How To Sew A Patio Umbrella Cover

How to Sew a Patio Umbrella Cover

A well-made patio umbrella cover can protect your umbrella from the elements and extend its lifespan. Sewing your own cover is a great way to save money and get a custom fit. Here are the essential aspects to consider when sewing a patio umbrella cover: ### Choosing the Right Fabric The fabric you choose for your patio umbrella cover will determine its durability and weather resistance. Sunbrella is a popular choice for outdoor fabrics because it is fade-resistant, water-resistant, and breathable. Other good options include canvas, acrylic, and vinyl. ### Measuring the Umbrella To get a custom fit, you will need to measure the umbrella. Measure the diameter of the umbrella when it is open. Then, measure the height of the umbrella from the top of the canopy to the bottom of the pole. ### Cutting the Fabric Once you have the measurements, you can cut the fabric for the cover. You will need to cut two pieces of fabric: one for the top of the cover and one for the bottom. The top piece should be a circle with a diameter that is 6 inches wider than the diameter of the umbrella. The bottom piece should be a rectangle with a width that is twice the diameter of the umbrella and a length that is the height of the umbrella plus 6 inches. ### Sewing the Cover Sew the two pieces of fabric together, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance. Turn the cover right side out and press it. Insert the umbrella into the cover and adjust it so that it fits snugly. Tie the bottom of the cover closed with a drawstring or Velcro. ### Finishing Touches To give your patio umbrella cover a finished look, you can add a few finishing touches. You can add piping around the edges of the cover, or you can embroider a design on the top. You can also add a carrying handle to make it easy to move the cover around.