Repairing my patio umbrella fabric
by
Sharon
+15
Im trying to sew the many split portions of the thick canvas that have come apart. i am using a heavy duty needle and thread but it is very difficult to push through and is taking me forever to do. Do any of my Hometalk members have a better and easier solution for me.
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Hello. I have the same problem with sewing thick difficult or multilayered fabrics . I find that if you obtain an inexpensive medical needle holder from Amazon or use a fishing hook forcept found in the ( Walmart) sporting department to be very useful for in and out application of my difficult sewing needs. It may be a worthwhile purchase for you to consider. This type of equipment gives you driving strength to push the needle through your material. They come in several sizes which is the length of the tool. I purchased a small and a taller one. Personally I use my needle holders over and over as projects demand.
Additionally I find a curved upholstery needle that is a semi circle shaped to be the easiest to try to make edges meet. (Actually that’s the same way it’s done in the operating room)
https://www.amazon.com/Hegar-Surgical-Needle-Holder-Stainless/dp/B01JKTPV5K/ref=sr_1_13?crid=3F1BVRND3668E&dchild=1&keywords=Needle+holder+medical&qid=1623508115&sprefix=Needle+holder%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-13
see if any of these help you if not wait for a sale and replace it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2GcDDiSw2A
https://www.outsidemodern.com/replacement-umbrella-canopy-umbrella-canvas-repair/
A curved shaped needle for upholstery would work, to make it go through the heavy fabric easier you could put bar soap on it, especially on the point. Use a thimble to help push it through. Once through the fabric, it could be pulled with needle nosed pliers.
Hi Sharon, a curved upholstery needle may help you a lot with your project. Dritz makes them in several different sizes in a package you can probably find at a JoAnns, Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Somehow the curve seems to help get the needle through the material much easier. Hope this helps
Hi Sharon,
The previous suggestions are all good options if you're certain that you want to sew it. However, if you're just looking for a quick fix, you could use a canvas patch kit. It's easy to find these online, and they don't require any sewing...works great!
Hope this helps you get back to the shade quickly!
How to Sew a Patio Umbrella
https://www.sailrite.com/How-to-Sew-a-Patio-Umbrella-Video
Use Tent Patch kits, they are strong and require no sewing. They last.
I would not recommend using a curved needle.
Curved needles are not always thicker or stronger than heavy duty needles, and they are not the easiest to work with. Curved needles are intended to be used to sew areas for which the needle can not reach through to the underside (such as upholstery covers.) They are generally not used for flat sewing projects. As well, many curved needles widely available in 'mini kits' are not very good quality as they bend or break easily.
Vimarhonar has the correct answer: to use a needle gripper when pushing and pulling the needle through the heavy fabric.
Of course, extra strong thread should also be used when sewing outdoor canvas items.
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/product-recommendations/best-heavy-duty-threads-1202695799/
Sharon,
From re-reading your question again, I am wondering if I have the correct understanding of what you are referring to as 'split portions'.
Has the canvas ripped and is pulling apart, or has the stitching in one of the seams come undone? The nature of the 'split' will determine the best way to repair the area.
Might you be able to post a picture so we can see what exactly you are working with?
You can get upholstery needles or needles made to stitch heavy materials like boat canvas.
Thanks to all who provided suggestions to restitching my patio umbrella. I’m going to give it one last try before pitching it.
Hi Sharon, you can use a canvas speed stitcher,
https://www.amazon.ca/Silver-Creek-Speedy-Stitcher-Sewing/dp/B000HGIJQ4/ref=asc_df_B000HGIJQ4/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292930105848&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=238109436845681136&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001397&hvtargid=pla-434186058910&psc=1
If it's a small tear or hole, proceed with patching. Cut off frayed edges and apply a fabric patch with glue or sewing for reinforcement.
For larger tears, sew the fabric together using a needle and strong thread. Consider adding fabric glue for added durability.
If you lack sewing tools, temporary fixes can be achieved using safety pins.
Check out this detailed guide on how to repair patio umbrella fabric.
wow
Craft and Sewing Shops etc. sell needles for different uses. I always have them arround for such occassions.