What fabric to use for awning

[chuicafina]

I'm in serious plan-for-baby's-first-birthday-party mode right now and my husband and I have decided that we need to add some shade to our patio for the party. There's about 15 feet of space between our roof and our fence, and I'm thinking about creating an awning with a simple white fabric. I'll probably attach some eyelets, and then we can put hooks in the fence and above the gutters so that we can easily hook the awning up and re-use it for future parties. (Since most fabrics are 45" wide, I'm thinking I'll get several lengths, probably 3, and hang them up separately. This would prevent the area from being totally shaded, but I think it would be pretty).

What kind of fabric do you think would work for this? I'm out of the country right now, so I can't run over to Jo-anns, but I'm antsy and want to start figuring this out! The party is just over 3 weeks after we get home and I have SO much to get done for it!!

Cotton muslin? Cotton broadcloth? Linen (swoon...but way too pricey)? A couple white sheets?

[justinlove]

I was thinking more along the lines of outdoor fabric.

[hunniapple]

May 27, 2012 8:14:14 GMT -5 justinlove said:

I was thinking more along the lines of outdoor fabric.

This - outdoor canvas.

[adhdfashion]

May 27, 2012 8:16:39 GMT -5 hunniapple said:

May 27, 2012 8:14:14 GMT -5 justinlove said:

I was thinking more along the lines of outdoor fabric.

This - outdoor canvas.

If you put eyelets or grommets in muslin, they will rip out with the first gust of wind. The fabric is woven to loosely to be used for that. Wait and get a 50% of coupon and the canvas won't be to bad. Also comes in 60' wide.

[foodie2012]

I agree. Outdoor fabric would be best!

[TBM]

Another option would be to buy shadecloth at Lowes. It comes in really wide widths, and is much better priced than awning canvas.

[chuicafina]

Sorry for the post and run! It was dinner time here.

Yea, you are definitely right about the outdoor canvas. I guess I was envisioning something light and airy, but that wouldn't actually create much shade. I will check the outdoor canvas. Or an awning from Lowes...also a good call.

Thank you for steering me clear of the apparel fabric! Kind of silly of me now that I think about it.