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Day in and day out, homeowners are continuing to get more innovative when it comes to selecting materials to be used for their furniture.
With so many options in the fabric market today, it will be so difficult to narrow down choices which are why when most people are going fabric shopping, they usually have a special place in their mind for protean fabrics.
One such fabric with the reputation of being capable of serving both indoor and outdoor purposes is the Sunbrella fabric. And since fabrics of such quality are believed to be made with rigid materials to make them durable, people also think it will not be easy to sew such materials.
But is Sunbrella fabric hard to sew? This article contains detailed information about this question.
What fabric is Sunbrella?
Sunbrella is an outdoor decorative fabric manufactured from 100% solution-dyed acrylic. This fabric is well recognized for its ability to resist stain, mildew, mold, fade, and water making it one of the most highly durable and popular choices for both indoor and outdoor furnishing.
What material is Sunbrella made of?
Sunbrella is made of 100% acrylic.
Are Sunbrella fabrics hard to sew?
No, it is not hard to sew Sunbrella fabric. If, after seeing and feeling Sunbrella fabric for the first time, you assume it is going to be hard to sew the material, your reasoning will be justified.
And the reason for this is not so complicated: Sunbrella fabric is heavier than most other types of materials. However, with a suitable sewing machine, the right setting, and the correct needle, you can easily sew this multi-layer fabric.
Is Sunbrella fabric better?
Yes, Sunbrella has some qualities that make it unique and one of the best materials for both indoor and outdoor furniture. Here are some highlighted reasons why Sunbrella is considered a better choice than most other fabrics in the industry.
1. It is resistant to fade
To keep the color of Sunbrella fabrics shining and bold for a long time, they are dyed with acrylic, which is known for its long-lasting staining effect. A typical Sunbrella fabric can remain unfading for up to 5 to 10 years.
2. Hardly gets affected by UV rays
One of the best attributes of Sunbrella fabrics that makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture is its ability to resist UV light. Sunbrella fabric can prevent the penetration of close to 98% UV light.
3. Durability
If there are quality homeowners look for most in either outdoor or indoor furniture, it would be the ability of a material to stand the test of time. Sunbrella is one of the most durable fabrics you will find in the market today, as it can last for up to 15 years.
4. Mold resistant
What causes 98% of mold growth on furniture is the continued water deposit on the surface. Therefore, since Sunbrella fabrics are designed to resist water (i.e., it doesn’t hold water), there can be no room for water deposit that can encourage mold to grow.
5. Very easy to clean
Asides from the fact that Sunbrella is resistant to water, the fabric also has the reputation of having a low tolerance to stains: they don’t hold on to them. As a result of this, it is easy to clean Sunbrella fabric: with a single wipe of the stain spot with soap and water solution, all the stains will be gone for good.
Is Sunbrella fabric durable?
Yes, Sunbrella is a highly durable fabric. For fabric or anything to be considered durable, it means such fabric or material must have the capacity to withstand certain factors that can make it vulnerable to wear and tear.
Some of these factors are water, sunlight, stains, and many more. Sunbrella fabric is designed to be able to resist these elements, making it one of the most durable and versatile furniture fabrics on the market today.
What thread can you use for Sunbrella fabric?
Sunbrella is a medium-heavy material, which means you have to be selective when it comes to the needle, thread, or even the machine you will use to sew them. When it comes to selecting thread for sewing Sunbrella fabric, the best choice is UV nylon thread.
This thread is considered the best choice for outdoor furniture sewing projects as they are highly resistant to UV light. And since Sunbrella is also an excellent UV light resistor, UV nylon thread will better complement the fabric.
Does Sunbrella fabric need to be hemmed?
No, you don’t have to hem Sunbrella fabrics compulsorily. Most of the time, hemming is often suggested for lightweight materials to keep them from unraveling quickly. However, a heavy material like Sunbrella will also benefit from a wide double-fold hem.
Should I wash sunbrella fabric before sewing?
No, you don’t have to wash Sunbrella fabric before sewing. Although, it is becoming normal practice among sewers today to wash fabrics before they start to sew them. However, even though this is fast becoming a ritual, it is not a practice that is necessary for all types of fabrics.
This is just a method to prevent washing fabrics like cotton from being washed after they are finished because if they are, they are likely to shrink, and as a result, the actual size of the finished product will reduce.
Sunbrella doesn’t shrink after washing, and therefore, you do not have to wash them before you sew the fabric.
Can a regular sewing machine sew Sunbrella?
Yes, you can sew Sunbrella fabric with a regular sewing machine. Sunbrella is a medium-heavy material, so it is ok if you are worried about whether or not you can sew the fabric in your regular sewing machine.
Of course, you can, and you just have to put your sewing machine in the right setting and use the appropriate needle and thread capable for the task.
Can sunbrella fabric be washed in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash Sunbrella fabric in the washing machine. When it comes to cleaning, Sunbrella fabric is one of the easiest: it can be cleaned using any cleaning method you want. You can spot clean, hand, or machine wash them.
