New Sunbrella Web Site, New Blog And New Identity
Welcome to the brand new Sunbrella blog!
With our new web site and our new brand identity, we thought it appropriate to get in step with some of the latest social media technology…..a blog seemed the right approach. We’re not Walt Whitman clones, or comedians, but we hope that the information you see here will give you hints and tips about how to build a more relaxing and carefree lifestyle whether inside or outside your home or boat. We make durable easy-care fabrics for awning, furniture and marine uses, but we know that enjoying those areas of your life include many facets of lifestyle beyond what we contribute. We’ll try to incorporate some useful information along with some that we just find a little quirky or fun……like the guy in Japan who makes Chuck Taylors out of Sunbrella!
And some things we’ll need you to know – like the look of our new brand identity for Sunbrella. You will begin to see it more and more out in the marketplace. We think it’s updated and stylish but still pays tribute to the look that brought us to the party.
We always welcome and look forward to your comments and questions.
Stay tuned!
What type of thread should I use to sew sunbrella fabric for outdoors?
There are many sewing thread options but the most commonly used are solution dyed, bonded polyesters with UV inhibitors. The most critical factors in thread selection are strength/size, cost and UV resistance. Thread size varies for outdoor applications. Awnings and umbrellas typically require a larger and stronger thread whereas cushions and panels may be fine sewn with smaller threads. Thread cost is usually dependant upon its performance characteristics. Solution dyed threads usually cost more than those that aren’t but are far superior and last much longer when exposed to the elements. A UV resistant thread is critical for all outdoor applications.
I’m impressed that you sew your own goods! Kudos!!
Catherine – I have used tension rods (shower curtain rods) to hang Sunbrella for trade shows and the tension rod system works very well. We have seen many examples of Sunbrella being used for drapes outside – I recently posted a blog on some large drapes that are featured at the entrance of a swanky Italian restaurant in Mexico City. The fabric performs well outside (as you know) and I would suggest using the furniture fabric, it drapes nicely for curtaining. It also provides sun protection. Sunbrella sheers are another fabric possibility – as the name implies, these fabrics are sheer and provide a beautiful aesthetic – but still perform outside. Another option to consider.
I would also recommend using sewing threads that are made to stand up to the outdoor elements.
Hope that helps and best of luck on your project!
Sue Rich
I am making sleeping pads (30″ x 75″) using Sunbrella. I am using V69 thread, size 20 needle, and a walking foot machine but my thread frequently shreds and breaks. Any ideas why? It is very frustrating and the seams do not look very neat. I am looking for manufacturers recommended thread, needle size, and sewing techniques. Thanks
Hi Cathy,
As I often do, I consulted our technical gurus re: your question about thread issues. They suggested using a bit heavier thread in size 92. They recommend this for marine and heavier duty work like making cushions or sleeping pads. The needle size you’re currently using should work with 92 thread size. Specifically they noted, “When a thread shreds, (say that three times quickly), quite often it is from the bobbin pick up and may be more of an issue with the depth of the needle and/or timing. The hook in the bobbin case may be knicking the thread.” They also thought backing off a little on the tension would be worth a try.
We hope this helps so keep us informed of your progress and good luck with your product!
Sue R
Hi Sue,
. I was thinking about using a silicone spray to make the foam slide in easier but was concerned about any interraction with the fabric or foam. Any way – thanks so much. I’m looking forward to more Sunbrella projects this spring. I will also share this with my upholstery workshop classmates.
Thanks for the feedback. I changed to the 92 thread size, put in a new size 20 needle and guess what, they came out beautiful. I also made very sure not to let the fabric drag by using a small table to support it due to the size (30 x 75). Putting the foam in is challenging bu a good workout
I’m going to be making outdoor cushions for our patio chairs in sunbrella solid color fabric. I’m going to cover 3″ foam and they are about 20″ in diameter. I live on the coast in the Fl. Keys where it is very hot and humid. I know I need to use a plastic not metal zipper, but I’m not sure what is the best one and what length and also what size I should use. What size sewing machine needle would work best for this fabric? I’ve been researching, but have come across several different answers to which zipper, needle and thread would be best. Also, I am thinking of using covered cording (same fabric) around the edges and wondered if they would be a problem with this fabric? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, not much shopping down here, so any suggestions of a good place to order these supplies on line would be helpful too. I have a Bernina sewing machine so it shouldn’t be a problem sewing this fabric. Thank you. Bette
Hi Bette,
Regarding your cushion project, the most commonly used zippers in the awning/marine industry are YKK. For a cushion application, our technical experts recommend a #5 tooth chain. As for length, that would be determined by the fabricator according to the panel on the cushion. They usually wrap around 2 corners of the cushion (if it’s square or rectangular) to allow for easy removal of the foam insert. Most fabric stores carry YKK zippers. They also recommend polyester thread, size Tex 90/16 (different thread companies have their own designations so TEX 90 would be the most consistent for comparison). A size 19 needle is probably appropriate but it is always adviseable to use the smallest size needle with which the machine will stitch properly. And to the question about cording, adding “piping” or cording around the cushion edge is a common practice and should make a nice trim.
Good luck with your project! I applaud you for taking it on.
Sue R
I am making bench cushions for our Montana vacation retreat. These cushions will be outdoors, but in a covered area. In addition, the cushions will only be outside from approximately June through September. My question concerns whether I need open cell foam cushions or will the sunbrella fabric be sufficient protection for the limited moisture that we receive.
Karen
Hi Karen,
I posed your question to our technical experts and given the placement of your cushions, there is no need to go to the expense of purchasing open cell foam. You should be fine. Sunbrella does provide superior water repellency but in a driving rain, sometimes water can seep through the seams. If that happens, just stand the cushion on end (zipper side down if there is a zipper) and let the cushion drain. But given the covered area where your cushions will reside, you won’t likely have this problem.
According to our technical experts, there are no special rules for sewing Dupione, but the set-up must be correct for whatever fabric is being sewn. If puckering is the issue, one must first determine what type of puckering is taking place – Displacement puckering, Tension puckering, or Feed puckering.
Displacement puckering – Check stitch type, stitch density, needle size and point shape, sewing thread.
Tension puckering – Check stitch density, elasticity of the fabric, thread tension.
Feed puckering – Check presser foot pressure, feed dog aggressiveness.
In most cases tension puckering is the issue and can be resolved by lowering the thread tension. Hope these few hints help out!
Hi, I am really thinking about sewing my own patio cushions with sunbrella. The 1st question is do i line the foam 1st or can it just be covered with the fabric. 2nd , is it cost worthy to sew your own cushions?
Zoe, there is no need to line the foam. However, if you plan to leave the cushions outdoors year round, we would recommend that you choose a reticulated foam (dries faster when wet).
As to the cost of purchase vs. do-it-yourself (DIY), we suggest you cost out the individual components (fabric, zippers, foam) and compare that to the cost of purchase. Of course for some people the enjoyment of a DIY project outweighs any additional costs and who doesn’t enjoy saying “I made those!”
p.s. Sailrite offers some excellent instructional videos on making pilliows. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVaHuJQGAIY