How to trim shade cloth?

[AffexHomes]

Hi, can I trim down the width of a shade cloth without it fraying? If so, do I need any special tools? If not, is there a solution to fit a 1.83m cloth width into a 1.2m opening? Thanks in advance.

[JacobZ]

Hi @AffexHomes,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fabulous to have you with us.

Yes, you can trim down the width of a shade cloth, however, it would not be hemmed around the outside as a shade sail would be, so it would be susceptible to fraying as you suspected.

There are accessories such as this Locking Strip V-grip which can offer some protection to the edges of the shade cloth; however, they are only advisable in applications where they are directly fixed to timber or metal. You could also hem the edges of the shade cloth using a sewing machine or needle, alongside a UV-resistant cord, however, I wouldn't advise this if you were planning to use it as a shade sail.

If you are looking to use the shade cloth as a shade sail, where it has O-rings and is attached to posts using Shade Sail Turnbuckles, I'd advise contacting a shade sail fabrication service for their assistance.

You might like to have a look at How to work with shade cloth for some further information.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[AffexHomes]

Thanks Jacob, useful information. I also heard back from Coolaroo and they said, "Our shade cloth is designed to be cut and you can buy a cutter from your local Bunnings store. Please not our shade cloth is the only material that can be cut." I am still not convinced it wouldn't fray, I might try a bead of superglue down the cut edge, what do you think?

[JacobZ]

Hi @AffexHomes,

That sounds like a good plan which would certainly offer some peace of mind and protection for the edge of the shade cloth.

Let me know if you've got any further questions.

Jacob

[hakeae]

Hi, I read the 'how to work with shadecloth" and saw the mention of the lacing cord kit -  https://www.bunnings.com.au/coolaroo-25m-lacing-cord-kit-with-needle_p3301495. I am going to make a cut in shadecloth to pass somethign through so I will try heat first @AffexHomes how did htat work for you? Otherwise I will use the cord kit to blanket stitch the edge. I don't trust it not to fray either :)..

[MitchellMc]

Hi @hakeae,

It appears @AffexHomes was going to use superglue to seal the edge, but I'd be keen to hear how they went too.

Let us know how you go, and please reach out if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[AlanM52]

Hi @AffexHomes,

I have used Coolaroo and never had any fraying issues.

 I also use Bias Tape and my mother-in-laws (RIP) old Singer machine.

This is worth the space it occupies in the bottom kitchen drawer.

Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl.

Cheers

[hakeae]

Thanks Alan; I really like these tips. Unfortunately, my sewing machine is still in a box somewhere but I like that awl.

joanne

[AlanM52]

Glad to help... we did horses for 25 years and there was a need for me to learn the sewing thing to repair horse rugs, shade mesh and sails etc.

Cheers