The top is dome shape
How to make a cover over my gazebo?
by Doris
+10
12x12
the frame is metal and the cover need to be removable, ive use paint drop cloths and tarps
8 answers
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![DesertRose]()
DesertRose
on Oct 18, 2017
You might look into buying a tent top, you can get good used ones that are in great condition and cut it or adapt it to fit the top. Water proof it before you put it up -
![Flipturn]()
Flipturn
on Oct 18, 2017
Do you have a sewing machine?What is your experience in working with large pieces of heavy canvas type fabric?Do you happen to still have the old gazebo top that you could use for pattern pieces, or did you not purchase it originally with the top?What is the max amount that you want to spend on the project? -
![27524803]()
27524803
on Oct 18, 2017
If you can sew... you can at least make a new top from shade cloth.. (easier to sew than canvas) using a home sewing machine.But before we can help you further we need to know your skill level, what type of top you want to put on the gazebo, and your budget -
![27524803]()
27524803
on Oct 18, 2017
it is possible to make a cover on a home sewing machine using shade cloth (much easier to handle than out door canvas like Sunbrella) but we would need to know your skill level and what kind of cover you want, and your budget -
![27524803]()
27524803
on Oct 19, 2017
The fabric I am thinking of is the shade cloth, sold by the linear foot, in the Garden department at Lowe's it is about 58 inches wide. It comes in several colors, tan, green, black, and brown. Also, I just recently found out that (our) Joann's is carrying outdoor fabrics...(I don't know the price)*You will need a heavy thread that has been UV treated to hold up outdoors (like for auto upholstery)* You will need a 1/2 inch to 1 inch flat strapping to make ties (about 5 yards) Joann's carries it in the "lace" dept. Or you can find it at a Upholstery fabric store.* Note: you may have to construct a wider piece of fabric for some sections , by sewing 2 pieces of fabric together, and it might be just along one "corner"Also... if you want a heavier shade in one area (or more)... use more that one layer of shade cloth or use a darker color of fabric (alternate colors if you want to get fancy)You are going to have to approach this kind of like making a bean bag chair or a beach ball (the basic idea will be the same, only bigger... and you are only doing half of the "ball")First to make the "pattern" Do this before you buy the "fabric" so you will have a better idea of how much to buy (easier to measure on the ground than over your head)I am sure that some of the sections will duplicate in size and shape, so a pattern piece can be used to cut multiple pieces.I would find an old sheet (or use your tarp) Lay it over the top of the largest opening in the top and secure it to the (other) ribs with clothes pins or binder clips to pull it tight. Use a Sharpie marker to draw the outline of the section of the section (draw on the OUTSIDE of the ribs. Cut it out on a flat surface adding about 5/8 in for seams. Continue for all the remaining areas of the cover.Now you are ready to construct.To start: use just a "straight" stitch (easier to take out if you need to make adjustments ) you will re-enforce all stitching later in the "build"You will add the square center top section last.I would construct it in halves.Pin and sew the sections together from the top edge to the bottom (the material will stretch and you want it to all stretch the same direction.)Complete both halves using the straight stitchNow go for a test fit...Use safety pins and pin in the top center and the 2 remaining seams.Put the cover on the gazebo and see how it fits. See if the seams need to be a little deeper or where it needs to be tweaked. You want it to fit nicely but not have to wrestle it onto the frame.If the thing fits okay... sew the remaining seams and sew in the top center section.Re-enforce the seams by folding the seams to one side and "top" stitching down the entire seam using either a serpentine or zigzag stitch (picture to follow)Test fit again and mark where the hem will go (if you need to cut some off.. etc) Mark where your ties will go (use safety pins so they won't fall out while you are moving this behemoth) I would put at least 2 on the top square, and 1 at each corner and 1 in the center of each side. I would make them long enough to tie in a nice bow... just for looks.At this point... you should be done. Happy sewing. -
![Liz]()
Liz
on Oct 19, 2017
I bought a large market umbrella at the end of season for 75% off and secured that on top of mine. Some sun did peak through the outside edges, but that is where I hang plants so it worked out great! -
![Nancy]()
Nancy
on Oct 20, 2017
Shower curtains. I used them by putting two on the top attached withzip ties and used matching rod hooks to attach corner curtains -
![Julie]()
Julie
on Oct 21, 2017
Wouldnt it be cheaper and less hassle to just buy a cover..should be able to find one on clearance online this time of year. Joann fabrics is very expensive and shade cloth at lowes will run you some dollars too..it isnt cheap.. so if you add up the material cost and all the time n labor...some times its just more cost effective to find one in your price range..
DesertRose
on Oct 18, 2017
Flipturn
on Oct 18, 2017
27524803
on Oct 18, 2017
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