• How much fabric do I need to cover a standard folding deckchair?
• What is the correct width of canvas for my deckchair as the one on it at the moment it is narrower than yours?
• Do I need to do anything to my old deckchair before replacing the canvas as it is looking very sorry for itself?
• Are the fabrics & products weatherproof - can I leave them outside?
• How do I fix the fabric to the deckchair?
• Is the fabric sewable?
• Can I buy these products in the shops?
• My deckchair is wider at one end - how do I make the fabric fit?
• I want to order two deckchair slings - do they come ready cut or in one continuous length?
• Is there any sewing involved?
• The edges of the canvas look uneven with a 'frilly' appearance which was not obvious on the website pictures will it fray?"
• How much fabric is needed to cover a directors chair?
• What is the best way to cover a directors chair?
• Fading - Will the stripes fade in the sun?
• Should our deckchairs all have matching stripes?
• Are your Deckchairs FSC?
• Can I leave my deckchair outside in all weather?
• Do you make replacement deckchair slings for Habitat and John Lewis deckchairs?
• Do you deliver overseas?

Other Product Questions

• Do the stripes run vertically or horizontally down the roll?
• Which is the correct direction for the stripes to run on deckchairs and other similar furniture?
• What is the difference between Water Repellant and Oilcloth Fabric?
• How would accidental spills affect my oilcloth tablecloth - are there any substances that I should avoid, particularly with children?
• Is the striped fabric suitable for Upholstery?
• You mention that all your fabrics are made from woven cotton - what is the difference between printed and woven cotton?
• Are the colours true on the website?
• Are your stripe fabrics washable?
• Is there much shrinkage?
• Do you ship to BFPO adresses
• Is it possible to use your fabric and trimmings for craft projects?
• Your lovely Edwardian Sunshelter looks as if it folds up into a bag - do the poles fold up for carrying to the beach?
• Voucher Discount Codes - how do I know its a valid code?
• I forgot to add the Voucher Discount Code at checkout
• I haven't received my confirmation email or any dispatch emails
• Personalisation of Products - are they refundable?

How much fabric do I need to cover a standard folding deckchair?

There are so many different sizes of deckchair - some are larger than others, so 1.5 metres of Deckchair Canvas will cover most deckchairs and in some cases there will be a little spare.
More Questions here

What is the correct width of canvas for my deckchair as the one on it at the moment it is narrower than yours?

Always measure the top rail of your deckchair for the correct canvas width - NOT the canvas that is already on it as this may be narrower or wider than the standard width of 45 cms (approximately 18”) and is not a good guide for recovering.
Please also see My deckchair is wider at one end - how do I make the fabric fit?
More Questions here

Do I need to do anything to my old deckchair before replacing the old canvas as it is looking very sorry for itself?

When removing the old canvas, it is useful to keep it as a guide to measure how much fabric you will need. All old rusty nails must be removed and any rough wood sanded down and checked for loosened joints. It should be scrubbed with detergent and allowed to dry before treating with a proprietory wood treatment to vanquish any trace of worm and protect it in the future. It is then up to the individual to put a protective finish on the wood such as teak oil or even varnish or paint.
More Questions here

Are the fabrics and products weatherproof - can I leave them outside?

Our fabrics are 100% strong cotton canvas; they are not weatherproof. Most deckchair canvas was never treated and was an affordable commodity - after being stored in a garden shed all winter, most people used to buy replacement canvas from a local hardware store. This is sadly no longer the case but never fear, The Stripes Company are here and can now solve that problem. Most of the products made from our Interior Stripe Fabrics are not weatherproof. Treat as you would interior furnishing fabrics.
Many outdoor fabrics are made with synthetic fibres which are not always as comfortable to sit on as cotton canvas, nor is it as environmentally friendly.
More Questions here

How do I fix the fabric to the deckchair?

We have found old deckchairs where the canvas has been nailed on and the nails have gone rusty, making them difficult to remove and damaging the wood. We suggest upholstery nails, which are similar to drawing pins but longer with domed heads. The fabric is turned over at the ends, wrapped around the wood and tacked on at intervals of approximately 10 centimetres.
Please see our Video on how to recover a deckchair
More Questions here

Is the fabric sewable?

Because our fabric is 100% cotton, it is sewable using a domestic sewing machine and normal cotton or good quality polyester sewing thread.
More Questions here

The edges of the canvas look uneven with a 'frilly' appearance which was not obvious on the website pictures - will it fray?"

As a 'utilitarian' fabric, the occasional 'frilly' appearance of the edges of the fabric is a charming characteristic of the weaving process (similar to hemps, tickings and hessians)- these selvedges are finished and will not fray, nor is it necessary to sew them.

More Questions here

Can I buy these products in the shops?

All our products are exclusive to us and accessible directly to the public online via our websites.
We have some selected retailers selling our products, but remember that as we have a huge range, it may not be possible for retailers to stock ALL of our products.
More Questions here

My deckchair is wider at one end than the other - how do I make the fabric fit?

All deckchairs are slightly wider at the top than the bottom to accommodate the supports when folded. If the narrower end is too narrow for the fabric, then a small corner may be tucked in on either side and then tacked. It does not significantly alter the appearance of the deckchair - if we made the fabric any narrower, on some wider deckchairs there would be significant gaps around the sides!
More Questions here

I want to order two deckchair slings - do they come ready cut or in one continuous length?

Fabric ordered in the same pattern is sent in one complete length, so if you order 2 x 1.5 metres it will comes as one 3m length
More Questions here

Is there any sewing involved?

For deckchairs there is no need to sew as it can be tacked on almost any deckchair top and bottom and the sides are selvedges. The sides are 'finished'. In the case of a folding Directors or 'Club' chairs, then some sewing may be necessary, as the seats and backs are usually narrower than our 45cms widths.
More Questions here

How much fabric is needed to cover a directors chair?

Approximately 1.5 metres - It is important that the stripes travel horizontally across the seat and back of the chair so that the warp and weft or the 'grain' of the fabric is not compromised when weight is applied.
More Questions here

What is the best way to cover a directors chair?

The seat needs to be measured and the fabric narrowed if necessary by sewing a hem front and back to the correct depth. Our canvas fabric is 45cm wide with selvedge edges so the seat depth from the back of your chair to the front can only be 45cms or less.
On Vintage or older chairs the fabric is then fixed by upholstery nails into the wood underneath the side supports of the seat. The back is sewn as before to adjust the size to the narrow back (it may be simpler to double the fabric over) and either tack on as before around the two wooden back supports, or make a 'sleeve' which may be easily removed. On modern Directors chairs, the seat is held in place by means of dowelling rods inserted into channels in the fabric which are then inserted into grooves on the sides of the seat.

See our How To's : How to recover a directors chair

More Questions here

Fading - Will the stripes fade in the sun?

All our fabrics are 100% cotton with no synthetics and as with all natural fabrics fading will occur if exposed to sunlight.

All our fabrics are dyed using permitted chemicals which are azo-free - they include no dangerous chemicals which were widely used up until quite recently. These made the colours vibrant and long lasting, but at the expense of the environment and the health of the workers handling the products!

This is why we recommend not leaving the fabric outside unless being sat upon, but to treat it as an indoor fabric - this is why deckchairs fold up so easily and quickly and were never meant to be left outside for sustained periods.

Pinks and reds are more vulnerable to fading so avoid these if you wish your colours to remain brighter.

Historically, the reason that deckchair covers were so brightly coloured was that they were made with 100% cotton like ours and were only taken outside as easily erected extra seating when the weather was fine. The stripes were bright enough to allow for fading, and as a utilitarian fabric, was usually replaced each year.
Some time later, synthetic fabrics crept in, which did not fade as much, and although not at all pleasant to sit on, the plastic was forgiving in all weathers.

So it gives you a good excuse to replace your deckchair canvas often, to have a change of colour and a different stripe which is why we offer a large choice of Deckchair Canvas.
More Questions here

Are your deckchairs FSC?

As our deckchairs are made in Indonesia, they have a different sustainable forest management scheme. The teak is sourced from managed forests passed down through generations of families who own the plantations.
This wood goes through the V-legal scheme (SVLK/TLAS) in Indonesia for which we have the certificates and attributions. Our deckchairs, directors chairs, event stools, luggage racks etc are all made from Teak as we sell them globally - European hardwoods are susceptible to mould in certain climates, whereas teak is not.
More Questions here

Should our deckchairs all have matching stripes?

We are of the opinion that the more different stripes the better and traditionally two deckchairs were never the same - people get attached to their own preference of deckchair ! They all 'clash' in a very attractive way...
More Questions here

Can I leave my deckchair outside in all weather?

Unfortunately, both the wood and the fabric would be damaged by excesses of weather - our cotton canvas is not  strictly outdoor fabric and any dampness should be dried off thoroughly before storage. Your deckchair should be put under cover in adverse weather conditions and recovering annually, it will last a lifetime.
More Questions here

Do you make replacement deckchair slings for Habitat and John Lewis deckchairs?

Yes we can make slings for any deckchairs which have a method of attaching the fabric that involves a stitched channel at the top and bottom of the deckchair canvas where a wooden dowelling rod is inserted to keep it in place, and also involves stitching up the sides of the canvas for the correct width.
All you have to do is choose your fabric from our range, remove and send your old stitched deckchair cover to us and we will make sure that it fits your deckchair exactly.
See Replacement Deck Chair Slings
More Questions here

Do you deliver overseas?

We deliver overseas to more or less any destination - please see our delivery details which may also be found on the basket page and must be read before check out.
More Questions here

Do the stripes run vertically or horizontally down the roll?

ALL our stripes 'Train Track' - i.e running vertically down the length of the roll (warp) - they do not go across from selvedge to selvedge (weft).
More Questions here

Which is the correct direction for the stripes to run on deckchairs and other similar furniture?

Stripes always run in the direction of the warp threads of the cloth to indicate where the fabric should be attached and the warp threads are supported at the correct part of the chair or stool - usually the bars.
On a deckchair, the stripes run vertically from top to bottom and on folding stools and directors chairs they run horizontally - if they are attached incorrectly on the weft side (the selvedge) any fabric will likely split.
More Questions here

What is the difference between Water Repellant & Oilcloth Fabric?

Water Repellant fabric has a light almost invisible coating on one side repelling any spilt liquids by forming droplets which are easily shaken off - perfect for tablecloths etc.

Oilcloth is a much heavier PVC which is almost impervious to liquid for much heavier duty use - perfect for use with childrens painting, cookery or clay modelling sessions!
See our video on 'Making Door Curtains' with our Oilcloth fabric

May be used outdoors but not for prolonged periods in the sun.
More Questions here

How would accidental spills affect my oilcloth tablecloth - are there any substances that I should avoid, particularly with children?

To the best of our knowledge, some of the following may result in staining your PVC oilcloth:
Some tomato or curry based sauces, ink, shoe polish, cosmetics and nail varnish and newspaper /magazine print if damp or wet.
We advise that you send for free swatches (there is a small postage charge refundable on purchase) and put these through your own thorough testing as some products may stain that we are not aware of.
Please also note the following:
Fading may occur if positioned in strong sunlight.
Oilcloth tablecloths are not heat resistant so hot plates, utensils or pans should not be placed directly on to the cloth
Any creases may be ironed out on the reverse using a cool iron.
More Questions here

Is the striped fabric suitable for Upholstery?

Our Interior stripes have been used for many upholstery, soft furnishing and many other projects by Interior specialists, architects and is suitable for contract use. Deckchair canvas is a slightly looser weave and only 45 cms wide - as such it has limited upholstery use - perhaps small chair seats and stools but is used widely for smaller creative projects!
More Questions here

You mention that all your fabrics are made from woven cotton - what is the difference between printed and woven cotton?

Printed cotton is where a pattern is printed on to a fabric, usually a plain colour, which has already been woven. The printing methods vary from block printing, transfer or digital printing. Woven cotton is dyed prior to the weaving process which give a more natural look with the pattern usually showing on both sides of the fabric - stripes, ginghams and ikats are primary examples.
Woven cotton fabrics made of natural fibres often have little ‘slubs’ throughout the weave which are a characteristic of the yarn and which give a more organic look and feel to the fabric. This is widely accepted throughout the industry, and these little ‘imperfections’ are considered part of the charm which modern synthetics or polyester fabrics lack.
More Questions here

Are the colours true on the website?

On some computers there is a small degree of colour distortion which we cannot predict, but we recommend requesting sample swatches for colour matching purposes and other testing.
More Questions here

Are your stripe fabrics washable?

If you purchase our fabrics to convert into decorative and home projects, we suggest specialist dry clean only - for most of our made-up products, there are individual care instructions attached, although we are unable to guarantee the results in different circumstances. If in doubt, wash on a cool wash, dry quickly and avoid tumble drying.
More Questions here

Is there much shrinkage?

All yarn dyed 100% cotton has an 'allowable' shrinkage rate which is hardly noticeable in most of our our ready made products. If products are tumble-dried, this could be greater which is why we advise line/air drying if possible, but always turn inside out if outdoors to prevent fading. If making up loose covers for example, these would have to be specialist dry cleaned if the necessity of accurate fitting were to be maintained.
More Questions here

Do you deliver to BFPO addresses?

Unfortunately we are unable to ship to BFPO addresses
More Questions here

Is it possible to use your fabric and trimmings for craft projects?

All our fabrics and trimmings are perfect for crafts projects and may be purchased in smaller quantities as remnant packs and bundles which are very popular for collages, quilting, needlework, patchwork etc. Please see the wide range of fabric remnants packs
More Questions here

Your lovely Edwardian Sunshelter looks as if it folds up into a bag - do the poles fold up for carrying to the beach?

Our sunshelter canopy cover is made of cotton and folds up into a bag - the frame is wooden and folds or 'concertinas' for easy storage into a 2 metres length, and is posted to you in a long cardboard box together with the cover in a separate package. You need to be aware of this if you are thinking of buying these for transporting anywhere - it may not be easy to take to the beach or any other windy place and may be more suitable for a garden.
More Questions here

Voucher Discount Codes - how do I know its a valid code?

We email out offers to our customers or any current offers are clearly shown on the website or our latest offers page. You will be unable to use discount codes on www.thestripescompany.com that you find on other third party voucher/discount code sites. To receive our true offers and stay up-to-date with news, ideas and new products please feel free to sign up to our newsletter

Voucher Discount Codes - I forgot to add the Voucher Discount Code at checkout

Please note we are unable to apply Voucher code discounts over the phone or retrospectively after an order has been placed online.
All our discounts are available for online purchases only. Only 1 discount code can be used per order.
More Questions here

I haven't received my confirmation email or any dispatch emails

We do send confirmation and dispatch emails, however they may go into junk/spam folders, so please check.
Unfortunately we are finding that they do not reach the less secure hotmail email accounts. If you have another email address, let us know and we can send them to you.
More Questions here

Personalisation of Products - are they refundable?

Unfortunately we are unable to refund personalised items
More Questions here