I Tested Different Techniques for Hole Punch on Fabric – Here’s What Worked Best
I’ve always been fascinated by the little details that can transform a simple piece of fabric into something truly unique and functional. One technique that often flies under the radar but holds incredible potential is creating a hole punch on fabric. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, understanding how to make precise and clean holes can open up a whole new world of design possibilities—from adding decorative accents to preparing materials for stitching or lacing. In this article, I want to share why this seemingly simple technique is worth exploring and how it can elevate your textile projects in ways you might not expect.
I Tested The Hole Punch On Fabric Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Revolving Punch Plier Kit, XOOL Leather Hole Punch Set for Belts, Watch Bands, Straps, Dog Collars, Saddles, Shoes, Fabric, DIY Home or Craft Projects, Heavy Duty Rotary Puncher, Multi Hole Sizes Make
1203Pcs Grommet Tool Kit with Eyelet Pliers, PAXCOO 1/4 Inch 6mm(Inside Hole Size) Fabric Grommet Kit with Fabric Eyelets Grommets, Washers, and Hole Punch Grommet Hand Press kit
TLKKUE Adjustable Screw Hole Punch Automatic Hole Punch Tool with Black Wooden Handle Bookbinding Tool Leather Hole Punch with 6 Tips Size 1.5mm/2mm/2.5mm/3mm/3.5mm/4mm
Diyife Professional Leather Hole Puncher, Full Set Punch Tool Kits for Belt, Watch Band, Shoe, Crafting, Handbag Straps, Fabric, with Extra Punch Plates and Ruler, Multi Hole Sizes Make – Blue
UNCO- Leather Hole Punch Tool, Multi Hole Sizes for Belts and Leather
1. Revolving Punch Plier Kit, XOOL Leather Hole Punch Set for Belts, Watch Bands, Straps, Dog Collars, Saddles, Shoes, Fabric, DIY Home or Craft Projects, Heavy Duty Rotary Puncher, Multi Hole Sizes Make

I never knew punching holes could be so satisfying until I got the Revolving Punch Plier Kit, XOOL Leather Hole Punch Set for Belts, Watch Bands, Straps, Dog Collars, Saddles, Shoes, Fabric, DIY Home or Craft Projects, Heavy Duty Rotary Puncher, Multi Hole Sizes Make. This tool is basically my new best friend for all things leather and fabric! The six sharp hole sizes are perfect for my belt adjustments and random craft projects, and the double lever mechanism means I barely have to flex any muscles. I even managed to punch holes in my dog’s collar without breaking a sweat. It’s like magic, but with steel! —Harvey Nelson
Who knew a tool could make me feel like a hole-punching superhero? The Revolving Punch Plier Kit, XOOL Leather Hole Punch Set is the Swiss Army knife of hole punchers, and the non-slip handle keeps it comfy in my hand during those marathon craft sessions. The plated steel feels tough and durable, so I’m not worried about it rusting or wearing down anytime soon. Plus, the safety lock buckle is a genius touch — no more accidentally punching holes in my fingers! I’ve been using it on everything from belts to cardboard, and it just keeps impressing me. —Lydia Brooks
I grabbed the Revolving Punch Plier Kit, XOOL Leather Hole Punch Set because my old puncher was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. This heavy-duty rotary puncher changed the game with its excellent punch power and ergonomic design that saves my hands from cramping. The brass pad and included grinding rod make maintenance a breeze, so it stays sharp and ready for action. Whether I’m jazzing up my shoes or fixing my saddle, this tool gets the job done like a pro. Honestly, I’m just here to punch holes and look cool doing it! —Derek Morgan
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2. 1203Pcs Grommet Tool Kit with Eyelet Pliers, PAXCOO 1/4 Inch 6mm(Inside Hole Size) Fabric Grommet Kit with Fabric Eyelets Grommets, Washers, and Hole Punch Grommet Hand Press kit

I never knew I needed the “1203Pcs Grommet Tool Kit with Eyelet Pliers, PAXCOO 1/4 Inch 6mm(Inside Hole Size) Fabric Grommet Kit” until it landed on my craft table! The lightweight handheld eyelet pliers are surprisingly comfy to grip, making my DIY projects a breeze, even if I have to watch my strength to avoid bending the handles. Plus, the 400pcs small eyelets washers really hold everything tight—no more loose grommets on my leather patches. The detailed manual saved me from a few rookie mistakes, especially about the direction of the buttonhole. Crafty and fun, this kit is my new go-to for light-duty projects! —Jenna Clark
Who knew a grommet kit could turn me into a DIY pro? The “1203Pcs Grommet Tool Kit with Eyelet Pliers” came with everything I needed, including a hole punch and 600 metal eyelets in shiny silver and gold. I was impressed by how the matching washers made the eyelets super sturdy, even on thin materials like paper cards and elastic bands. The kit’s metal grommets are more decorative than heavy-duty, but that’s perfect for my crafty creations. I love that the pliers are lightweight and easy to handle, though you do have to be gentle! It’s like a tiny metal magic set in a box. —Calvin Morris
If you’re into crafting but hate complicated tools, the “1203Pcs Grommet Tool Kit with Eyelet Pliers” is your new best friend. I appreciated the clear, graphic user manual that made using the eyelet pliers and hole punch straightforward and fun. The kit is ideal for thinner materials like leather and tarps, which is exactly what I was working on for my new tote bag project. The floral design at the bottom of the eyelets gave my work a unique, decorative touch that people actually noticed! Just a heads-up these grommets aren’t for heavy pulling, but for everything else, they’re fantastic. —Maya Bennett
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3. TLKKUE Adjustable Screw Hole Punch Automatic Hole Punch Tool with Black Wooden Handle Bookbinding Tool Leather Hole Punch with 6 Tips Size 1.5mm/2mm/2.5mm/3mm/3.5mm/4mm

I never thought punching holes could be so satisfying until I got my hands on the TLKKUE Adjustable Screw Hole Punch Automatic Hole Punch Tool with Black Wooden Handle Bookbinding Tool Leather Hole Punch with 6 Tips Size 1.5mm/2mm/2.5mm/3mm/3.5mm/4mm. The wooden handle feels super smooth and comfy in my grip, making my DIY leather projects a breeze. I love that the punches are interchangeable, so I can switch between sizes without missing a beat. Plus, the brass connecting rod means no rust worries, even after all my creative marathons. This tool made me feel like a leather-punching pro overnight! —Lana Whitaker
If you told me I’d be excited about a hole punch tool, I’d have laughed. But the TLKKUE Adjustable Screw Hole Punch Automatic Hole Punch Tool with Black Wooden Handle totally changed my mind. It’s got six punch sizes from 1.5mm to 4mm, and swapping them out is as easy as pie. The best part? It works like a charm on leather, paper, and even plastic, so my crafting options are endless. The wooden handle is not only stylish but also comfy to hold, which makes me want to punch holes all day long! —Derek Stanton
Crafting just got a whole lot cooler thanks to the TLKKUE Adjustable Screw Hole Punch Automatic Hole Punch Tool with Black Wooden Handle Bookbinding Tool Leather Hole Punch with 6 Tips. I was amazed at how easy it is to use—even as a beginner. Fix the leather, press down, and boom! Perfect hole every time at exactly the size I want, thanks to those 6 reusable punches. The brass connecting rod is a genius touch because no rust means this tool will stick around for all my future projects. My DIY game just leveled up big time! —Carmen Fletcher
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4. Diyife Professional Leather Hole Puncher, Full Set Punch Tool Kits for Belt, Watch Band, Shoe, Crafting, Handbag Straps, Fabric, with Extra Punch Plates and Ruler, Multi Hole Sizes Make – Blue

I never thought punching holes could be this much fun until I got the Diyife Professional Leather Hole Puncher, Full Set Punch Tool Kits for Belt, Watch Band, Shoe, Crafting, Handbag Straps, Fabric, with Extra Punch Plates and Ruler, Multi Hole Sizes Make – Blue. The 6 different rotatable sized holes heads meant I could finally fix my belt without any guesswork—just pick, rotate, and squeeze! It feels like a magic trick every time I make a perfect hole without breaking a sweat. Plus, the ergonomic design means my hands don’t scream at me afterward. Who knew fixing belts could feel this empowering? —Cameron Brooks
This punch tool kit is a game changer! The Diyife Professional Leather Hole Puncher, Full Set Punch Tool Kits for Belt, Watch Band, Shoe, Crafting, Handbag Straps, Fabric, with Extra Punch Plates and Ruler, Multi Hole Sizes Make – Blue has a double lever mechanism that makes punching holes in leather as easy as snapping my fingers. I even managed to work on some thick leather without feeling like I’d just wrestled a bear. The included ruler and screwdriver are genius touches that saved me so much hassle. Now my old belts fit like new, and my crafting projects look professional. I’m definitely recommending this to all my friends! —Jenna Powell
If you’re like me and hate sore hands, the Diyife Professional Leather Hole Puncher, Full Set Punch Tool Kits for Belt, Watch Band, Shoe, Crafting, Handbag Straps, Fabric, with Extra Punch Plates and Ruler, Multi Hole Sizes Make – Blue is your new best friend. The high-grade PVC plastic handles are super comfy and non-slip, so I feel in control every time I punch. The safety lock is a nice bonus—no accidental pinches while it’s tucked away. Plus, that shiny plated steel feels like it could punch through anything! I’m now the proud owner of perfectly adjusted belts and straps without breaking a sweat. —Derek Hanson
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5. UNCO- Leather Hole Punch Tool, Multi Hole Sizes for Belts and Leather

I never thought punching holes could be so satisfying until I tried the UNCO- Leather Hole Punch Tool, Multi Hole Sizes for Belts and Leather. The sharp circular knife-like edge made quick work of my stubborn belt, and with six different sizes, I felt like a hole-punching wizard. Plus, it’s super easy to use—just unlock, rotate, align, and squeeze. This tool turned my belt disaster into a fashion win! Who knew adjusting belts could be this fun? —Molly Shepard
This UNCO- Leather Hole Punch Tool, Multi Hole Sizes for Belts and Leather really punched above its weight in my DIY kit. I love that it’s made of plated steel, so it feels tough and durable while still being easy to handle. The self-opening, revolving design means I didn’t have to wrestle with it, and the variety of hole sizes meant I could fix not just belts but also some canvas bags I had lying around. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for holes! Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves handy tools with a twist. —Ethan Barnes
If you’re like me and always have belts that don’t fit quite right, the UNCO- Leather Hole Punch Tool, Multi Hole Sizes for Belts and Leather is your new best friend. The convenience of just unlocking the handle and selecting the perfect hole size made my life so much easier. It’s robust yet accessible, and I even tried it on some fabric and cardboard for fun! This tool is practical, effective, and honestly, pretty fun to use. Who knew punching holes could bring such joy? —Lydia Harper
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Why Hole Punch On Fabric Is Necessary
From my experience, punching holes in fabric is more than just a simple step—it’s essential for both functionality and design. When I work with fabrics, creating precise holes allows me to add eyelets, grommets, or laces that enhance the garment’s usability, such as making drawstrings or belts fit perfectly. Without these holes, the fabric can easily tear or fray when subjected to stress.
I also find that hole punching helps me maintain clean, professional edges. It prevents the fabric from bunching or stretching unevenly, especially in areas where buttons, snaps, or hooks need to be attached. This small step ensures durability and helps my finished product hold up over time.
Lastly, from a creative perspective, punching holes opens up a world of decorative possibilities. I can create patterns, ventilation, or even add contrasting materials through the holes to elevate the look. So, for me, hole punching on fabric isn’t just necessary—it’s a crucial part of making my projects both beautiful and long-lasting.
My Buying Guides on Hole Punch On Fabric
When I first started working on fabric projects that required precise holes, I quickly realized how important it is to have the right hole punch tool. Whether you’re making eyelets, buttonholes, or simply adding decorative holes, choosing the right hole punch for fabric can make a huge difference in your crafting experience. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way that I’d love to share with you.
1. Understand the Type of Fabric You’re Working With
The type of fabric plays a crucial role in selecting a hole punch. For example, thicker materials like denim or leather require a stronger, sharper punch, often made from heavy-duty steel. On the other hand, lighter fabrics like cotton or silk need a gentler punch to avoid fraying or tearing. I always consider the fabric first to avoid ruining my materials.
2. Choose the Right Size of the Hole Punch
Hole punches come in various sizes, typically measured in millimeters. I recommend picking a size that matches your project needs—too small and your holes might be ineffective; too large and the fabric might weaken around the hole. Some punches offer interchangeable heads, which I find super handy for versatility.
3. Manual vs. Rotary Hole Punch Tools
Manual hole punches are great for occasional use or smaller projects. They’re affordable and easy to handle. For bigger projects or thicker fabrics, a rotary punch tool with multiple size options can save time and effort. I personally prefer rotary punches for leatherwork, but for delicate fabrics, manual punches give me more control.
4. Check the Sharpness and Durability
A punch that isn’t sharp will crush the fabric rather than cut cleanly, causing frayed edges. I always look for punches made from hardened steel or similar durable materials. Some brands also offer replaceable blades, which is a bonus for long-term use.
5. Ease of Use and Ergonomics
Comfort matters, especially if you’re punching many holes. I look for tools with ergonomic handles and good leverage to reduce hand fatigue. Some punches have spring-loaded mechanisms which make the punching smoother and require less force.
6. Consider Additional Features
Some hole punches come with extra features like built-in hole size guides, storage compartments for punched-out pieces, or adjustable depth settings. These small extras can improve precision and convenience in my projects.
7. Budget and Brand Reputation
While it’s tempting to buy the cheapest punch available, I’ve learned that investing in a quality tool pays off. Reliable brands often offer better materials and warranties. I recommend reading reviews and maybe investing a little more for a punch that lasts.
8. Safety Tips When Using Fabric Hole Punches
Always work on a stable surface and use a cutting mat underneath to protect your work area. Keep your fingers clear of the punch area and store the tool safely when not in use. I find that these habits keep my projects safe and prevent accidents.
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I hope my insights help you pick the perfect hole punch for your fabric crafting needs. With the right tool, your projects will look professional and your crafting experience will be much more enjoyable!
Author Profile

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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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