How to Sew a Replacement Canopy for a Market Umbrella

Buy enough canvas to replace the worn canopy. Heavy-duty and all-weather fabrics are a good idea since the umbrella will be outside. You may also want to consider a treated fabric that lends some waterproofing qualities to the canvas.

Dismantle the worn canopy to use as a pattern. Wash the old canopy first in cold water and air dry it. Since this will come in contact with the new canvas as a pattern, you do not want to get any dirt from the old canopy on the new fabric.

Inspect the method used for sewing the seams. You will use the same technique later to sew the new canopy. Use a sewing seam ripper to take the old canopy apart, and be careful to deconstruct the seams, not cut through them.

Iron all the creases out of the pieces of the original canvas.

Pin the old canopy pieces to the new canvas and cut out the pieces. If the new fabric has a noticeable grain or printed pattern, make sure the design on each section matches up with the other sections that will be sewn together.

Sew the new canopy pieces together. Sew double seams. Use the same seam-sewing technique as was used on the old canopy. Use monofilament or weather-proof thread to stand up to the elements. A heavy-duty needle and small stitches are best, about 14 stitches per inch. Sew the hem last to give a finished look to the new canopy.

Sew the pocket pieces that will hold the canopy frame onto the inside of the new canopy. Sew on the tie-down piece and any top vent cover pieces last.

Iron the new canopy and ensure the seams are all flat. Now you are ready to put the new canopy onto the existing market umbrella frame.