How to Sew Up an Awning
- 1). Position the ladder on solid ground, and have someone hold it steady for you. While ladder safety is always important, hand sewing an awning can take quite a while. If the hole is big, you might get tired from extended time on the ladder, making it extra important to have the ladder securely positioned.
- 2). Inspect the damaged area of the awning, looking for small holes or dry-rotted fibers in the seam folds. If you find either holes or weak fabric, brush the damaged area gently with the fabric brush to remove loose dirt. Use the scissors to cut a piece of ripstop tape big enough to cover the hole, or long enough to run along the damaged area of the seam. This will reinforce the fabric before you begin sewing, helping your awning last longer.
- 3). Thread the curved needle with the UV coated thread and knot the ends of the thread.
- 4). Push the needle into the awning one inch from the end of the torn seam, hiding the knot in the seam folds as you pull the thread through. Move the needle 1/8-inch toward the hole and poke the needle tip down through the canvas. Pull the thread tight and then move another 1/8-inch forward. Continue making these tiny 1/8-inch stitches all the way across the damaged part of the seam. Follow the original seam line. Anchor the thread by making three tight stitches, one right on top of the other.
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