Stretch fabric tips

[watchyourfeet]

Does anyone have any experience using spandex or other stretch fabrics for shade? I have a pretty good handle on how I will attach it to the structure but I have searched and searched and can’t find any information on how much it will actually stretch, which I need to know before I order my fabric. Right now I’m looking at a 80% nylon 20% spandex blend. Any tips and/or information sources? Thanks!

[Elderberry]

I don't have a clue. If it were me, I'd buy it to size and you can't go wrong. You try to guess the stretch and you come up short, you're screwed.

[watchyourfeet]

I don't have a clue. If it were me, I'd buy it to size and you can't go wrong. You try to guess the stretch and you come up short, you're screwed.

That's true, although if I buy it to size then I will end up purchasing 2 to 4 times what I actually need. Ideally I will figure out what the stretch factor is in different shapes and then buy ~30% more.

[maladroit]

Well, it's your show. Only you will reap any negative effect from incorrect information. Here's some data for you to start with: http://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/JTATM ... /3125/1801

You could also buy a little and do some testing. In fact, that's probably the most effective and self reliant way to approach the problem.

[watchyourfeet]

That's exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. I am planning on buying a bit of it this weekend and doing some of my own testing, but I'm an engineer so I like to have some more technical information when it's available. Looks like this article relates to cotton/spandex blends but it's a starting point. I'll dig around on their website and see if I can find some spandex/nylon tests. Thanks Maladroit!

[Ratty]

This is the shade that I'm fashioning mine after. It was beautiful. 48 yds of spandex attached to an old style costco carport. You can see that the frame is several sections long and the fabric extends straight out to some posts. I'm also concerned about the stretch and sag element. I'm designing it so I can pull it tighter if it sags.

[some seeing eye]

Having just the fiber mix is not going to lead to the correct answer. Suggest you ask your supplier for the specs. A professional supplier like Rose Brand which has very wide spandex will have that immediately, as well as fabrication tips.

[watchyourfeet]

This is the shade that I'm fashioning mine after. It was beautiful. 48 yds of spandex attached to an old style costco carport. You can see that the frame is several sections long and the fabric extends straight out to some posts. I'm also concerned about the stretch and sag element. I'm designing it so I can pull it tighter if it sags.

I like that Ratty! Very simple and elegant.

[watchyourfeet]

This is the shade that I'm fashioning mine after. It was beautiful. 48 yds of spandex attached to an old style costco carport. You can see that the frame is several sections long and the fabric extends straight out to some posts. I'm also concerned about the stretch and sag element. I'm designing it so I can pull it tighter if it sags.

Have you put any thought into what weight of spandex to use ie milliskin vs. moleskin?

[Ratty]

That not the way I roll. More likely to hear, "Ooooow. Pretty pattern." or "Wow is that really free? I can cover my shade structure with it." Nothing about my burning Man is permanent. This is the 3rd time I've recovered the frame since 2008.