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News

Make a Parasol... for a perfect promenade!

August 24, 2020 7 Comments

Woman standing in a garden holding a parasol with her back to the camera

Parasols are not only a convenient and stylish way shield yourself from the suns rays, but a perfect accessory companion to one of Folkwear's most favorite and popular patterns. The Folkwear 261 Paris Promenade Dress is made even more perfect when paired with its very own parasol.

The 1920's styling of this easy-to-sew and easy-to-wear, pullover dress has a carefree, yet sophisticated aesthetic. The unique construction of this dress makes it easy to imagine all sorts of creative fabric combinations. Complete your 261 Paris Promenade Dress ensemble by coordinating the vintage-style drawstring hand bag that comes with the pattern and now a parasol, for the next time you want to make a truly vintage-inspired statement.

And, today we are going to show you how to make your own parasol!

Photo of 261 Paris Promenade Dress and Parasol in garden

Photo of 261 Paris Promenade Dress and Parasol in garden

For a bit of inspiration in making your own parasol read the History of the Parasol blog for an interesting stroll through the history of sun protection and much more. Learning to make your own parasol is not as difficult as you might imagine. 

Knowing what to look for in a parasol or umbrella frame is important because the frame is the foundation of your project.  Due to the superb quality and craftsmanship of antique umbrellas and parasols, their frames and handles can be found in good condition and are not hard to find if you know where to look. Flea markets, thrift shops, ebay, Etsy, and historical reenactment website shops are all excellent resources. Consider using an umbrella you already have... if the quality of the frame is good, don’t toss it out… recover, re-purpose, reuse. Enjoy anew!


Frame Structure

When looking for a frame to use, remember that the more sections or pie-shapes a frame has, the easier it will be to make the canopy fit. This is in part because the more reinforcing seams you have, the more stable the fabric will be.  The narrower the width and the more seams there are, the more stable the fabric and therefore it will be easier to fit the canopy to the frame. The number of pie shapes corresponds to the number of ribs. The number of ribs corresponds to the seams. Parasols tend to be more elegant and daintier then umbrellas. So, parasols usually have more ribs, pie-shapes sections, and seams.

Parasol frame and parts

 The frame and pieces needed to make a parasol.

The parasol frame and parts I am using in this tutorial were sourced at Vena Cava Designs (they also carry Folkwear patterns!).  I ordered the Parasol Frame (Skeleton) kit (adult, straight handle). 

This is an inexpensive and good quality frame. This frame is suitable for either a parasol or umbrella and a great option for trying out your making skills. The pattern we are providing here fits this particular frame. However, you can use this pattern, with some modifications, to fit most other frames that you might find. 

Please note that I am referencing the parasol frame that is sourced in this tutorial. The pattern included has been made to fit this frame.

The Proper Fabric

The fabric you use to make an umbrella is different than fabric used for a parasol. Parasols were generally made of natural materials like silk, cotton, and linen and these fabrics are available at most fabric stores. Most natural fibers such as the ones mentioned have enough stretch and sometimes too much stretch when cut on an angel. For this reason the pie shaped pattern piece should be cut with the grain line indicated on the pattern (aligned with selvedge of the fabric).

When choosing a fabric, it is best to choose a fabric that is the same on both sides since you will see the wrong side of the fabric when he parasol is open.

Modern oil cloth and waxed cotton are fabrics that come the closest to original umbrella fabrics. Suitable waterproof fabrics will be made of synthetic nylon and woven from fine threads. These types of fabrics will not have much stretch, so pattern pieces will need to be cut on the cross-grain or with a curved edge on the bottom edge.  Nylon frays easily (can cut with a hot knife or serge immediately). To avoid disappointment, do a bit of research if considering the use of waterproof fabrics.  

Using the Folkwear Parasol Pattern

If you are going to make the parasol canopy for the kit, or modify it for your own use, instructions are below.

You will need:

  1. Folkwear parasol pattern (or piece as show with measurements below).  This is a PDF pattern piece that fits on 4 pages of 8.5x11" or A4 paper.  Print at home (at 100% or "actual size") and tape the four pages together to create the pattern piece.  Then cut out or trace the pattern piece to use to create your parasol.
  2.  Swedish tracing paper
  3.  1 (0.9 m) to 1.25 yards (1.1 m) fabric (see notes on fabric above)
  4.  Thread (strong polyester thread)
  5.  Parasol kit (or your own parasol frame)
  6.  Fray Check
  7.   Wood glue

Fabric Layouts and Cutting Guide

Layout your pattern piece on your fabric and cut out 10 pieces to make your parasol.  The diagram below shows how to create the parasol pattern piece used in this demonstration, if you do not print the PDF piece provided in the link above. Notice the grain line and lay your pattern out with the grain line parallel to the selvage.

Diagran of parasol pattern piece

Ten pattern pieces laid out on a 45" (114.3 cm) or 60" (152.4 cm) wide fabric, requires just over a yard (1m) of fabric. Note that these illustrations shows the fabric laying open and flat. 

Parasol pattern layout on 45-inch fabric/on grain

 

Parasol pattern layout on 60-inch fabric/ on grain

Note: The pattern pieces in the illustrations above are placed close to the edges of the fabric. If you think you may need more hem at the bottom edges, then allow for a bit more yardage. To be safe add an additional 1/4 yard (0.2286 m) of fabric.

If your pattern pieces are a different size than ours, you can lay the pattern pieces out on a piece of fabric the width you intended to use, and have a look at how the pattern pieces lay out and how you can make them fit. The illustrations above should help.

Sewing Guide

The 1/2" (13 mm) seam allowance for the long edges are included in the pattern. The 1/2" (13 mm) bottom edge seam allowance is included to produce a 1/4" (6.35 mm) hem.  The narrow top edge of the pattern piece does not get a hem. This pattern is intended for a natural fabric to be cut on the selvage grain. I used a light weight linen for the purpose of this demonstration.

MAKE A MUSLIN FIRST!! This is my best piece of advice in attempting the making of a parasol or umbrella. Frames are not always perfect. Especially if your frame is an antique. Plus experimenting without feeling the pressure of messing up good fabric is always wise.  And, you get to practice getting it right.

Step One:  Sewing the Canopy

Once the fabric pieces are cut out, I recommend working with wedges in pairs. With the right sides of the fabric together, pin one long edge and stitched a 1/2" (13 mm) seam allowance.  Then, move the needle over one or two notches and stitch again just OUTSIDE of the seam allowance.  Back stitch at each end. This extra stitch line will help to create a bit more seam strength and stability.

If you want add a strap to fasten your parasol neatly closed, now is the time. Just pick a seam and insert the strap into the seam allowance, sewing all at once. Use a snap or a button to fasten the strap.

View showing a second reinforcing stitch just to the outside of the seam allowance.

View showing a second reinforcing stitch just to the outside of the seam allowance.

Continued this method, working in pairs until all ten of the pie piece shapes are sewn together creating the circular canopy. There should be a hole in the center of the canopy. This is where the tip will come through.

Canopy sewn up.

Canopy all sewn up.


Press all seams in the same direction on the wrong or under side of the canopy. Press to set the seams and create a clean finish on the right or top side of the canopy as well.

Finish all the underneath seam allowances. Either, serge, pink, or trim. You could also do a faux flat felled seam.  French seams and bound seams will be too bulky and are not recommended.

 Parasol seam finished with a serge.

 Seam finished with a serge. Notice the seam allowance stitch and the second row of reinforcing stitches.

 

Step Two:  Top Strengthening Detail

The entry point where the tip-ferrule-post or top point, inserts into the fabric of the canopy is a major stress point and needs reinforcing to provide strength. The hole at the opening needs to be made smaller without adding fabric bulk. A couple of simple tricks will take care of both of these issues.

Make a short stay stitch approximately 5/8" (16 mm) around the hole opening in the top of the canopy. This will ensure all the panels stay in place and not over stretch when the parasol is opened and closed repeatedly.

A simple circle of fabric sewn to the underneath at the hole opening, will provide another layer of support and to be sure the canopy hole fits tightly to the tip-ferrule-post base.

From a scrap of the same fabric you are using to create your parasol, cut a 2-1/2" (6.35 cm) to 3" (7.62 cm) circle, using pinking shears. The idea is to not add any bulk to this area so finishing the edges with pinking shears serves the purpose well.

Fold the fabric circle in half and then in half again. Snip the tip of the point off with your scissors. Smooth out the circle and press to remove the ceases.

Pinked circle folded twice

Fold the Circle of fabric in half and then in half again.

 

Depending on the nature of your fabric, it might be wise to Fray Check the edges to seal the edges. The linen I have used needed a bit of Fray Check for this very reason. Allow the Fray Check to dry.

Reinforcing linen fabric circle getting a touch of Fray Check

 Reinforcing linen fabric circle getting a touch of Fray Check.

On the underneath side, make sure all seam allowances are pressed in the same direction, align the hole of the small reinforcing circle with the opening of the canopy and sew the circle to the canopy approximately 1/2" (13 mm) from the center hole.

Push the tip of the frame through the hole of the circle to see how it fits. Clip the hole of the circle a tiny bit more if needed. The idea is to have the hole of the circle to fit snugly to the base of the tip-ferrule-post.

View of pinked linen circle sewn to the parasol canopy.View of pinked linen circle sewn to the canopy.

Below are a series of images showing you how the simple circular piece of reinforcing fabric is attached to the canopy and what an important role this little bit of fabric performs in maintaining the strength and integrity of a highly used stress point. 

View of the pinked linen circle with the frame attached.
View of the pinked linen circle with the frame attached.
View of the pinked linen circle peaking through on the outside of the canopy

 View of the pinked linen circle peaking through on the outside of the canopy before the being stretched and fitted to the frame.

With the canopy stretched over the frame and closed-up you can appreciate how much this simple bit fabric reinforcement provides to the integrity of the parasols construction. 

pinked linen circle peaking through on the outside of the closed canopy

 View of the pinked linen circle peaking through on the outside of the closed canopy after being stretched and fitted to the frame.

 

Step Three:  Hemming the Edge

Turn the widest edge or the bottom edge of the pie pieces under 1/4" (6.35 mm) and press. Turn under another 1/4" (6.35 mm) and press creating a straight edge. Press and pin the hem in place. Manipulate the connecting seam edges to lay as smoothly as possible. Top-stitch close to the turned edge, taking care to create a clean finish.

Pinning the hem of parasol

Pinning the hem.

 

Step Four:  Adding the Rib Posts

Using button twist thread for extra strength, hand sew all the wooden tips to the wrong side of the canopy, at the seam allowance. Use the turned under hem as an anchor spot for sewing the tip to. You do not want to see any stitch work on the right side or top side of the canopy.

 

Photo of gutermann button twist used to sew on parasol tips

Gutermann button hole twist is ideal for attaching and strengthening the tips to the canopy.

The extra thickness of the turned under hem makes an excellent spot to sew on the tips and prevent the stitches from being seen on the top side.

 

 Wooden tip securely sewn to the hem of the parasol canopy

 Wooden tip securely sewn to the hem of the canopy.


Step Five:  Test for a Proper Fit

Once you get a few tips sewn in place, give the fit a try. It will work best to sew your first few tips on opposite sides of the canopy from each other, to help with the tension. Place the top hole of the canopy over the tip-ferrule-post base. Then gently pull the fabric over the rib and insert the metal rib tip into the wooden tip sewn at the canopy edge. You want the fabric of the canopy to fit tightly over the ribs (each seam should correspond to a rib), once the rib end is inserted in the wooden tip. There should be some tension, but not so much that the rib begins to distort or twist from its intended position along the seam. If this does happen, there is too much tension, the panel is too short. To remedy, let out the hem a bit to lengthen the panel.

With the rib inserted in the tip you can see how the tip needs to be secure and strong due to the tension required for a proper fit.

 

Tension created when metal rib is inserted in wooden tip

Tension created when metal rib is inserted in wooden tip.

 

Note: It is important the fit is good before proceeding any further.

Parasol  fit outside view

A perfect fit on the outside!

Parasol fit inside view
 Perfect fit on the inside!

 

Step Six:  Secure Ribs to the Seam Allowance

Your canopy should now be installed to the frame and fit perfectly. Even if the canopy fits beautifully to the frame, a bit more stabilization never hurts. Adding a thread tack will easily accomplish this task.

I have placed and sewn each tack 5" (13 cm) from the hem edge inwards along the rib. Using regular thread, double the thread up, and sew a few hand tacks as shown below.

Measuring where to place tack on parasol

 Measure to determine tack location to help added extra stability for each rib.

Start on one side of the seam allowance, inserting the needle between the seam stitch line and the extra stitch line previously made in the assemble instructions. Make the stitch through the seam allowance and under the rib. Pull the needle through to the opposite side.

First pass in making tack on parasol rib

First pass through the seam allowance and under the rib.


Insert the needle over the rib, through the seam allowance at the extra stitch line, to the opposite side. Continue in this manner until you have made 5 to 8 passes, creating a neat and secure hold. The idea is to prevent any stitch work from showing on the top side of the canopy. Tie the thread off with a couple of knots on each side of the tack. Trim the thread close to the knot. Repeat for each rib.

Photo demonstrating the making of the rib tack.

 Passing thread over the rib and continuing to make the tack.

 

Photo of inside of parasol with tacks.

Making tacks all the way around for each rib.

 

The Top Finishing Detail

One last finishing touch is required to tidy up the top of the parasol, where the canopy and tip-ferrule-post meet. This will conceal the reinforcing stitching lines and create a clean yet simple finishing flourish of interest. This not the only creative way to finish the top of your parasol, but it is quick and easy and adds just enough detail without being fussy.

 View showing the reinforcing stitch lines to be covered by the final detail.
View showing the reinforcing stitch lines to be covered by the final detail.
 

Start with a strip of fabric measuring 1-3/4" wide by 8-1/2" long (4.445 cm x 21.59 cm). I like to utilize the selvage edge when ever possible to give an extra bit of strength and stability. So, I have cut my strip of fabric including the selvage. I turned and press the opposite long edge under 1/4" (6.35 mm). Then top stitched to create a finished edge. This edge will eventually show.

 Finishing detail strip with finished turned under edge edge

 Finishing detail begins with a linen strip. Notice the top stitched turned under edge.

Next, sew a long gathering stitch 1/2" (13 mm) from the top stitched edge. Leave long thread tails on either end to make gathering easier. Make another long gathering stitch 1-1/8" (3 cm) from the top stitched edge. Leave long thread tails again.

Strip of linen with gathering stitches and long tails.
Strip of linen with gathering stitches and long tails.
Now gather pulling on the thread tails to gather up the fabric strip. Remember that the bobbin thread will pull easier, helping to create an even gather.
Gathered finisheing detail made from strip
Finishing detail gathered and taking shape.
After you are satisfied with your gathered finishing detail, place it on the top of the parasol and see how it looks.
Finishing detail in place.
Trying the finishing detail on for size.
Is it too tight? Is it too loose? Remember this detail should cover the reinforcing stitching lines and fit securely around the tip-ferrule-post. Once you are satisfied with the look and fit, turn the short edges right sides together and stitch a seam allowance that will work for your piece. I am not providing a seam allowance measurement due to the nature of gathering. 
Finishing detail sewn up and complete.
Finishing detail all sewn up and ready.
The raw edge of this detail will need to fit into the finial cap and then fit onto the ferrule, so too much gathering may necessitate a bit of a trimming away. This will depend on the weight of your fabric. The weight of my gathered linen proved to be too much fabric to fit in the finial cap so I trimmed it down.
After trimming enough fabric away to fit into the finial, I stuffed the eraser end of a pencil into the finial to create as clean a hole as possible. This will help to make this combination fit onto the post tip. Since this parasol post and finial is made of wood, I am always cautious to not to crack or break the pieces due applying too much pressure. So take your time in making sure these pieces will fit comfortably.  Fabric that is thick is generally the culprit. So trimming to ensure a good fit is the remedy. If the fabric was not heavy enough to insure a good fit, then wrapping the top-tip-ferrule-post with bit more fabric or felt would work. So would a touch of glue.
Finishing detail in finial with pencil
Use a pencil to help create a clean hole.
Hole made in finial and final detail
The nice clean hole left after removing the pencil.
Finishing detail with finial in place
The finial fits nicely after a bit of fabric trimming.
Whether to glue your finial on permanently depends on whether your finial fits tightly and whether you want to possibly use the frame again for another parasol design.  I often use a touch of hot glue, when I am not keen on things being truly permanent.
Anothe view of finished parasol details
Finishing detail nice and simple.
Photo wearing Folkwear 261 Paris Promenade Dress with parasol
 Trying out my new parasol in the garden.
 
Make A Carrier/Holder for your Parasol!
I admit to being a parasol purist. Perhaps this is due to parasols I have coveted featured in period piece films? I have never noticed a securing strap dangling about on the canopy surface. This of course, this is personal preference or bias, depending on how you look at it. If your prefer a strap... one is easily added... just pick a seam, determine the perfect location, and insert the strap end in the seam allowance and stitch... encasing the strap in the seam. Use a snap or a button to fasten the strap.
However, my preference is having a carrier for my parasol. To me this seems so civilized for everyday carrying about. When not unfurled the parasol has a handy holder, with a shoulder strap that allows for hands free carrying.  Plus, a carrier will hopefully help ensure that your parasol does not get laid down and forgotten.
You can make your own carrier/holder as well. Here is a PDF pattern to use as a guide. Make a carrier/holder for a parasol or umbrella that you already have as well.

You will need:

  1. Folkwear carrier/holder pattern or use your own measurements. This pattern is a PDF pattern that will print on 3 pages of 8.5x11" or A4 paper.  Print the pages and tape them together to get the parasol carrier pattern piece (trim the edges first).  Be sure to print 100% or actual size to get the correct size.
  2. Swedish tracing paper
  3. 3/8 yards (0.34 m) to 1/2 yards (0.46 m) fabric (includes carrier and the strap if using at least a 45" (114.3 cm) wide fabric)
  4.  Thread (strong polyester thread)
  5.  Fusible interfacing (for the strap) measuring 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) wide and 43" (109 cm)
To make your own carrier, measure the length and widest end of your parasol or umbrella. Decide if you want the most narrow end of the carrier to be open or closed. I decided to leave mine open. Draw a pattern using the simple illustrated guide below or use the pattern piece we provide in the PDF pattern.  
Lay your parasol onto the pattern and decide if the pattern is wide enough and long enough to accommodate your parasol. If the carrier is too tight of a fit it, this will impede being able to insert and remove the parasol easily. Adjust the size of the carrier pattern of needed.
Pin one long edge of the pattern on the fold of your fabric. Cut the fabric out using the pattern piece and set it aside.
Carrier/holder pattern pinned on the fold.
Carrier/holder pattern pinned on the fold.
Next, make the shoulder strap, cut a length of fabric measuring 3" (7.6 cm) wide and 43" (109 cm) long. With right sides together, fold the strap in half lengthwise. Press a length of fusible interfacing that measures 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) wide and 43" (109 cm) long, on one side of the wrong side, of the folded strap.
Interfacing pinned to wrong side of strap.
Interfacing pinned to wrong side of strap.
With right sides together, pin the raw edges together and sew a 1/2" (13 mm) seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance and turn right side out.
Turn strap right side out.
Turning strap right side out.
Press the strap flat and sew a top stitch close to the seam edge for added strength and stability. 
With right sides of the carrier/holder fabric together, insert the entire strap into the inside of the carrier/holder. Check to be sure the strap is not twisted. Inserted the strap ends between the seams where you would like them to be placed in the carrier/holder seam. Leave approximately 1" (2.5 cm)  of the strap pulled through the seam allowance depending on how long you would like the strap to be.
Carrier with strap inside and sewing up the seam

The carrier/holder strap in place and seam allowance sewn before turning right side out.

Note: Predetermine the length you would like the strap to be before sewing up the seam allowance.

With right sides together and the strap length out of the way of catching in the seam allowance, sew 1/2" (13 mm) seam allowance on the longest side and at the smallest end if you are sewing the end up. Trim the excess strap. Press the seam open. Finish seam or trim.

Turn right side out and hem the remaining ends using a 1/4" (6.35 mm) turn under and then turn under another 1/4" (6.35 mm). Top stitch close to the edge to finish. I chose to leave the bottom edge open so I hemmed it too.

Parasol in the carrier with strap
The finished parasol and carrier/holder.
Close photo of carrier with parasol
Full photo back view parasol in carrier
Enjoy your next sunny day outing, in the Folkwear 261 Paris Promenade Dress!  This beautiful pattern when paired with a parasol will likely make you feel as though you are in your very own period piece film.  
I hope this blog will inspire and encourage you create your own beautiful ensemble, complete with sun protection. We look forward to seeing your parasol creations and all the many possible Folkwear patterns you pair it with!
Thank You for joining me... I had a lovely time.
Sew Well,
Cynthia



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7 Responses

Barkat
Barkat

July 19, 2021

Brilliant idea. Beautiful dress sew. Nice fabric umbrella.

Jennifer
Jennifer

September 01, 2020

How amazing! I do not know if you follow The Embroidery Guild from Victoria on Facebook, but they have been showing a series of elaborate parasols. This is fantastic to have the directions to make my own parasol.

Jen
Jen

September 01, 2020

This is brilliant. I’m definitely going to make this one day. I have a beautiful wooden umbrella I purchased in Harrods in 1979 that needs a revamp and I’ve got some lovely natural mid weight linen that would be perfect.

Celina
Celina

September 01, 2020

A great tutorial and now I have learned why that little piece of gathered fabric on the top was there.

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August 27, 2020

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