Wonderfold Canopy Sewing Tutorial

This is a quick and easy tutorial on how to make a full canopy for your stroller wagon. Feel free to sell whatever you make using my instructions. Please keep in mind I took the time to make these instructions as an affordable option for those who can’t pay Etsy prices. I’ve seen a lot of people be hush-hush about how to make a canopy but its really very easy. In this tutorial I will assume you:

• Own a sewing machine(a serger will make it quicker)
• Own sewing notions(thread, needles, scissors)
• Own an iron
• Can find the grain of the fabric
• Can sew a straight stitch

You do NOT need a serger or coverstitch for this pattern. I use them, but you can accomplish a great canopy with a sewing machine. Alternatively, you could simply cut to size and use heat bonded hem tape to avoid sewing altogether. Adjust your seam allowance as needed. I was able to start and finish the canopy shown in 1 hour.

This tutorial is based off the canopy for a Wonderfold W4 Luxe. You can easily adjust the pattern for the W2 or any other brand wagon by taking the original canopy of your particular wagon, measuring it, and adjusting this tutorial to fit your needs. I like to use cotton lycra but any knit will work. You will want a minimum of 5% stretch(lycra or spandex). KnitFabrics.com is a great resource for good quality but still cost effective fabric.

The original half canopy measures about 26in wide(pole side) x 31in long(length of the wagon). This does not include what you will need for seam allowance since their hems are already done.

My cutting mat is only 24in x 36in so I will be working with the canopy size folded in half. When I add my fabric it will be folded a second time to fit on the mat. Once folded I cut my fabric at 14.5in x 33in. This comes to 56in wide by 33in long. These measurements will give you 1 inch for your pole hem and ¾ inch for either side hem. If you chose to serge each side(optional), it will bring hem measurements down to ¾ and ½ respectively. Fold your fabric on the grain. I’m not going to explain how to truly find a grain line, but with knits being so forgiving, you can typically pinch the end, give a good shake, lay flat, and there is your grain. Once your fabric is laid flat, take the bottom fold and pull it upward until you have 14 inches. You have now done two folds, in half once and then again. I chose to pull the fold back a bit so I didn’t risk cutting it.

Unfold your fabric and you should have a large rectangle. The long sides will be where your pole slides through and the short sides will run the length of your wagon.

OPTIONAL:

Serger each side with a ¼ seam allowance to give a nice finished look on the finished canopy.

Pin or clip your side hem(short side). I suggest using an iron for a nice, crisp, easy-to-follow seam.

Hem the seam. I used a coverstitch, use whatever machine you would like. Repeat for the opposite side seam. Once both side seams are hemmed, move on to the pole seams. Do both sides.

Finish your seams, trim your threads, and you’re done! Enjoy the canopy you made!