I want to stretch this fabric across two poles of a gazebo to create a shade. Does the 6 foot side have a decent finish, or would I have to hem it to avoid fraying?
578523
Just to add life to the fabric it would be wise to turn that raw edge under & Hem it..since it isn't attached to anything, the "raw" edge could begin to fray after extended us, especially if you have any wind to speak of.
578524
Both long sides are finished but one is finished more securely than the other and I expect you would want to either hem, use butterfly clips or velcro tape to form a hem on the ends and possibly sides. I used velcro tape for an indoor use and it worked well. Am thinking of doing something similar to what you describe next summer and will likely fold the ends and put in grommets to hook it in place.
578525
The sides are finished and should not fray unless cut. It was very easy to use staplegun to fasten to wood. If you need to add grommets to allow fastening to other material, fabric seems like it would work well. If you did choose to hem, it would be easy to sew any size hem (even very small) if you wanted to reinforce. But with uniform stretching and stapling, it should work well for your purpose. I had material up in AZ sun for 6 months and it is still like brand new.
578526
It will not fray. The material is kind of like the shelf/drawer liner you can buy that is rubbery and non-slip
1158711
Kerry, This fabric is 54 wide and is sold by the yard. I think you would need 2 yards to allow for some overhang. You will have some extra fabric
208864
No experience with tearing because I haven't had that problem. However, I am a seamstress, and I'm wondering if there isn't a type of fabric glue that would seal the edges and prevent further fraying. Check with a craft store such as Joann Fabrics or Michaels. Perhaps there are vinyl patches you could apply also.
1307226
Mine was 12 ft I think, and it's stretched to the max. It's made of criss crossed cords though, which stretch quite a bit, I don't know if fabric behaves the same way. The two diagonal bars actually have some wiggle room so they will move towards each other when the hammock pulls on them.
1280081
you will need interfacing to stiff the fabric and make sure it does not fray like satin does at times. It made a nice dress but it did come with a stain but it was at the place where it was not going to matter. I would check it before using it.
799375
Mine has had lots of Texas sun and so far no fading. BUT the rubber line inside the rolled bottom keeps coming out. One of the ends fell off and we could notfind it. We tried to tape up the end but it didn't hold. So far the shade still works though. I have been pleased with it overall. We put up hooks so it can be tieddown, with the rings on it, during heavy winds.
108806
We cut it to fit our windows, it did not fray altho I did sew a once turn over hem just to be on safe side. Worked great to shade the windows on our camper and you can see thru it from the inside out to some degree. Way better than keeping shades pulled all the time.
1427331
Depends on spacing of slats but lets say theyre 2in apart that would be 50% shade at noon.I believe the fabric alone would do better than that.I put it on over 2x2 spaced slats and provides great shade.I also have a couple 12 x25 pieces to cover my trailer when in the desert.
29677
The fabric is synthetic, and not natural, such as cotton. The shade should withstand damp weather just fine, even with some direct rain. But, I would roll the shade up, when not needed, or during heavy blowing rain storms, just to add to its life. It might mildew over a long period of time. But, it should be generally ok with wet weather conditions.
108805
Donna, I have trimmed this fabric and it does not fray. Just to be sure, you should consider folding over the cut area or using an anti frayliquid available at a fabric/sewing store.
1174195
I wouldn't. Not unless you could hem both pieces after you split the canopy. It is a strong fabric, surviving snow, wind, summer sun over 100* but cutting it down the middle would open the cut ends to fraying.
433220
I just got this and put it together fairly easily. I can't get the final two corner of the canopy on. You need to pull the fabric taut and I don't seem to be strong enough. Any tips, am I doing something wrong?
248781
I have many coolaroo shade various sizes. Can make into roman shade,if put on top of wood to make patio I use screw with washers then add wood 2x2 as trim. Sew it together has to be strong.
2284831
It's ideal to have the same size, but probably difficult to find the exact size tarp. I think you can hang extra 6feet on one side or hang 3 feet width evenly for two sides, but this is not so secure against the strong wind. If I were you, I will shorten the 16 feet width to 10 feet width by folding( sewing, etc.)in the middle. So you can still use the ready-made holes to tie down to the frame securely for wind protection.
101522
The material is strong and in pix heat..should last a couple of years ..although depending on color u may see some fade. My personal concern would be more around the wind. The curtain is anchored on top but there is no stabilizing factors on the sides and the bar along the base will slide, or the material will shift along the rim that holds it. Depending how much extension u maintain, I would think u would have a lot of sway and pull. The wind, in my opinion will contribute to the deterioration of the overall curtain as designed ... I am wondering if u might be better of with an awning rather that a curtain in that they have a stronger stabilizing structure around the " curtain material" Please understand this is my opinion and not a reflection on the product itself...I used it in LA ..was satisfied, but even here, after a year or so I found the plastic chains that raise and lower to be of poor quality and the curtain shifted often and had to be reset in relation to the bottom stabilizing bar ( it slips)
2105997
Hi Joan,I was very disappointed with the shade. the fabric is a very light canvas, not at all sturdy. It is about 4' long, only partially shades. I returned the item. Hope this can help.Susan
1932046
I think you could cut it down. It seems to be one thick piece of material. I am not sure if this sort of material can fray in any way though. If it can, its nothing some extra stitching wouldn't take care of.