How to Use Sunbrella Fabrics for an Awning

An awning can help keep your garden cool and relaxing in the summer sun, or help to shield your windows from excess sunlight. Unfortunately, many fabrics do not survive the rain, sun and weather of the great outdoors. Sunbrella fabrics are a great option as they provide UV protection and wear very well outdoors. Many people find themselves wanting to replace an old awning to brighten their porch, patio or garden. By making your own Sunbrella awning, you can coordinate the new awning to your porch furnishings and even make matching cushions for a porch swing.

Things You'll Need

• Sunbrella fabrics
• Tape measure
• Sturdy, heavyweight thread
• Snaps or hook and loop fasteners
• Sewing shears
• Sewing machine
• 303 High-Tech Fabric Guard
• Water-soluble fabric marker
• Sewing pins

Instructions

How to Use Sunbrella Fabrics for an Awning

1. Begin by taking apart your current awning. You may be able to simply remove the fabric portion of the awning, but you might have to cut the fabric away from the frame. Do so carefully, noting where you cut and how the fabric was installed on the awning. The fabric you remove will serve as a pattern for your new sunbrella awning. Trace the awning or measure carefully to create a pattern. Remember that you will need both seam and hem allowances for your awning. Make your pattern before you purchase Sunbrella fabric to make sure that you purchase an adequate amount. Use your measurements to determine quantities of fabric, allowing extra to match patterns for your awning if needed. You can choose between regular Sunbrella fabrics or similar choices with additional waterproofing.

2. Cut your Sunbrella awning fabric using the pattern created from the former awning. Note hems, seams, and other features of the original awning on your new pattern using a water-soluble marker. Install a heavyweight needle in your sewing machine. Needle sizes range from 8/60 to 19/120. Choose a needle in the higher range when sewing Sunbrella fabric. You should also choose thread suited to sewing upholstery-weight fabrics. Your local fabric store can help you choose the right thread and notions when you are sewing awnings.

3. Use a fabric marking pen to note any construction details on your Sunbrella awning. Press all seams and hems into place with a cool iron before sewing awnings. Use a generous seam allowance, and neatly finish all visible seams. French seaming may be one option, or you can self-bind your seam allowances to create a clean finish on the inside of your Sunbrella awning. An awning over a window may not require additional seam finishes. In this case, finishing the seams with pinking shears may be adequate.

4. Sew your seams according to your pattern. Allow spaces or fastenings to attach the awning to the existing awning frame. You may find that you need hook and loop or snap fasteners to secure the awning. Keep seams straight to allow space for the awning frame as needed, and reinforce any strained seams with vinyl when sewing.

5. Carefully trim threads and press your Sunbrella awning. You may want to use a waterproofing spray to increase the water repellent properties of the Sunbrella fabric. The company that makes Sunbrella fabrics recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard; however, there are other waterproofing options available, including Aquatite.

6. Hang your new awning, reassembling the frame as needed. Enjoy the shade and UV protection offered by your new Sunbrella awning.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when disassembling your awning frame to prevent loss of hardware and make sure that you can put it back together again.

Resources

• Sunbrella