U is for UMBRELLA - A Tutorial

I saw on Pinterest that someone had recovered an umbrella and I thought "What a great idea!" So, of course, I couldn't get it out of my head until I did it myself.  I grabbed my umbrella (it's just a cheap one), examined it and saw that it would probably be quite easy -- and it was! -- very easy! I was very pleased with the result. You probably won't even need a tutorial but just in case, here it is.

Cheap Umbrella

New & Improved Umbrella

  Turn old into new.

Begin removing panels.

Remove all the panels until just the centre is left.

Remove centre button and save for later.

Save underside of button, too.

Cut out one panel to use as a pattern for the new fabric.

Remember to add a seam allowance and length for the hem.

Sew all the panels together.

For the tie, cut a strip of fabric, fold in 1/2 lengthwise right sides together. Sew all around leaving one end open for turning. Attach velcro.

Sew tie to centre of one panel.

I serged all around the hem edge because my fabric had a lot of fraying. Fold hem up and sew along serged (or raw) edge.

Flip to right side and sew close to the folded edge of the hem.

Centre the umbrella top over the point where the ribs meet. Replace the centre button. This will anchor the fabric so you can begin attaching the fabric to the ribs. I started at the outside edge and worked my way in. (This requires hand sewing, the panel attaches in three different spots on the rib, with this umbrella). I did one rib, then the opposite rib and so on around.

Voila! All attached! And Done! Here's the outside...

... and here's the inside.

I made a case as well, which is basically just a tube. Nothing fancy but works great!

Well, that was easy! This is for my granddaughter so I'm making a backpack to match. I'll be putting up that tutorial once I'm done, which will be soon.

This was so easy that I want to do more. A parasol would be fun using different fabrics, lace, ribbons, etc. The possibilities are endless!