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by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story
Some sewing projects are designed to be practical, while others are meant to spark imagination. The Poppins Parrot Parasol brings a little bit of both together. This playful project transforms a simple umbrella into a colorful parasol with a cheerful parrot perched on the handle.
I designed this project using fabrics from the Spoonful of Sugar collection, combining bright prints and charming details to create something that feels both decorative and fun. It is a wonderful project for adding personality to rainy day walks, dress up play, or a playful photo session.
To give the parasol durability and beautiful texture, I used several Therm O Web products that help with structure, appliqué, and weather protection.
Materials You’ll Need
Fabric and Supplies
Therm O Web Products
These products help make the parasol durable while also adding softness and structure to the decorative elements.
1. Prepare the Umbrella Frame
Begin by removing the existing umbrella fabric. Carefully remove the panels and use one of them as a template to trace a new panel pattern for your parasol. This allows your fabric cover to fit your specific umbrella frame.
2. Create the Parrot Appliqué
The parrot handle cover is built using layered appliqué pieces. HeatnBond Lite Iron On Adhesive makes it easy to fuse the parrot face, eye, and beak shapes in place before stitching.
This adhesive allows you to position each piece accurately and secure it before sewing around the edges for a clean finish.
3. Add Structure with Fusible Fleece
Fuse HeatnBond Fusible Fleece to the parrot head pieces to give them softness and shape. This extra layer helps the decorative handle cover hold its form once it is turned right side out.
4. Sew the Parasol Panels
The fabric panels are sewn together using French seams so the inside of the parasol looks neat and finished. Once the panels are joined, the edges are folded and topstitched to create a clean hem along the perimeter.
5. Protect the Fabric with Liquid Vinyl
To make the parasol functional outdoors, coat the finished fabric cover with two to three layers of HeatnBond Liquid Vinyl following the manufacturer’s instructions. This creates a water resistant finish that helps protect the fabric from rain.
Once dry, the fabric cover is placed back onto the umbrella frame and secured with a few hand stitches.
This parasol is a delightful accessory for many occasions.
Children enjoy using it during imaginative play or dress up. It can also be used as a charming prop for themed birthday parties, costume events, or storybook photo sessions. The bright fabrics and playful parrot detail make it feel like something from a favorite children's story.
It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift that is both decorative and useful.
Try the Pattern Club Free
Therm O Web readers can enjoy one free month in the Sew A Story Pattern Club.
Inside the club you receive one new craft pattern and one new quilt pattern each month, along with step by step guidance and creative inspiration.
If you enjoyed The Poppins Parrot Parasol project, you will find many more imaginative projects inside the Pattern Club.
Use code: ONEFREEMONTH
You can also check out more about this project on our YouTube channel.
I can’t wait to see how you bring this playful parasol to life.
Jennifer Long, Sew A Story
