Alex writes in asking about how to replace an outdoor canopy cover with a custom fabric. Anyone out there have experience working with custom fabrics and a large scale canopy?
I have a 10x10 EZ UP canopy with a GOD AWFUL bright blue shade on it that we got last summer. Unfortunately, it blew over in a storm, landed on our cactus and was ripped to shreds. I was thinking it would be so cute to use one of the great new outdoor fabrics on the market and make a new cover myself. Anyone know where I could find a pattern for that? I think I have the Sierra. And is there any reason why a custom cover wouldn't work out well? I mostly just need it for shade.
Alex, we're not sure if you wanted to replace the previous shade with waterproof material, but there are online dealers who sell rainproof fabrics and outdoor fabrics for canopy tents.
Probably the best bet for a proper fit is to order another EZ UP canopy fabric replacement (EZ UP offers replacement parts for all canopy models; just read the code that corresponds to the model of your canopy and choose the replacement part marked by the same code). Use the replacement as the interior liner and plans to copy for your new custom outdoor fabric. Perhaps if you're fortunate, someone at EZ UP can provide drawn plans to use (just as long as they know you're using it for personal use, and not to market); their contact number is 800 742-3363.
If you still have the ripped canopy... you can tear it apart at the seams and use the pieces as your pattern.
Otherwise... I'd go with four triangles sewn together to make a square, make rod pockets on each side and add a four to six inch hem around the sides for the 'overhang'
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Yep, what she said. Your existing canopy was your best pattern.
As for the rod pockets, I was thinking about how you might approach this, and decided that if you cut each triangle with say, a 6" extension tab on one side, you could finish it with velcro instead of making a rod pocket. If you were to make a rod pocket, I would use that same extended tab as your rod pocket -- just fold over and do two rows of stiches.
As for thread.... clearly you'd need heavy upholstery thread. But what about that clear nylon stuff? I think Gutterman makes some.
Do you have an industrial machine? It helps, mucho! If not, make sure you get a bunch of 16 or 18 gauge needles and expect to break a few. Not sure what your sewing experience is.... ? I'm guessing that since you're looking for a pattern and didn't think at first to use the original that you're more than a novice, not quite expert.
Couple of tips, in no particular order.
1. Go get some used bed sheets at goodwill to prototype your first canopy.
2. Use the longest stitch length. Fine fabrics are better with shorter stiches, heavy weights with longer.
3. Needles matter -- change them after every project and expect them to break when sewing with upholstery weights. Get a package of 3 or 4. (I keep 10 of about 8 different sizes on hand so that I'm not always running out for needles).
4. Allow yourself an inch for seams, at least. 1.5" won't hurt. Then turn the seam allowances and stay-stich them down.
5. Don't bother with decorative welting (aka piping).
6. Top stich the valances in place, and don't bother with mitered corners or scalloped edges. PITA and not worth the effort for this project.
Finally, go slowly, and give yourself about 40 hours worth of time for this project (cutting, pinning, prototyping, cutting "fashion fabric", pinning, sewing the final piece, and finishing the pockets or tabs).
Commit to making a prototype. I swear you'll be glad you did.
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Or, you could try out something exotic like this!...not the most practical but nice for a change...
Bhavna
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