education insights | January 12, 2026

What is hem and grommet?

Hems consist of one inch of the vinyl banner material folded over to the backside of the banner and heated together to form a clean and strong one-inch hem. The hems increase the strength and durability of the banner. Grommets: Grommets are made of #2 brass rings. Grommets are about 1/2 inch in diameter.

What is hem on a backdrop?

Hemming (All Sides)

The hem doubles the thickness of the edge of the banner providing the strength with the stitching keeping the hem in place. Hemmed edges are created by folding 1 inch of vinyl over to the back of the banner and then stitching the 2 layers together.

What is a grommet on a banner?

What Are Grommets? Grommets are metal rings inserted into holes through vinyl material, collared on each side to keep them held securely in place. They are used to prevent tearing or abrasion of material from the support line being routed through the holes in the vinyl material.

What is a hem on a vinyl banner?

A hem is when you fold the edges of the banner using doubled-sided tape. This gives extra strength and prevents tear-out.

What are grommets and pole pockets?

Grommets and pole pockets are two of the most common ways to hang your signs and banners. That's why it's important to under-stand the difference. Grommets, as you now know, are small holes supported with metal (sometimes other materials like rubber or plastic).

Banner Hemming and Grommets

Do grommets hurt?

Grommets can be made of plastic or metal. They don't hurt, and they allow air to enter the middle ear and drain the fluid to the back of the nose and throat. Grommets are also known as tympanostomy tubes or ventilation tubes.

What is a pole pocket?

Pole pockets are used on certain banner installations. The purpose of a pole pocket is so that a banner can slide over a pole or cable. Pole pockets can also be used at the bottom of a drape or banner to weigh down and add some tension. This can reduce creases and give more of a solid tensioned appearance.

What are hem and grommets on a banner?

Each banner includes grommets (metal rings that reinforce holes) that are placed every 2 feet and in each corner for multiple hanging options. Hems and grommets help prevent banners from tearing, especially when hung outdoors, and can extend the life of the product.

Should I hem my banner?

The combination of hem and grommet protects the banner from fraying and extends the lifetime of the banner. It is advisable to use this finishing method on all outdoor banners and some long term indoor banners.

Do banners need to be hemmed?

Hemming Banners

This improves the sustainability of the banner to elements such as wind, stress, rain, and torn resistance. Hemming reinforces the edges of the banner. Banners that are hemmed experience less damage. They are much stronger signs, suited for long outdoor use.

What grommet means?

Definition of grommet

1 : a flexible loop that serves as a fastening, support, or reinforcement. 2 : an eyelet of firm material to strengthen or protect an opening or to insulate or protect something passed through it.

What is grommets used for?

In construction, manufacturing or production and other related industries, grommets are usually used to cover the rough and sharp edges of a hole in metal. This is done to protect another material as it is passed through this hole. For this particular type of application or process, a rubber grommet is usually used.

Where are grommets located?

A grommet is a ring or edge strip inserted into a hole through thin material, typically a sheet of textile fabric, sheet metal or composite of carbon fiber, wood or honeycomb. Grommets are generally flared or collared on each side to keep them in place, and are often made of metal, plastic, or rubber.

What is the standard hem of a curtain?

Standard curtains have a 3 to 4 inch (7.62 10.16 centimeters) wide hem. You'll need to cut your curtains 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) longer than you want them to be. Shorter curtains might look better with a 2 inch (5.08 centimeter) wide hem.

What is a reinforced hem?

A reinforced hem is used on larger banners fitted in more exposed locations. Reinforcing uses additional nylon webbing (similar to seatbelt material) which is high-frequency welded to the edges of the banner. A reinforced hem is generally advised on exposed outdoor banners larger than 10 square metres in area.

What is banner webbing?

Webbing is made of tightly-woven polyester. 2” webbing has 2,900 lbs of tensile strength. The webbing is sewn into the hems of banners to prevent grommets from ripping out in extreme weather.

How do I keep my banners from curling?

Use strong rope, twine or even cable ties to ensure that your banner will be secure after hanging. Grommets are punched into a banner 500mm apart at the top of the banner and every 1000mm apart at the bottom of the banner. This distributes the banner's weight and helps to keep the banner from sagging.

What are welded edges on a banner?

Welded hems—also known as hemming—are part of all four edges of your banner, increasing its durability, which is especially important for banners that have grommets. The hems are 'welded' using a heat press, creating an incredibly strong bond and a smooth, crisp edge for your banner.

What is top and bottom pole pocket?

They are similar to heat welded hems, but there is room for a pole or rode to go through the loop of material. You can have pole pockets on the top only, bottom only, right side only, left side only, both top and bottom, both right and left, or on all sides of the banner. The pole pockets are used to hang the banner.