Outdoor Fabric at JOANN: Waterproof & UV-Resistant Fabric Guide (2026)

Outdoor fabric is a performance textile made to handle sun, rain, wind, and humidity without fading or breaking down. Unlike regular cotton or linen, outdoor fabric is woven or treated to resist UV rays, moisture, mold, and mildew. That is what makes it the right choice for patio cushions, outdoor furniture, awnings, and boat upholstery. JOANN Fabrics was one of the most popular places to buy outdoor fabric by the yard, carrying brands like Sunbrella, Richloom, Waverly, and PK Lifestyles in the home decor department.

After store closures reduced local availability, many people began searching online for waterproof outdoor fabric by the yard and outdoor waterproof fabric clearance deals which was traditionally part of the broader of fabric category at JOANN before its closure This guide covers what outdoor fabric is, every type available, how to choose the right one, performance ratings, pricing, project ideas, and exactly where to buy outdoor fabric today.

What Is Outdoor Fabric

Outdoor fabric is a heavy-duty performance textile built to survive weather conditions that would destroy regular fabric. It is made from solution-dyed acrylic, polyester, or olefin fibers that are UV-resistant and water-resistant by design. Solution-dyed means the color goes into the fiber before weaving, not just on the surface this is why outdoor fabric holds its color after years of direct sun.

Most outdoor fabrics also get a mildew-resistant coating and stain-resistant finish during manufacturing. These treatments stop mold from growing in humid climates and make spills easy to wipe off. Brands like Sunbrella use solution-dyed acrylic as their base material, which is why they are considered the gold standard in outdoor upholstery fabric. Performance fabric is the broader term that covers all weather-resistant textiles made for outdoor use.

What Is Outdoor Fabric Used For

Outdoor fabric is used wherever regular fabric would fade, rot, or fall apart from weather exposure.

Common uses include:

patio cushions and chair pads
outdoor furniture upholstery
porch swing cushions
garden bench cushions
outdoor sectional cushion covers
chaise lounge cushions
Adirondack chair pads
outdoor dining seat pads
poolside lounge chair covers
boat upholstery and Bimini tops
awning fabric
gazebo curtains
pergola shade panels
outdoor curtains and drapery
RV upholstery
outdoor throw pillows
grill covers
commercial patio seating

The most common use is sewing outdoor cushions for patio furniture, which is the most searched outdoor fabric project category.

Types of Outdoor Fabric

Outdoor fabric is part of a broader fabric collection at joann and it comes in several material types, each with different performance levels and price points.

Type	Water Resistance	UV Resistance	Best Use
Solution-dyed acrylic	High	Very High	Cushions, awnings
Polyester outdoor fabric	Medium	High	Furniture covers
Olefin fabric	High	High	Upholstery
Marine vinyl fabric	Very High	High	Boat upholstery
Canvas outdoor fabric	Medium	Medium	Awnings, bags
Waterproof outdoor fabric	Very High	Medium	Covers, panels

Waterproof Outdoor Fabric by the Yard

Waterproof outdoor fabric has a laminated or coated backing that stops water from getting through at all. This is different from water-resistant fabric, which repels light rain but can soak through in heavy downpours. Waterproof outdoor fabric is the right choice for furniture covers, pergola panels, and boat covers where full water protection is required.

Indoor Outdoor Fabric

Indoor outdoor fabric is designed to work in both environments. It looks and feels like regular decorative fabric but has UV and moisture resistance built in. It is popular for sunrooms, covered patios, and screened porches where the fabric gets some weather exposure but not full outdoor conditions.

Sunbrella Fabric

Sunbrella is the most recognized brand in outdoor fabric. It is made from solution-dyed acrylic, with color locked into the fiber before weaving. Sunbrella resists fading, mildew, and staining and is commonly used for marine upholstery, patio cushions, and awnings. JOANN carried Sunbrella and Sunbrella-style performance fabrics in the home decor section.

Olefin Fabric

Olefin is a synthetic fiber made from polypropylene polymer. It is naturally solution-dyed, highly moisture-resistant, and one of the most affordable outdoor fabric options. Olefin fabric is a good choice for DIY patio cushion projects because it combines durability with lower cost compared to Sunbrella acrylic.

Marine Vinyl Fabric

Marine vinyl is a heavy-duty fabric coated with PVC or PU coating for use in boat upholstery, outdoor seating, and fully waterproof applications. It is completely waterproof, easy to wipe clean, and resistant to UV fading. Marine vinyl is heavier than standard outdoor fabric and requires a size 18 or 20 needle and a Teflon presser foot to sew correctly.

Canvas Outdoor Fabric

Canvas outdoor fabric is thick and tightly woven, used for awnings, outdoor bags, and furniture covers. It is naturally durable but needs waterproofing spray treatment to be fully weather resistant. Canvas outdoor fabric joann was a popular search because JOANN carried both indoor and outdoor weight canvas options simialr to their cotton canvas fabric collection

What Does Outdoor Fabric Feel Like

Solution-dyed acrylic outdoor fabric feels slightly stiff and textured compared to regular upholstery fabric. The tight weave gives it structure for cushions and furniture projects. Higher-end brands like Sunbrella feel smoother and softer than budget polyester outdoor fabric, which can feel rougher and more plastic-like.

Olefin fabric feels softer than acrylic and has a slight waxy texture from its polypropylene fiber content. Marine vinyl feels completely smooth and cool like leather, with no fabric texture at all. Indoor outdoor fabric feels the most similar to regular decorative fabric, which is why it is popular for cushions and throw pillows that need to look good up close.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fabric

The right outdoor fabric depends on where it will be used and how much weather exposure it will get. For fully exposed patio furniture in direct sun, choose solution-dyed acrylic or waterproof outdoor fabric with a high UV resistance rating. For covered patios or sunrooms, indoor outdoor fabric provides enough protection without the stiffness of full performance fabric.

Check the fabric weight before buying outdoor upholstery fabric should be at least 8 to 12 ounces per square yard for cushions and furniture. Lighter fabric wears through faster. Look for fabrics labeled fade-resistant, mold-resistant, and mildew-resistant together, as these three ratings indicate true outdoor performance fabric.

For coastal climates with salt air exposure or high humidity environments, solution-dyed acrylic or marine vinyl are the best choices. For desert climates with intense UV index, UV stabilizers built into solution-dyed fibers provide significantly longer color life than pigment-dyed fabric.

Fabric Performance Ratings Explained

Performance ratings tell you how well outdoor fabric holds up under real conditions. Understanding these numbers helps you choose the right fabric for your project instead of guessing.

Abrasion resistance : measures how well fabric handles rubbing and friction. It is measured in Wyzenbeek double rubs or Martindale cycles. For patio cushions, look for at least 15,000 double rubs. For commercial patio seating or restaurant outdoor upholstery, 30,000 double rubs or higher is recommended.

Colorfastness : measures how well the color stays when exposed to UV light, washing, and friction. Solution-dyed fabrics score highest on colorfastness because the pigment is locked inside the fiber during the extrusion process, not applied to the surface.

Hydrostatic head rating : measures water resistance. Higher numbers mean better waterproofing. Fabric with a hydrostatic head above 1,500mm is considered waterproof. Standard water-resistant fabric sits below that number.

Fabric GSM : stands for grams per square meter and indicates fabric weight and density. Higher GSM means heavier, more durable fabric. Outdoor upholstery fabric typically ranges from 300 to 600 GSM.

Metric	Standard Outdoor	Premium Outdoor	Marine Grade
Wyzenbeek double rubs	15,000+	30,000+	50,000+
UV hours rating	500+ hours	1,000+ hours	2,000+ hours
Hydrostatic head	800mm	1,500mm	3,000mm+
Fabric weight	8–10 oz/yard	10–14 oz/yard	14–20 oz/yard
Colorfastness	Good	Very Good	Excellent

Sunbrella vs Olefin vs Polyester Outdoor Fabric

Choosing between outdoor fabric brands and materials comes down to budget, exposure level, and how long you need the fabric to last.

Feature	Sunbrella	Olefin	Polyester	Marine Vinyl
Fiber base	Solution-dyed acrylic	Polypropylene	Polyester blend	PVC coated
UV resistance	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Good
Water resistance	High	High	Medium	Waterproof
Softness	Medium	Soft	Medium	Firm
Price per yard	$30–$60	$10–$18	$8–$14	$20–$40
Best for	Full sun, marine	DIY cushions	Covered patios	Boats, wet areas

Sunbrella is the best choice for long-term full sun exposure but costs significantly more than budget options. Olefin fabric offers similar moisture resistance at a lower price point but does not match Sunbrella’s UV hours rating for direct sun applications. Polyester outdoor fabric works well for covered patios or semi-sheltered outdoor spaces where full UV exposure is limited.

Richloom, Waverly, and PK Lifestyles all produce outdoor fabric collections that fall between budget polyester and premium Sunbrella in both price and performance.

Beginner Tips for Using Outdoor Fabric

Outdoor fabric behaves differently from regular cotton or quilting fabric. For thick materials like marine vinyl and heavy upholstery fabric, choosing the right machine from the JOANN sewing machines guide can make stitching easier and more consistent.

Helpful tips:

use a heavy-duty needle, size 16 or 18
use UV-resistant polyester thread for all outdoor seams
increase stitch length to 3.5 to 4mm
use fabric clips instead of pins to avoid leaving holes
cut with sharp scissors or a rotary cutter
test stitch settings on a scrap piece first
use seam sealing tape on waterproof fabric seams

For marine vinyl, use a Teflon presser foot so the foot glides over the coated surface without sticking. Never iron marine vinyl or any PVC-coated outdoor fabric — it melts the coating instantly.

When working with patterned outdoor fabric, measure the horizontal repeat and vertical repeat before cutting to make sure cushion panels match up correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using regular cotton thread on outdoor projects is the most common mistake. Cotton thread degrades from UV exposure and breaks down faster than the fabric itself. Always use polyester or nylon thread rated for outdoor use so seams last as long as the fabric.

Buying indoor upholstery fabric for outdoor projects is another mistake. Regular upholstery fabric looks similar to outdoor fabric but has no UV or moisture protection. It will fade within one season and develop mold in humid conditions. Always confirm fabric is labeled as outdoor or performance fabric before using it for exterior projects.

Skipping fabric protector spray on canvas or water-resistant fabric is a missed step many beginners overlook. Canvas outdoor fabric needs periodic reapplication of DWR waterproofing coating to maintain water resistance, especially after washing. Without this step, canvas loses its weather resistance after a few seasons.

Price Range and Budget Considerations

Outdoor Fabric Type	Price per yard	Best For
Budget polyester outdoor	$8–$14	Covered patios
Olefin fabric	$10–$18	DIY cushions
Solution-dyed acrylic	$18–$35	Full sun exposure
Sunbrella fabric	$30–$60	Premium projects
Marine vinyl fabric	$20–$40	Boat upholstery
Canvas outdoor fabric	$10–$20	Awnings, covers

Outdoor waterproof fabric clearance deals appear seasonally online, typically at the end of summer when retailers discount remaining stock. Buying during clearance can reduce costs by 30 to 50 percent on premium outdoor fabric. Bulk outdoor fabric purchases by the roll are also available through commercial fabric suppliers for large upholstery projects.

Project Ideas Using Outdoor Fabric

Outdoor fabric works for both functional and decorative DIY projects.

Popular ideas:

patio chair cushion covers
outdoor throw pillow covers
bench cushions for garden furniture
pergola curtain panels
waterproof tote bags
porch swing cushion
boat seat covers and Bimini tops
RV interior upholstery
outdoor tablecloth
shade sail panels
grill covers
Adirondack chair pads
outdoor dining seat pads

Sewing patio cushions is the most beginner-friendly outdoor fabric project. Medium-weight olefin or polyester outdoor fabric is easier to sew than stiff acrylic or marine vinyl and works well for first projects.

Outdoor Fabric vs Other Materials

Fabric	UV Resistance	Water Resistance	Best Use
Outdoor fabric	Very High	High	Patio, marine
Canvas fabric	Medium	Medium	Awnings, bags
Upholstery fabric	Low	Low	Indoor only
Linen fabric	Very Low	Very Low	Indoor decor
Cotton fabric	Very Low	Very Low	Indoor sewing

Outdoor fabric outperforms every other fabric type in weather resistance. Regular upholstery fabric and cotton are not suitable for outdoor use without heavy waterproofing treatment, and even then they degrade faster than true performance fabric. Unlike linen fabric or regular cotton, outdoor performance fabric is designed to handle rain and UV exposure without fading.

Outdoor Fabric at JOANN

JOANN Fabrics carried outdoor fabric in the home decor department alongside upholstery fabric, canvas, and drapery materials. Customers could buy outdoor fabric by the yard from bolts at the fabric cutting counter, choosing from solid colors, stripes, tropical prints, and geometric patterns. Brands like Sunbrella, Richloom, Waverly, and PK Lifestyles were regularly stocked.

JOANN also carried indoor outdoor fabric options and ran seasonal outdoor fabric sales during spring patio inventory rollouts and end-of-season summer clearance events. Weekly JOANN coupons made outdoor fabric purchases more affordable for DIY shoppers. Fabric sample swatches were available in store so customers could match colors before buying full yardage. Many customers also ordered online yardage through JOANN’s website with in-store pickup for larger projects.

After store closures, searches for joanns outdoor fabric sale and joann waterproof fabric by the yard moved primarily online. The same types of outdoor performance fabric that JOANN carried are still available through online retailers at similar price points. Customers frequently used the joann fabrics near me page to locate remaining store inventory during the transition period.

Where to Buy Outdoor Fabric Now

Amazon offers the largest online selection of outdoor fabric by the yard, including waterproof outdoor fabric, solution-dyed acrylic, olefin fabric, and marine vinyl in hundreds of colors and patterns. It is currently one of the best quilting fabric stores online for outdoor materials as well.

How to Sew Outdoor Fabric

Steps:

Prewash fabric if recommended by manufacturer
Cut pieces using sharp scissors or rotary cutter
Use fabric clips to hold pieces together
Install heavy-duty needle size 16 or 18
Thread machine with UV-resistant polyester thread
Set stitch length to 3.5 to 4mm
Sew seams and finish edges with zigzag stitch
Apply seam sealing tape on waterproof fabric seams
Apply fabric protector spray if needed

For marine vinyl, use double-sided tape to hold seams before sewing and skip the iron completely. When sewing outdoor cushions, use UV-resistant zipper tape and upholstery foam with an appropriate density for the cushion thickness you need

Care and Maintenance

Clean outdoor fabric regularly to stop mold and mildew from building up in trapped moisture and debris. For most solution-dyed acrylic and polyester outdoor fabric, mild soap and water applied with a soft brush removes dirt and surface stains. Rinse thoroughly and let the fabric air dry completely before folding or storing.

For mildew spots, a diluted bleach solution works safely on Sunbrella and most solution-dyed acrylic fabrics without damaging the color — acrylic fiber is naturally chlorine-resistant and bleach-safe. Always check care instructions before using bleach on polyester outdoor fabric, which is less chlorine-tolerant than acrylic. Avoid pressure washing outdoor fabric as high pressure can break down coatings and weaken seams over time.

Store cushions and outdoor fabric items in breathable bags during winter months — never in airtight plastic storage, which traps moisture and causes mildew growth. Apply a fabric reproofing spray at the start of each outdoor season to refresh the DWR waterproof coating on canvas and polyester outdoor fabric.

Stain Type	Cleaning Method	Safe for Acrylic	Safe for Polyester
Dirt and mud	Soap and water	Yes	Yes
Mildew	Diluted bleach	Yes	With caution
Oil stains	Dish soap	Yes	Yes
Food spills	Soap and water	Yes	Yes
Rust	Rust remover	Test first	Test first

Frequently Asked Questions

What is outdoor fabric made from?

Most outdoor fabric is made from solution-dyed acrylic, polyester, or olefin fibers. These are built to resist UV and moisture from the start.

What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant outdoor fabric?

Water-resistant repels light rain but can soak through eventually. Waterproof has a coated backing that stops water completely. For fully exposed furniture, go waterproof.

Is Sunbrella fabric worth the price?

If your furniture sits in direct sun all day, yes. Sunbrella lasts 5 to 10 years outdoors because the color is locked into the fiber, not just on the surface.

What is indoor outdoor fabric?

It looks like regular decorative fabric but has UV and moisture resistance built in. Good for covered patios and sunrooms.

Did JOANN sell outdoor fabric?

Yes, JOANN carried outdoor fabric by the yard from brands like Sunbrella, Richloom, and Waverly. After store closures it moved online.

Can outdoor fabric be used indoors?

Yes. It is great for homes with pets or kids because it is durable and wipes clean easily.

What is the best abrasion rating for patio cushions?

At least 15,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs for home use. For commercial seating go 30,000 or higher.

Is olefin better than Sunbrella?

Olefin costs less and handles moisture well but Sunbrella lasts longer in full sun. For covered patios olefin is fine. For direct sun Sunbrella wins.

Can outdoor fabric be pressure washed?

No. It damages the coating and weakens seams. Use a soft brush with soap and water instead.

What is the most fade-resistant outdoor fabric?

Solution-dyed acrylic like Sunbrella. The color is locked inside the fiber so it does not fade the same way surface-dyed fabrics do.