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T@g Window Awning Tutorial

 

Small T@g trailer with window awnings

 

The following tutorial is for three window awnings for the T@g Trailer: front and sides. 

A good refresher video on how the awnings work can be found here. Worth noting the awnings in the video have velcro straps and this tutorial uses poly straps with a buckle.

What do you need:

Please, read through the tutorial several times before beginning. I have done my best to add clarity, make sure you're clear on the step your taking before you cut fabrics.

You will need the following fabric & notions to make a set of awnings. I have provided links to products that can work to give you an idea of what you are looking for. 

Full disclosure:  I am an Amazon affiliate, which means I receive a tiny commission if you purchase an item with Amazon through one of these links. I am also supplying these detailed instructions for anyone who wishes to use them for FREE.

However, the links are primarily there to help you understand what I recommend you use and I have provided both names and links to other suppliers where I do not receive any compensation, so the choice of suppliers is totally up to you. 

Fabric selection:

Outdoor fabric is typically 54" wide and patterns can be symmetrical or abstract.  The following image gives examples of both.  When using a symmetrical fabric, you will want to try to center the fabric on the design when you are measuring it so that the pattern is placed evenly in the finished awning. 

    Fabric requirements:

    You are actually purchasing 2 different fabrics:

    • Patterned fabric for the outside
    • Solid fabric for the inside lining
    • Because of this, when it says you need X yards for your patterned fabric, you will also need to purchase an equal amount for your lining.
    It is important to note, that you WILL see the patterned fabric through the lining fabric when you are inside the trailer.  It is light out side and darker inside, so you will see the pattern.  This is why I do not recommend using a patterned fabric in the lining. 
    • The fabric requirements to make all 3 awnings, using a 54" wide fabric is 1.5 yards of fabric.  Again, 1.5 yards for the outside and 1.5 yards of lining for the inside.
    • I do not recommend using a large scale, symmetrical pattern on T@g awnings. The windows are quite small and the large scale can overwhelm and complicate the making of the awning. You will also likely require 3 yards of fabric instead of 1.5 in order to center the awnings vertically on the pattern.

    Fabric cutting:

    The following illustration reflects how to lay out the 3 awnings to be most efficient with your fabrics.

    Note, outdoor fabric is typically 54" wide.  If the fabric you are using is narrower, you will need to purchase additional fabric as the awnings will not be able to sit side by side.

    Occasionally, the fabric is 53" wise + selvage.  This is OK, just cut 1/4" into the selvage on either side; your seam allowance is 1/2" and will cover this up.

      Creating the buckle strap:

      • Use a flame to burn both ends of each piece of polypropylene webbing to prevent it from unraveling. Be prepared to blow it out as it heats up.
      • Using this video, for guidance, for each awning, apply the tri-glide to one of the 3/4" poly webbing pieces.  Follow the instructions for the red webbing on the video; however, instead of installing a D ring, install one piece of the 3/4" plastic buckle. You can stop watching the video at the D ring install. Sew the remaining piece of the buckle to one end of the remaining 17" piece of 3/4" poly strapping.
      • Fasten the buckle to create one long strap.

        Fabricating the awning: 

        • Cut one piece of each patterned and lining fabric for each awning with dimensions listed in Table 1.
        • Hems—the tutorial for the hems can be found here. Note whatever hem you do for the patterned fabric, remember you need to replicate it for the lining.
        • On the wrong side of the patterned piece of fabric, use an erasable marker and mark a small dot where the corner straps (a) 4 dots, buckle strap (b) 2 dots, and elastic strap (c) 2 dots, are positioned in Image #2. The instructions for where to place these dots for each piece are in Table 1 under the last 3 columns labeled Markings
            • TIPS:
              • (b) is measured from the top of the awning, and buckle strap should be placed right-side-up when it is placed between the two pieces of fabric.
              • (c) is measured from the bottom. If you have added an angle or scallops to the hem, note that the distance from the bottom for (c) is from the ORIGINAL size, NOT after you have cut away fabric for the hem treatment.

          Assembling the Awning:

          • Place the patterned and lining fabrics, RIGHT sides together, with the patterned piece on top, and the markings made in the last step visible.
          • Place the straps/elastic BETWEEN the two pieces of fabric at the appropriate marks.
            • TIPs: 
              • Place the corner and buckle straps first (reminder the buckle strap will be rightside up as it is laid between the pieces of fabric—with the patterned fabric on top and lining on bottom),
              • Double-pin the buckle strap to hold it in place,
              • Pin around the awning and place the elastic piece last, as once in place, the awning will no longer lay flat on the table.
          • A 10-12" section will need to be left open on the top to turn the awning right-side-out after stitching—mark the beginning and end of this section before stitching the awning fabrics together.
              • Stitch around the perimeter of the awning, (leaving the opening at the top) using a 1/2" seam allowance.
                • TIP:
                  • If you do not have a 1/2" mark on your sewing machine, measure 1/2" from your needle and use a 2" piece of blue painters tape to clearly mark it on the plate on your machine.
              • After stitching, clip seams where appropriate (e.g. trim corners & clip between scallops).
              • Turn the awning right side out. Be careful using anything sharp to push the corners out, it is very likely to go through the fabric. Use the eraser end of a pencil or something small like that with a dull end. 
              • Iron
                • TIP:
                  • Be very careful here. If using a polyester fabric, make sure the iron temperature is low enough not to melt the fabric.  Use the fabric scraps to test the iron on until confident there is no issue.
              • Pin the top closed, iron, and then, starting at the top with the opening first, stitch around the perimeter of the awning at 1/4".  This will create the finished look for the awning.

          TIP: watching the video on the scallops may be beneficial even if not making scallops as it gives tips on other things like trimming and ironing. 

          Fit the awning on your trailer and move on to the next one! The above steps are repeatable for each awning.

          As mentioned on my blog post, it has been well over a year since I have physically made any of these awnings. The tutorials have been developed through memory, notes and photos on my phone.  If you have a question, someone else probably does as well, so please reach out to me via the contact form on my website and I will get back to you (remember, I am on UK time, so there will likely be delays).

          While I am happy to add clarity to the process, by using this tutorial, reader is assuming all responsibility for making and using the window awnings outlined in the above tutorial.

          Happy camping all!