How to Replace the Fabric on a Retractable Awning

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Awnings are a great way to create a comfortable outdoor living space in the summer. Over the last few years, retractable awnings have become an increasingly popular way to shade and protect a deck or patio area. Depending on the quality of retractable awning, the awning fabric may start to fade or look a little shabby. Luckily, replacing awning fabric is fairly easy and a great project you can do yourself!

Video Chapters:

Removing Old Fabric - 1:15 min.
Taking Measurements - 4:22 min.
Cutting Sunbrella to Size - 6:17 min.
Sewing Panels - 7:22 min.
Hemming Edges - 12:03 min.
Measuring & Cutting Valance - 14:27 min.
Sewing Sleeves for Cording - 16:20 min.
Attaching Binding to Valance with Binder - 17:20 min.
Attaching Binding to Valance without Binder - 18:47 min.
Reinstalling New Fabric on Frame - 20:42 min.

Materials List:

Awning fabric
Awning spline cording
Outdoor thread
Basting tape

Tools List:

Marking tool
Measuring tool
Sewing machine
Binder attachment
Cutting tool (hotknife optional)

Join us

Retractable Awning Fabric Replacement Video 2 — Join us as we teach you how to be a self-sufficient DIYer and replace your own awning fabric.

We've put together an instructional video that walks you step-by-step through the process of replacing the fabric panel in a retractable awning. You will learn how to remove the old fabric panel, how to take measurements, and how to sew and install a new fabric panel. Even if you are a beginner sewer, this is a very doable project.

For the awning in this video, we used a sleek and sophisticated Sunbrella^® Awning fabric. We stock a wide selection of awning fabrics from top brands like Sattler® and Sunbrella. Browse our wide selection and choose the fabric that will best suit your application. Sattler and Sunbrella Awning fabrics are UV and water resistant. They are solution-dyed so the color will not fade, even after years in the sun. And they come in a wide variety of solids and colorful stripes, so you can be sure to find an awning fabric that looks great on your patio.

What did you think of this how-to video? Did you find it helpful? Do you have a retractable awning or do you have another way to stay shaded? Tell us in the comments!