How to Crochet a Canopy Cover
If you want to add a homemade touch to your outdoor canopy, canopy tent, or porch swing, learning how to crochet a canopy cover might be a great option for you. It's less expensive than buying a new canopy cover; and it's much neater than trying to paint or otherwise refinish your old canopy cover. While a crocheted canopy cover is not waterproof, with the right stitches and some waterproofing spray, you can crochet a water-resistant canopy cover suitable for decorative outdoor use.
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Things You'll Need
- Canopy, for measurements, to cover
- Measuring tape
- Yarn, at least 10 skeins
- Crochet hook, size G, or preferred size
- Scissors
- Paper
- Calculator
- Waterproofing spray, optional
Instructions
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1
Analyze your canopy to determine the basic shape of your canopy cover. Most canopies have a basic rectangular shape that curves in at the sides.
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2
Measure the width of your canopy and record the measurements on your paper. Use a measuring tape so that you can account for any curving. Be certain to convert the measurements to inches.
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3
Crochet a test swatch in order to determine your average stitch size. Chain 21 stitches, turn, skip 1 CH closest to hook and SC in each of next 20 SC. Chain 1 and turn. SC in each stitch. Repeat for 5 rows.
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4
Working in the middle of your sample swatch, use your measuring tape to measure how many stitches you worked in 3 inches across. Divide this number by 3. For example, if you have 19 stitches in 3 inches, your resulting gauge number will be 6.33 stitches per inch. (An average will give better results than just measuring 1 inch of stitches.)
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Multiple your gauge number by the number of inches for the width of your canopy. For example, if your canopy is 5 feet across, or 60 inches, and your gauge number was 6.33 stitches, your number will be 380 (rounded up from 379.8). Add at least five and up to seven stitches, as needed to make the number divisible by three. This is the number of stitches you will need for the base of your canopy cover, or X in the following step.
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Chain X + 1 stitches. Turn, being careful not to twist the chain. Skip 1 CH closest to hook and * SC in each of next X SCs. Chain 1, turn, and repeat from *.
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Chain 3, turn. [* Skip the next two SCs, TC in next SC] repeat from * until the end of the row. TC in last SC.
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8
Chain 3, turn. * [TC into the space between TCs from the last row. Chain 2.] repeat from * until the end of the row. Repeat until the netted crochet fabric canopy cover that you are creating measures close to the height of your canopy.
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9
Fit the fabric against the canopy as you work to ensure a good fit. When you have only an inch left to cover, work the following three rows: [3 SC into each space between TCs. 1 SC at top of TC.] repeat from * to end of row. Chain 1, turn, SC in each SC across. Chain 1, turn, repeat, fasten off.
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10
Cut 12 3-foot sections of yarn. Working with 3 pieces at a time, line up, matching ends to ends, and fold in half. Use a crochet hook to pull the folded loop through one of the corners of your canopy cover. Pull ends through the loop and pull tight. Divide yarn into 2 sections of 3 strands of yarns and braid each section, tying in a knot at the end. Repeat on all four corners.
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11
Secure the crocheted canopy cover over your canopy using the braided supports you have just created. Spray with waterproofing spray if desired to prolong the life of your crochet canopy cover.
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Tips & Warnings
Crochet Abbreviations
CH - chain
SC -- single crochet
TC - treble crochet
Be sure to remove your canopy cover before heavy rainfall and wash before storing during the winter. This canopy cover should not be considered a permanent addition to your canopy; instead something to add a bit of color for a special event or occasion.
