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[M_Duncan]

I've been practicing covering a few seats. The inserts generally sew together fairly nice (both the backrest and cushions) and I don't have too many troubles getting the alignment marks matching up. When I sew the boxing on, I do a visual check prior to sewing, and the marks line up very closely. The inserts are all done in 1/4" scrim foam backing, and I don't use any foam on the boxing. As soon as I start sewing, the wheels come off very quickly..

I've been using welt all around the perimeter, and I've tried sewing it to the insert (all the way around) and tried sewing it to the boxing. (All the way around as well) Same result either way. I was able to cut some relief marks in the inserts and get them to line up, but I have to pull it with quite a bit of force, and the sewing looks terrible. I've also tried making sure all the pieces were cut the same direction of the vinyl stretch.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice. I know you can adjust the pieces somewhat as you go, but I can't figure this one out. Thanks!

[Rhonda]

Do you have pictures of the project i can see what is going on i know someone here can get you headed in the right direction.

[M_Duncan]

Thank you! I will post some tomorrow.

[Mikesimpson]

Sometimes when I've had problems with getting things to line up like that I will clip or staple the whole piece together in the seam allowance. This allows you to check to make sure it all lines up nice before you stitch it up. It sometimes makes it difficult in the corners though depending how tight they are. Just depends on the situation.

[M_Duncan]

Thanks to you both. I tried to document how and what I did, and it was too much to show and explain. I did take MIke's suggestion, and it worked out very nicely. I'm using very inexpensive vinyl, and after pulling it a bit, I'm pretty sure this stuff is quite a bit more stretchy than a more expensive vinyl. I made new boxing, and triple checked every piece to the alignment marks prior to sewing. I also checked it after I had sewn the 5 pieces together, and it all matched up very closely. Just stapling it on caused it to start going wonky. I was able to correct it prior to sewing it on.

Anyway, this is only the second seat I've ever done, so I have a ways to go yet. Certainly not great, but not completely awful, either. IMHO, of course. Thanks again for the suggestions.

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[LLeeT]

Looks pretty good and it will get better the more you do. What is the car behind the seat? Is that Seat for it?

[M_Duncan]

The car in back is a '40 Ford Coupe.

The seat is from a 70's Datsun pickup. I buy ratty seats and refurbish them. I sell them for basically what I have in them, then rinse and repeat. It's just practice to learn, and I like staying busy.

[missgee]

i always
mark top dead center on both pieces im sewing together then i start sewing from there so at least its always centered.
also never stretch the vinyl . it will always turn out bad if you stretch