cringles

A cringle is a small ring or loop, usually made of metal, attached to fabric or rope to form an anchor point or reinforced eye. Cringles are embedded or sewn into materials such as sails, tarps, nets, or garments, providing a sturdy point for attaching lines, hooks, or fittings. They are designed to withstand tension and movement, and may be reinforced with patches, leather, or extra stitching to prevent tearing at the edge.

In sailing and rigging, cringles are commonly found along the edge of a sail or along configurable reef points. They serve as attachment points for halyards, sheets, or securing points when the sail is set, reefed, or lowered. In nets, tarps, or outdoor gear, cringles allow ropes or cords to pass through and be tied or secured without tearing the fabric.

Materials and construction vary, including galvanized steel, stainless steel, brass, or reinforced synthetic rings. A cringle is typically set into a hole or seam and may be used in conjunction with a grommet or patch to distribute load and reduce wear on the surrounding material.

Distinctions are sometimes made between cringles, eyelets, and grommets. A cringle specifically refers to the ring itself, while a grommet or eyelet refers to the reinforced hole; in practice, cringles are often used with or near grommets for added strength.

See also: grommet, eyelet, netting ring.