How do I replace canvas?

Question

Seating area rotted out. How do I replace it?

Linn Prey · Answer

You can buy NEW cushions at about $20 or less each.  I have redone my 3 seater with new cushions and now my swing looks brand new.  Don't bother trying to sew new cushions as sewing new cushions is not for amateurs...and I have been using a sewing machine for over 50 years!!!  While you're at it....repaint the metal either white or a matching color to your new cushions.  This is what I did with my metal on my swing and now my swing books GREAT!!!!  You may opt to store your cushions inside during the winter months.  I have my swings (2) on my covered porch and enjoy them all year round.  They have new cushions at Aldi's in the spring that tie on..  I hope you have an Aldi's near you.  Mine were $13.00 each.  I know Walmart and Kmart sell them as well....but it may be too late in the season to get them.....you may have to wait until next spring to get.

Deanna Nassar · Answer

I can't tell if that's a canvas pad or the whole covering is canvas.  Is there a solid support under the canvas?  If so measure and buy a new set would be easier.  I would start by removing the swing from the frame.  Strip off all the old canvas, clean and paint the frame and swing.  If you really want to do the seating on your own...no one says it has to be sewn.   I've seen a new way for pillows.  You tie them.   Decide if you want one piece of several.  Get foam padding;  at least 1 inch thick.  You may be able to use a mattress topper and cut to size.  The material will have to be  longer and wider than the pad.(see note at end)  Cut 2 for each pad you use.  Lay the fabric wrong sides together.  Go all the way around the material and cut strips as deep as needed(see note)  and 1/2-1 inch apart.  Now start tying them together.  At corners you cross-tie, top right to bottom left, and top left to bottom right.  tie all the others top to bottom mate.  Use square knots.  Finish 3 sides and put pad in and finish tying that side.  If you make the ties longer(allow extra length when measuring material) it would look like fringe.  note:  Measure foam side to side and add the length of how long you want the tie on each side.  also add if you use very thick pad.   EX:  36 inches across pad plus( 3 inch tie X 2)= 42 length of material  and do same for width measurement.    IF the  swing is totally canvass post again.

Jennifer Thompson Marciniak · Answer

See if a shop that sells awnings will have something you can replace this with or if they can custom make a new seat... does not hurt to get an estimate and it may be cheaper than just buying a new seat.

Deanna Nassar · Answer

I'm not an expert but going on my gut.  This seems logical.
Remove the swing part from the frame.  I can't tell for sure but looks like the top and bottom rods run through the fabric.  It probably has a similar set at bottom back where the back and bottom join.  Carefully remove old canvas to see how the parts are joined.  Once you have it all off use the old canvas for pattern(size)  I think you may be able to sew a new one by creating a deep hem at the end of each piece.  Kind of like the part a curtain rod would go through.  Then put the parts back together.  Don't forget to paint it all before you put it back together.  DO NOT paint the bolts,screws.  It will make them hard to put together and take apart if you need to in the future.  If the old ones are showing wear my might want to replace them.  As you see the connector is unpainted in this pic.

Cheryl Gyles · Answer

I used to have this exact swing, and unfortunately, mine ended up the same as yours and I didn't have the time to put into fixing it then. The canvas material used in the seats and awning doesn't stand up well to the weather and brutal sunshine here in the midwest. I remember my swing was purchased from WalMart, so you may be able to see if a replacement seat is available from them.

Patti Benni · Answer

Assuming that you are referring to the seat itself and not the cushion (as that would be easier to find), I also have a swing that I absolutely love and can no longer get a replacement seat for. I have replaced it once and will need to again soon. This is what I will try - go to Gardenwinds.com.  If you can't find your actual swing parts there, take a look at their 'universal sling swing back'. There is even a video to show how it works.  (It may be the only answer to our dilemma... at least it is the only one that I have been able to find.  Good luck.  Hope this helps.
pattibenni@aol.com

Gyndol · Answer

1st take old canvas off do not tare it, because it can be used as a pattern for the new. 2nd Sand frame apply Rust-o-lean spray to stop the rust let dry. 3nd then apply your paint of choice let dry. 4th Measure the pattern allow 4' on top and bottom to make sure you have enough material.  5th  Before cutting out pattern spread out material  and spray with Scotch Guard on fabric  at least 5 times front and back letting it dry completely between each spraying, this will protect fabric from rain, sun, and spills.   6th  Proceed placing pattern over new material , hope you can find material as wide as the old pattern, if not there will be a little sewing to make it wide enough.  I'm not sure if the white plank is run through the canvas or not if it is you will have to sew  a 3'closer to run the plank through, front and back.  If this is not the case the 4' extra material will need to be wraped around the plank and you can rivet it ever inch all the way down the front and back to secure it in place.   It look like the back of the swing needs a new canvas to, if so double the  material so you can put the padding in the swing back sew on each side of padding to keep in place or rivet it.  Hope this helps .

Beverly dugaar · Answer

Go to GardenWinds website and order the swing slingbacks.  they work great!  Then, add you cushions

Cathy Bailey · Answer

I covered a swing seat but the cushions were still good. I attached it with tabs and velcro on the back of the top cushion and the same with the bottom. If I were I would replace the cushions with foam and covered  with quilt batting .  Use shower curtains then get some pretty  outdoor fabric (can be expensive). Or...pick  up a cheap used one with a better cushion. Good luck

Foodwithlove · Answer

Shop for Sunbrella fabric...a little expensive but wonderful for things out in the weather.  also check out your local awning mfg. companies...they sometimes have leftover bins of fabric at reduced prices...pieces too small for an awning but large enough for something like this...at great savings.  I have taken two small pieces of fabric and put them together to make a new pattern...be sure to sew them together using flat felled seams for endurance.

JMieir · Answer

I tore all of the old material off and put some plywood down for seats (Mine is a 2 seater) along with plywood for the back and just bought some chair pads at Big Lots. Works great!

Becky.roberson · Answer

we just took the swing off got rid of it and bought pretty wooden swing and hung it. we painted the frame before we hung the swing. lots easier than the old way we did it we put chair webbing on it like you would a lawn chair and the put cushions on it. it lasted 2 years  hence the new swing this time.

Marilyn · Answer

take it apart carefully and pay attention to how it was constructed. You should be able to recreate it with new material. That's assuming you can sew. If you can't sew you will probably need to have an upholstery shop make it.

Bernadette Staal · Answer

That certainly doesn't look very inviting for a lovely swing in the garden.  In New Zealand we have specialist stores that restore items like canvas awnings (for over doors and windows etc) if you have something similar in your area I am sure they can assist by taking away the frame relating to the chair section of the swing and refurbishing it.

Pamela Robertson Pullmann · Answer

I would just get some strapping (like on lawn chairs) and weave it on the back and bottom. Add some comfy cushions and your ready to swing!  Good luck!

Dixie Snowden · Answer

haven't yet but love everyone's ideas.

Eliza Spear · Answer

You can remove the old cover and use it as a pattern for the new. Get the water repellent/proof canvas to replace and it will last much longer..also bright sun breaks down the fabric faster...light colours will last longer than dark.

Can2329935 · Answer

Can't you just use a couple drop cloths? You could dye or paint them however you like first.

Jane Ceballos · Answer

Have you contacted the manufacturer for replacement of the canopy and seat? As of about a year ago they still had some... about 100 dollars.... I've replaced mine 2 or 3 times....the price kept going up through the years. Or maybe a good seamstress could make them for you.

Att5203649 · Answer

Usewood pellet strips and than paint  then paint little flowers on it

Wendy Bogasky · Answer

You can buy canvas by the yard at a fabric store be sure you water proof it with spray...

Tara Marion · Answer

I bought three seat covers and a lounger cushion at the end of the season. The next summer I put the three chair covers along the Back (to lean your back on) ind used the ties to fasten on the top of the back.  Then I layer the lounger fusion on seat area lengthwise.  Works great! Looks awesome! Was very inexpensive because I bought at end of season.

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