• Home
  • About
    • About the Bungalow
    • My Publications
    • Shop Hours
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Tutorials
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Shop Hours
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

Bungalow Quilting & Yarn

Bungalow Quilting & Yarn - The Uptown in Any Town

So you want to Make an Umbrella? Make your Own Umbrella, by Judy Gauthier

February 22, 2022 by Judy

Just a few of the more difficult techniques!
Here’s a good example of an all over print

I get so many requests about making the umbrellas. People love them. They’re functional and beautiful. They can be personalized so they make a great gift. Do you have someone that has everything? You cannot possibly buy them a gift because they have all that they need? Well, I would be willing to bet that they don’t have a handmade umbrella.

These are extremely sturdy. I have sold over 2000 of these frames, and they have always held up. I use mine all of the time.

So, if you’re planning to take an umbrella class with me or one of the folks that I have sold these umbrellas to, what are you going to need?

Here’s the low down.

If you’ve never sewn an umbrella before I would suggest that your first one be made with a fabric that is a quilting cotton, and is an all over print. By all over I mean one that isn’t directional.

Once you are a pro, you can fussy cut or use a one way print. You can even choose to make each panel a different fabric.

There are 8 panels to the umbrellas. Here are some photos of an umbrella that is a one way print. It’s made with fabric from Alexander Henry that is large raindrops.

Here’s what it looks like from the inside.

After seeing these photos you will understand that there are a million different options for how to make these. The design possbilities are endless. But, hold on, you need to make a basic one first.

Here is what you need:

Umbrella with 8 panels all of the same allover fabric:

2 yards of quilting cotton

Good fabric cutting scissors

crummy paper cutting scissors

thread to match your project (I always use a medium to light gray as it blends right in with the fabric).

tape

glue stick

pins

8 safety pins that are about 1 inch to 1 1/4 inches long

hand stitching needle

water proofing spray (to be done in the privacy of your own yard, not in class)

small piece of velcro–1” x 1” both the hook and loop sides

small ruler for rotary cutting

rotary cutter

small rotary cutting mat

object for turning a tube right sides out (turning bodkin or something like this. A blunt pencil will also do).

Supply list for making umbrella with every other panel a different color (alternating 2 colors)

1 1/2 yards of one fabric

1 1/2 yards of another coordinating fabric

same remainder of items listed above

Supply list for one way print:

3 yards of fabric

same supply list as above

If this is your first one, I would encourage you to stick with an allover print. If you’re really an experienced sewist or a good garment sewist, you can choose any of the above methods.

About Judy

Judy has been sewing for most of her life, starting at about age 9. She is the owner of Bungalow Quilting and Yarn, and the author of “Quilts for Scrap Lovers: 16 Projects Start with Simple Squares”. Her second book, "Rainbow Quilts for Scrap Lovers" is a best seller for C&T Publishing. She is also the author of Sew Cuddly, Tantalizing Table Toppers and Sensational Quilts for Scrap Lovers, all from C&T Publishing. She has also been published in many other publications, including Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine and American Quilter. She has created a line of fabric for Ink and Arrow Fabrics, and now designs for Studio e Fabrics.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Read More

Get our newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent News

Sewing a set in Circle

I recently made a baby quilt for one of my employees. She will love it. She should get it today so I … Read More

What do I need for the Blended Hexagon Quilt?

This quilt is beyond fabulous. The best part about it is that it is made simply with squares. It … Read More

Zippy Heart Class

Make this fun and functional zippy heart pouch. It's perfect for everyone. You can make it with or … Read More

Testimonials

  • Kim Van Berkum BatesKim Van Berkum Bates

    I always find the perfect coordinating fabric for my vintage tablecloth aprons, bags, and other projects too. Judy is soooo much fun!

  • Kelly RobbertKelly Robbert

    More than a quilt and yarn shop… It feels like being invited into Judy’s home. If you are wondering if stopping by should be on your list… Yes! Beautiful fabric, wonderfully kind and talented staff and a bathtub full of yarn! Treat yourself and drop on in.

Newsletter Subscription

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact us

920.748.2905
Email Us
920.517.1910
Shop Hours
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Tutorials
  • Contact
  • Shop

© 2023 · Built on the Genesis Framework Using Wordpress by Mat Bolwerk