Sewing with Sunbrella binding tape involves navigating the unique characteristics of this durable and weather-resistant material.
Renowned for its strength and resilience in outdoor applications, Sunbrella binding tape is a popular choice for projects like awnings and cushions.
The challenge in sewing with Sunbrella lies in its thickness and robust composition, requiring the right tools and techniques.
Aspiring crafters must consider factors such as needle selection, thread strength, and the capabilities of their sewing machine.
While this tape may pose a challenge for beginners, seasoned sewers with the appropriate equipment and skills can achieve professional results in creating long-lasting and weather-resistant fabric bindings.
Is Sunbrella Binding Tape Hard to Sew With?
Sunbrella binding tape is not necessarily hard to sew with, but it requires some specific techniques.
Sunbrella recommends using a #16-#18 size needle with rounded points to “push” the yarns aside instead of cutting them.
It is also recommended to sew with the most extended stitch length your sewing machine will allow and to set your stitch tension so the knots are pulled into the material but not pulled to the top to avoid stitch tension puckering.
All Sunbrella fabrics can be sewn on a regular, domestic sewing machine, although the specifications do not recommend stack cutting for fabrics with intricate designs.
However, caution is advised against stacking fabrics with intricate designs, as it may compromise precision.
Armed with these techniques and adhering to Sunbrella’s recommendations, sewers can confidently navigate the specific demands of working with Sunbrella binding tape.
What Type of Needle Is Suitable for Sewing Sunbrella Binding Tape?
Sewing Sunbrella binding tape requires using a suitable needle to ensure that the fabric is stitched effectively without causing damage to the needle or compromising the integrity of the project.
Sunbrella fabric is known for its durability and thickness, so selecting the correct needle is crucial for a successful sewing experience.
Here are some recommendations for the type of needle suitable for sewing Sunbrella binding tape:
1. Heavy-duty or Upholstery Needle
Sunbrella fabric’s robust and dense nature demands a needle that can effortlessly penetrate its thickness.
Heavy-duty or upholstery needles are tailor-made for this purpose, with a construction that prevents breakage or bending.
Look for needles explicitly labeled as “heavy-duty” or “upholstery” in your sewing machine’s guidelines to ensure they are designed for the challenges posed by Sunbrella fabric.
These needles typically feature a reinforced shaft and sturdy construction, allowing smooth and effective stitching through the fabric’s heavy composition.
2. Needle Point
The needlepoint is vital in determining how well it pierces through heavy materials like Sunbrella fabric.
For this type of fabric, a needle with a sharp or wedge point is generally recommended. This design allows the needle to penetrate the dense weave without causing snags or damage to the fabric.
Choosing the right needle point ensures precision and accuracy in your stitches, contributing to the overall quality of your sewing project.
3. Teflon-Coated Needles
Given Sunbrella fabric’s water-resistant coating, friction during sewing can be a concern. Teflon-coated needles provide an effective solution to this issue.
These needles are designed to glide smoothly through the fabric, reducing the risk of the needle getting stuck or causing skipped stitches.
Incorporating Teflon-coated needles into your sewing process enhances the ease of working with Sunbrella fabric and ensures a seamless stitching experience.
4. Ballpoint Needle
While Sunbrella fabric is not typically known for its stretch, some variants may have a degree of flexibility.
In such cases, a ballpoint needle can be considered. This needle type is designed for stretch and knit fabrics, preventing snags and damage.
Although Sunbrella may not have significant stretch, working with a variant with a ballpoint needle can contribute to smoother sewing and help maintain the fabric’s integrity.
5. UV-Resistant Thread
Though not directly related to the needle, the choice of thread is paramount when sewing Sunbrella fabric.
Opting for UV-resistant thread is essential for projects exposed to outdoor elements. This specialized thread ensures the longevity of stitches by resisting damage from ultraviolet rays.
UV-resistant thread is crucial in preserving the integrity of your Sunbrella sewing projects, especially those intended for outdoor use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sewing With Sunbrella Fabric
Sewing with Sunbrella fabric, known for its durability and resistance to outdoor elements, requires attention to detail to achieve professional results.
Here are common mistakes to avoid when working with Sunbrella fabric:
Using the Wrong Needle
When working with Sunbrella fabric, the significance of choosing the right needle cannot be overstated. A standard needle is ill-equipped to handle the fabric’s density.
Opting for a heavy-duty or upholstery needle is imperative. These needles are designed with reinforced shafts, preventing breakage or bending during the sewing process.
This choice ensures a smooth sewing experience, minimizing the risk of needle-related issues and promoting precise stitching through Sunbrella’s robust composition.
Neglecting to Check Thread Compatibility
The choice of thread is equally critical when sewing Sunbrella fabric. Using an incompatible thread can compromise the integrity of stitches, especially when the project is exposed to sunlight.
Opt for UV-resistant thread to counteract the damaging effects of prolonged sun exposure. This specialized thread ensures stitch longevity, maintaining the sewing work’s strength and durability, even in outdoor settings.
Skipping Fabric Prep
A common oversight is neglecting the essential step of fabric preparation. Sunbrella fabric, like any other, requires pre-washing or pre-shrinking to prevent unexpected alterations in size and shape after sewing.
Adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations for fabric preparation is crucial. This preparatory step ensures a stable fabric foundation and prevents potential issues such as distortion or uneven shrinking post-sewing.
Underestimating Cutting Precision
Precision in cutting is paramount when working with Sunbrella fabric to achieve polished and professional-looking results.
Inaccuracy in cutting can lead to uneven seams or misaligned patterns, detracting from the overall quality of the finished project.
Measuring and cutting Sunbrella fabric precisely is an investment in the project’s visual appeal and structural integrity.
Rushing Through Pinning or Clipping
The significance of securely pinning or clipping fabric layers together should not be underestimated.
Rushing through this step can result in shifting during sewing, leading to uneven seams and a less refined final product.
Taking the time to carefully pin or clip layers ensures stability, allowing for precise stitching and a polished appearance in the completed project.
Ignoring Machine Tension
Proper machine tension is crucial when sewing Sunbrella fabric. Ignoring or overlooking tension settings can lead to stitches puckering or becoming uneven.
Sunbrella’s thickness requires a careful tension adjustment to match the fabric’s density. Testing and fine-tuning the machine tension provide a seamless sewing experience, producing clean and consistent stitches throughout the project.
Neglecting to Test Stitches
Sunbrella fabric’s unique composition may respond differently to stitches than lighter materials.
To avoid potential issues such as uneven tension or stitch quality, always conduct a stitch test on a scrap piece of Sunbrella fabric before starting your actual project.
Testing allows adjustments to achieve the desired stitch quality and ensures a smoother sewing experience with the fabric’s specific characteristics.
Not Considering Seam Allowance
Sunbrella fabric’s thickness necessitates careful consideration of seam allowance. Failure to adjust your usual seam allowance may result in tight or puckered seams.
Adapting the seam allowance to accommodate the fabric’s density is essential for maintaining flexibility and preventing unnecessary strain on the stitches, contributing to a more polished final product.
Overlooking Needle Position
Proper needle positioning is crucial when sewing with Sunbrella fabric. Ensure the needle is aligned for straight stitching or specific sewing techniques.
Misalignment can lead to uneven seams and compromise the overall quality of the project. Taking the time to verify and adjust needle position contributes to precise and consistent stitching.
Avoiding Backstitching
Backstitching is a fundamental step often overlooked. Neglecting to backstitch at the beginning and end of seams may result in unraveling over time.
Secure your stitches with backstitching to fortify seam integrity, ensuring the longevity and durability of your Sunbrella projects.
Ignoring Pattern Alignment
For projects involving patterns or stripes, meticulous pattern alignment is critical. Neglecting to match patterns accurately can detract from the overall appearance of the finished item.
Taking the time to align patterns ensures a professional and visually appealing result, enhancing the aesthetic value of Sunbrella fabric projects.
Not Considering Machine Speed
The thickness of Sunbrella fabric may necessitate a slower sewing speed to maintain control and accuracy during the sewing process.
Rushing through the project can lead to mistakes and compromise the overall quality of the finished item.
Adjusting the machine speed to accommodate the fabric’s density ensures a smoother and error-free sewing experience.
FAQs
Is Sunbrella binding tape challenging to sew with for beginners?
Sunbrella binding tape can be challenging for beginners due to its thickness.
However, beginners can achieve satisfying results with practice and careful attention to sewing techniques.
Do I need a special needle for sewing Sunbrella binding tape?
A heavy-duty or upholstery needle is recommended for sewing Sunbrella binding tape.
These needles are designed to penetrate the dense fabric without breaking or bending.
To Recap
While Sunbrella binding tape may pose some challenges due to its thickness and durability, sewing with it is manageable with the right tools and techniques.
Choosing a heavy-duty or upholstery needle, selecting an appropriate needle size, and considering optional features like Teflon coating can enhance the sewing experience.
Individuals with intermediate to advanced sewing skills can achieve successful outcomes with proper preparation, including accurate measuring and cutting and using a sewing machine suitable for heavy fabrics.
Patience, practice, and attention to detail are vital in overcoming any initial difficulties, ultimately allowing for the creation of durable and aesthetically pleasing projects with Sunbrella binding tape.
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