How to Make Wooden Umbrellas

Lay out the vinyl or rip-stop nylon fabric on a clean flat surface. Measure and cut two pieces of the 36-inch wide fabric at 60 inches long.

Fold one of the fabric sheets in half lengthwise to find the center. Make a crease, then open the sheet. Use the marker along the fabric edge to designate the center point. From that point, draw a 3-inch long half-circle, from one side of the edge to the other. Cut along the half circle line.

Using a measuring tape or yardstick, make three equidistant marks of 30 inches, starting from the edge of the half circle. Make markings as you measure, then cut the excess fabric to produce a large half-circle shape.

Place this pattern on top of a second sheet of fabric and secure the two pieces together with straight pins. Cut the excess material from the second sheet and replace pins to their tray. Set aside the excess fabric.

Set the two fabric panels next to each other with the small hole and straight sides centered. Glue the edges of the fabric together. Neatly apply glue to the edge of one panel, then cover it to about 1/4-inch with the adjacent panel. Press and hold into place. Allow glue to completely dry per package instructions. Add weight on top, such as a heavy board or books to keep fabric flat while drying.

Cut a piece of plywood in a circular shape with a 5-inch radius. Cut a hole in the center to accommodate a wooden pole with a 2-inch radius. Glue the plywood onto the inside of the fabric's center hole.

Arrange eight wood strips on the inside of the fabric in a circular pattern that radiates from the hole. Overlay each strip at the edge by 1 inch. Apply epoxy glue to the underside of each piece of wood. Press the strips onto the fabric and weigh the umbrella down until completely dry.

Insert a pole about 5 inches into the center hole. Glue the edges of the pole and the round plywood together and allow to completely dry.

Make a topper for the umbrella by marking and cutting out a 5-inch radius of fabric. Stuff the center with some excess fabric and place it on top of the pole. Tie a braided cord around the pole.