Can You Sew Sunbrella Fabric With A Regular Sewing Machine?

Sunbrella is known for its durable, fade-resistant fabric that is often used for outdoor furniture, boat covers, awnings, and other applications that need to withstand the elements.

But can you sew Sunbrella fabric with a regular sewing machine?

The short answer is YES, you can sew Sunbrella on a regular home sewing machine as long as you follow some recommendations.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips and techniques for sewing with Sunbrella fabric using a standard home sewing machine.

Choosing the Right Sunbrella Fabric

Sunbrella manufactures several different fabric collections that each have unique properties optimized for certain applications. It’s important to choose the right Sunbrella fabric for your particular sewing project.

Sunbrella Upholstery Fabrics

The Sunbrella upholstery collection features lighter weight fabrics with softer finishes and textures that are ideal for indoor furniture or accent pieces like pillows and cushions. These fabrics incorporate softer fibers in the weave to create a smooth, comfortable feel while maintaining durability. The upholstery fabrics come in a wide range of colors and patterns to match any decor.

Sunbrella Marine and Outdoor Fabrics

For outdoor applications like boat covers and patio furniture, the Sunbrella marine and shade fabrics are engineered to be durable and weather-resistant. These fabrics have a tighter weave construction that gives them a stiffer hand for dimensional stability.

Sunbrella marine fabrics are intended to withstand intense sun, salt spray, and moisture when used for boat canvas, Bimini tops, and other marine covers. The outdoor shade fabrics hold up equally as well outside the marine environment.

When selecting marine and outdoor Sunbrella fabrics, opt for solids or simpler patterns that will hide wear and staining over time.

Sunbrella Fabric Specifications

Most Sunbrella fabrics come in 54″ widths, though some shade and marine fabrics are available in 46″ or up to 80″ wide. To determine the available widths for a particular Sunbrella fabric, check the specific product page for technical specifications.

The marine and outdoor fabrics have a stiff, structured feel that makes them very stable for covers and awnings. The upholstery fabrics maintain the durability of Sunbrella but incorporate softer fibers that create a drapier hand.

Consider the width, feel, and structure of the different Sunbrella fabrics when selecting one for your sewing project. The marine fabrics will lend themselves better to structured bags, covers, and accessories, while the upholstery fabrics will work well for soft furnishings.

Preparing Your Sewing Machine for Sunbrella

Most standard home sewing machines can handle sewing Sunbrella fabric as long as you take some precautions and make adjustments to your machine settings and accessories. Here are some tips for getting your regular sewing machine ready to sew Sunbrella fabric:

Conduct a Test Sew on Heavy Fabric

Before attempting to sew Sunbrella, do a test by sewing multiple layers of a heavy fabric like denim or canvas. Fold the denim to 4-5 layers and try sewing through it. If your machine can handle the thick denim without issue, it should be able to manage Sunbrella fabric as well.

If it struggles with the dense layers, Sunbrella will likely be too heavy for that machine.

Install the Correct Machine Needle

A sharp needle is extremely important when sewing heavy fabrics like Sunbrella. Dull needles can bend or break when punching through dense material. Use a sharp needle in the 14/90 to 18/110 size range for the best results.

The sharp point will pierce the Sunbrella fabric without distorting or damaging the needle.

Use Heavy Weight Thread

Choose a durable, heavy thread like Bonded Polyester or extra strong nylon. These threads can withstand the intense friction and abrasion from sewing through multiple layers of Sunbrella. Avoid lightweight threads that could snap and tangle.

Lengthen the Stitch Size

Set your sewing machine to the longest straight stitch possible, usually 4mm-5mm. The longer stitches provide added strength for sewing heavy material. If your machine has a walking foot, use it to ensure even feeding through the thick fabric.

Check Fabric Tension

Make sure the tension on your sewing machine is appropriate for sewing heavy material. You may need to tighten the upper tension slightly so the locking knots are pulled firmly to the underside of the fabric instead of looping to the top side. Proper thread tension prevents puckering on the surface.

By installing the right needle, thread, and stitch settings, your regular sewing machine should manage Sunbrella with ease. Always do test samples first on fabric scraps to dial in the proper tension and confirm the machine can handle the material before starting your actual project.

Sewing Techniques for Working with Sunbrella Fabric

Once your sewing machine is prepped, you can move on to the actual sewing techniques that will deliver professional results with Sunbrella fabric. Follow these tips when cutting, joining, and finishing your Sunbrella sewing projects:

Cutting Sunbrella Fabric

You can cut Sunbrella with typical fabric scissors, rotary cutters, or pinking shears. For a clean, fused edge, use a hot knife, either the electric or hand-held variety. The hot knife seals the cut edge to prevent fraying or unraveling. If using scissors or rotary blades, allow for 1/4″ of raveling along cut edges.

Note: Take precautions when using a hot knife as the sealing process can create very sharp edges.

Seam Allowances and Stitch Length

Allow at least 1/2″ seam allowances when sewing Sunbrella. For upholstery projects, a 5/8″ seam allowance is preferable. As mentioned above, always use the longest straight stitch possible for your machine, around 4mm-5mm. The longer stitch length gives added strength to withstand heavy use and abrasion.

Hemming and Seams

For hems, use a lock stitch machine with a walking foot for best results. The dual feed from above and below ensures even stitching across thick seams. For joining separate panels, a double or triple straight stitch seam is recommended. Maintain even tension during sewing to prevent puckering along the seams.

Limit Backstitching

Avoid extensive backstitching when sewing Sunbrella fabric. Reversing direction too much can weaken the material and cause tearing. Instead, stitch off the edge of the fabric and tie off threads to secure them.

Matching Thread Size to Needles

Make sure to use the appropriate thread weight for your chosen needle size. Heavier threads require a larger needle eye. Check manufacturer guides for matching thread diameters and needle sizes. Using too heavy a thread for the needle can result in skipped stitches, shredding, and jams.

Follow these techniques for cutting, hemming, seaming, and stitching to achieve professional results sewing with Sunbrella fabric on your home sewing machine. Always test settings and stitches on material scraps before sewing your actual project.

Here is a helpful video demonstrating sewing techniques for Sunbrella fabric:

Caring for Your Sunbrella Creations

One of the greatest benefits of Sunbrella fabric is that it’s engineered to resist fading, mold, mildew, and stains even after years outside. With simple care, you can keep your Sunbrella projects looking vibrant.

Cleaning Sunbrella Fabric

Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned with just soap and water using a sponge or soft brush. For stubborn stains, use a bleach cleaner specified as safe for Sunbrella. Thoroughly rinse away all cleaning solutions after washing.

Using Fabric Guard Spray

While Sunbrella fabric is inherently water-resistant, applying a fabric guard spray can provide additional waterproofing for outdoor projects. Spray a light coating before initial use and reapply as needed.

Avoiding Fading

Thanks to Color to the Core technology, Sunbrella fabrics are fade-resistant. However, all fabrics will eventually fade over time from UV exposure. Use fabric guard spray with UV protection and keep Sunbrella items covered or stored when not in use to maximize color retention.

With proper care, your custom Sunbrella creations can stay vibrant and lasting for many seasons of use. The fact that they are so low maintenance makes Sunbrella fabrics perfect for sewing everything from patio cushions to boat covers.

Conclusion

Sewing with Sunbrella fabric using a standard home sewing machine is certainly achievable. By selecting the appropriate Sunbrella fabric for your project, outfitting your machine with the right needles and threads, and following specialized sewing techniques, you can create your own durable, custom Sunbrella items. The fade and mildew resistance of Sunbrella fabric allows you to use your creations indoors and out for years of enjoyment. We hope these tips give you the knowledge to confidently sew Sunbrella on a regular sewing machine.