on Rayon are strong examples of this construction.
Stretch Knit Eyelet
Built-in stretch recovery makes these ideal for fitted bodices, ruffle-trimmed styles, and garments that skip the zipper entirely. Rachel Stretch Eyelet Knit, Vera Stripe Eyelet Knit, and Milley Eyelet Knit all deliver that stretch-and-recover performance.
Scuba Eyelet
A firm hand and stable structure make scuba eyelet the right call for pencil skirts, tailored tops, and occasion wear. Amazonia Eyelet Embroidery Scuba and Ramona Eyelets on Scuba are good reference points for this construction.
Eyelet Voile and Lace
Sheer to semi-sheer with a delicate hand, eyelet voile works as an overlay, trim, or standalone fabric for warm-weather garments and costume cosplay projects alike.
Order a swatch before committing to yardage for color-critical projects.
Eyelet Fabric Uses and Care
Eyelet's open-hole construction adds breathability that makes it a warm-weather staple, and its decorative texture translates across a wide range of applications, including summer dresses, children's clothing, blouses, skirts, curtains, and home décor accents, as well as trim on hems and necklines.
For care, most eyelet knits are machine-washable on a gentle cycle. Woven eyelet embroidery on rayon or Tencel should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned to preserve embroidery integrity. Always check the individual product page for fiber-specific guidance before laundering, since embroidered eyelet can be more delicate than the base fabric alone would suggest.
If you're unsure which construction fits your specific project, reach out through our contact page and our team can help you narrow down the right option based on drape, stretch, and intended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eyelet fabric?
Eyelet fabric features small decorative holes created by embroidery, weaving, or laser cutting. Those holes add texture, pattern, and breathability to the base cloth. Our eyelet collection focuses specifically on fashion and apparel fabric constructions across substrates including rayon, Tencel, voile, and scuba.
Is eyelet fabric stretchy?
It depends on the base fabric. Knit eyelet, such as stretch eyelet knit styles like Rachel Stretch Eyelet Knit, has natural stretch and recovery. Woven eyelet, including eyelet embroidery on rayon or voile, has little to no stretch. Check each product's construction type before cutting.
How many yards of eyelet fabric do I need for a dress?
Most knee-length dresses require 2 to 3 yards; maxi dresses typically need 3.5 to 5 yards depending on width and design. Add 10 to 15% for pattern matching on eyelet with a repeat. If you are working with a border print or scalloped edge, factor in placement before cutting. Ordering a swatch first, then yardage, is the most reliable method for color-critical or repeat-sensitive projects.
Can I buy eyelet fabric by the yard?
Yes. All fabrics in this collection are sold by the yard with a $20 minimum order. Free shipping applies to orders of $99 or more. For questions about garment construction eyelets, grommets, or eyelet kit hardware, note that this collection covers fabric only, not metal findings.
What's the difference between woven and scuba eyelet?
Woven eyelet on bases like rayon or voile drapes softly and suits flowy garments, while scuba eyelet has a firmer, more stable hand suited to structured pieces like pencil skirts and tailored tops. If your project needs to hold shape rather than flow, scuba is generally the better choice.
Does eyelet fabric need a lining?
Because the open holes let light and air pass through, many eyelet garments are lined for modesty and comfort, particularly dresses and blouses. Lighter voile-based eyelet especially benefits from a slip or lining underneath, while heavier scuba eyelet may not need one depending on the garment's design.