That is why these tough plastic eyelets were invented. They will save you hours of frustration. Just fold the material over, put the eyelet halves on either side of the material and hammer together. It makes a permanent and very strong connection. Now the material can be held in place neatly with cord or rope.
Works well with our floating row covers, shade cloth and plastic films.
Sold as a package of 10. Accepts rope up to 1/2" in diameter.