How to Repair Outdoor Furniture Fabric?

Do you need to repair your outdoor furniture fabric? If so, then you should know the proper way, or you can damage the fabric. 

Repairing the fabric of your outdoor furniture is essential to maintain its beauty and longevity, but without the right approach, you might end up causing more harm than good. Investing in quality outdoor furniture means committing to its upkeep, including periodic repairs to keep it looking its best. Knowing how to properly repair the fabric is crucial, as incorrect methods can complicate the process.

Before embarking on this potentially tricky project, it’s important to arm yourself with the best guidance available. This concise guide aims to equip you with the necessary skills to expertly repair your patio furniture fabric, ensuring your outdoor set remains in pristine condition.

What you will see in this article,

What Kinds of Fabric is Used on Outdoor Furniture?

As outdoor furniture has to go through all the weather, the fabric must be durable enough to resist water, dust, and sunlight. 

You will find various types of fabric available in the market. Some are amazing, and some are still surviving to prove their quality. But according to the experts, Polypropylene fabric is the best for any outdoor setting. It is one of the best fabrics which come with UV resistance compared to other patio fabric. 

Moreover, it dries quickly and soaks the excess moisturizer. You can even give a regular wash to it. You can easily use your vacuum cleaner to clean the dust and dirt. 

Phifertex fabric is another reliable name in the world of patio furniture. It is 100% PVC coated, which makes it more protective of dust, dirt, and any sort of micro-bacteria. Furthermore, the vinyl-coated polyester makes it durable and water-resistant. 

8 Necessary Equipment for Repairing the Fabric of Outdoor Furniture

Before starting the process you should ensure that you have all the necessary tools with you,

• Measurement Tape/ Fabric Calculator: Essential for determining the amount of fabric needed with precision.
• Fabric Marker: Marks precise cuts or sewing lines on the fabric for accuracy.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors ensure clean cuts in fabric, crucial for a neat repair.
• Sewing Machine: Offers efficient, strong seams suitable for outdoor fabric durability.
• Needle: Needed for detailed hand sewing and areas inaccessible by sewing machine.
• Thread: Select weather-resistant thread that matches your fabric for longevity.
• Iron: Smooths fabric before repairs and presses seams afterward for a finished look.
• Zipper: For covers or enclosures, a sturdy zipper facilitates easy removal and cleaning.

How to Repair Outdoor Furniture Fabric

Repairing the fabric of your outdoor furniture is a rewarding DIY project that can breathe new life into your patio setting. From selecting the perfect weather-resistant and durable fabric to the final fitting, each step is crucial in ensuring a successful restoration.

Step 1: Picking the right fabric

This step is the first and most crucial step for repairing your outdoor furniture. You need to choose a suitable fabric according to your weather. You need to consider not only the weather but also your comfort and look. 

For long-lasting comfort and durability, we would recommend solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. As the yarn is coloured from the core, UV rays won’t fade it away easily. Besides, you have to consider the easy cleaning process as well. So, according to the weather and colour combination, you have to choose the right fabric for you. You can go to any brand you want. But keep in mind that the fabric should be sturdy and water-resistant.

When you choose the fabric for your sofa, you should also keep this in mind. Or you would have to find out how to remove ink stains from your sofa fabric.

Step 2: Measuring 

Measuring is also an important step. If your measurement of the fabric is not appropriate then the sitting will look either too tight or too loose. Both create an uncomfortable and clumsy sitting environment. So you need to measure it carefully and precisely. 

Use the measurement tape both horizontally and vertically to measure the right width and length of the sitting cushion. You can also use the fabric calculator to determine how much yardage your cushion needs.

Remember that you need to keep two to three centimetres extra on both sides for sewing and border. For example, if your cushion is 12 meters long then you will mark the fabric piece 14 meters long and the same for wide.  

Step 3: Cutting

Now it’s time for cutting the fabric. Use sharp scissors to cut it precisely. You must cut fabric in a straight line. Otherwise, it is one of the easiest steps of all the steps. 

For your convenience, we are sharing a simple trick with you. Use a straight scale or stick to cut in a straight line. You can also fold the fabric in the marking place. Then easily cut it out with scissors. Moreover, there are different shapes of sling chairs and cushions. So you need to cut the entire fabric in different sizes according to your preferences. 

Step 4: Sewing  

There are two different ways of sewing the fabric. The first one is using a machine, and another one is sewing by your hand. If you go for the machine then you have to use a zipper in your cover. Otherwise, you cannot make it fit with your cushions. 

On the contrary, if you want to sew it by hand then there’s no need to use a machine. In this case, the fabric will seal permanently. You won’t be able to remove it until it is ripped or become old. So we would recommend you sew it through the sewing machine instead of needle and thread. All you need to attach a zipper to get firmly covered.  

First of all, you have to sew it on all three sides. During sewing, keep in mind that you are maintaining the measured mark and cutting precisely. Otherwise, it won’t fit properly. Secondly, attach the suitable zipped on the fourth side. There are different types of zippers. But we are suggesting you go for a durable plastic zipper instead of a metal zipper. 

If it is metal, then the moisture of the weather and sunlight may cause corrosion on the zipper. And it will leave bad marks on the fabric as well. 

In this case, plastic-coated zippers are the best option. 

Step 5: Iron pressing 

It is necessary to make the fabric looks straight. Moreover, the iron pressing will make the sewing part of the fabric more stable. All you have to do is give long iron pressing on the sewing fabric. 

There are lots of holes in the patches of the corners of the stitches. So, it is important to eliminate those patches and holes with the help of Iron. In the case of sewing sides, you need to press them firmly to make them stable and fit. In this step, please check the corners of the sewing fabrics. If it is a cushion cover then try to stitch them more tightly with the help of a needle and thread. 

In contrast, if you repair the fabric of the sling chair then no need for additional stitches or iron pressing. So it is pretty clear that, if you repairing sitting cushions or single cushions of your patio furniture, then it is a must to press them with the help of an iron. 

On the other hand, if you are repairing sling patio chairs’ fabric, then there’s no need to give iron pressing. However, if you want to make the side stitches stronger, then it is better to press them properly. 

Step 6: Fitting 

This is the last and final step of how to repair the outdoor furniture fabric guide. All you need to do is, firmly fit the fabric with your outdoor furniture. If you choose a sewing machine and zipper then it will be very easy to open it and just to fit with the cushion. 

Otherwise, if you choose to sew by your hand and not use any zipper, then you will need to sew it after fitting. Tightly set the fabric on the upper side of the cushion with the help of a pin. Then sew it firmly for stable fitting. 

4 Crucial Things to Consider While Repairing the Furniture Fabric

The ideal fabric should possess several key characteristics to withstand the unique challenges posed by outdoor environments.

1. Water resistance

It means the fabric will be transparent enough to resist damage by contact with water. Moreover, the fabric should also be non-absorbent. 

2. Dustproof

As patio furniture has to deal with dust 24/7, the fabric must be dustproof. In this case, the fabric should be coated with plastic or polyester material. Then it will be easy to clean with the help of a vacuum cleaner. You can even wash it through the washing machine. In that case, try to use mild fabric cleaner. 

3. Durability 

The durability of any fabric depends on the fibre material. As the fabric of patio furniture has to go through lots of hassles of weather, the fiver should be sturdy enough to keep it long-lasting. So check the material of the fiver first.

4. Colour

Colour is the most important factor. The UV ray from the sunlight may fade away the fabric’s colour and makes it look old. It will change the look of your outdoor setting. So, check the colour of the fabric whether it is long-lasting or not. It is necessary to do some study on long-lasting fabric colours before choosing outdoor furniture fabric. 

Can You Repair the Fabric on Patio Furniture? 

Yes, you can. If your outdoor furniture is looking old, faded, ripped, and saggy then you definitely should go for repairing the fabric of your patio furniture. It will not only give a new look to your outdoor setting but also add a little more comfy sitting environment. The repairing process is not that difficult and budget-friendly as well. 

As the outdoor furniture gets touched in excessive sunlight or moist weather, there is a high chance of getting damaged very quickly. It will be very expensive if you need to replace the furniture every year. So, the most effective solution is the sling fabric replacement. 

Then again the question comes do you need any handymen or professional help to get your job done precisely? No, you don’t. You just have to follow our instructions to save your pocket from extra expenses. 

If you have an elegant outdoor living space then give a try on our 7 incredible tips for outdoor living.

Final Verdict for How to Repair Outdoor Furniture Fabric

In summary, we can assure you one thing the procedure is easy to follow and perfect for any condition. Having ripped faded and loose outdoor seats are very uncomfortable and frustrating. To fix these annoying issues, you can trust our given guidelines to fix up your outdoor furniture fabric. 

So, how to repair outdoor furniture fabric is a no-brainer. All you need to collect all the necessary equipment to make your repair project fast and easy. Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture demands more cleaning than the cloth-based one.

We would like to recommend you have all the listed equipment before starting the job. It will ensure a hassle-free repair experience. 

Have a nice day!