How to Make a Swing Canopy

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Patio swings or gliders with a built-in canopy are popular outdoor furniture pieces, especially for homes that don't have a covered porch. The attached canopy helps provide welcome shade when sitting on the swing. However, many of these swing canopies from big box stores aren't made with the best fabric, and after a season or two out in the sun they start to fade and rip. Today, we're going to show you how to sew a replacement canopy for your swing or glider.

Video Chapters:

Patterning - 0:34 min.
Basting Pockets, Sleeves & Valances - 5:23 min.
Sewing Canopy - 8:11 min.
Installing Binding - 10:53 min.
Materials List - 13:10 min.

Materials List:

Outdoor Fabric
Soapstone Fabric Marking Pencil #102766
Seamstick 3/8” Basting Tape #129
Tex 90 Polyester Thread
Binding (we used 3/4” Weblon Regatta Vinyl White #103636)

Tools List:

Binder 3/4" Swing Bracket #100102
Sewing Machine
Tape measure
Yardstick
Scissors

Making your own swing canopy replacement will let you use materials with better longevity and UV protection than what you could buy premade at the store, plus you can customize the style and give your swing a new look. For the fabric, we recommend using a durable outdoor fabric. A marine fabric like SureRite^® or Sunbrella^® Marine Grade will last the longest. If you want stripes, Sunbrella^® Awning fabric is a great choice. Or for a fabric with a little more style, Sunbrella^® Upholstery Fabric can’t be beat. All of these options are sure to stay vibrant in the sun and will offer you protection from UV rays.

To make a replacement canopy, you’ll want to remove the original canopy from the frame (if it’s available) and pattern the new fabric from the old. If that’s not possible, you could follow a similar design to the one shown in the video and take measurements directly from the canopy frame.

In this video, you’ll learn how to pattern the canopy; create pockets, sleeves, and valances; and install the binding.

Have you ever made your own canopy or something similar? Share your ideas and advice in the comments!