The Upholstery Forum

Hi Folks,

Just letting you know about the progress I am making as it has been a while; extremely busy time for me. Image is of my very first effort doing any sort of automotive upholstery. Probably jumped in the deep end as I had never used an industrial machine before and has to match what was already in the vehicle. Also did not like the look of the original vinyl far too 'flat' for me so tried for a more natural almost soft leather look without using leather. Lots of piping with this cover so as I said, 'jumped in the deep end'. Not up to your guys standard but for a fist I am happy. Still a few minor tension problems to sort out but!!! Marcel

Pics?

Hi, Sorry but post yesterday did not upload image so will try again.

Marcel

Hey that’s a great start! One thing I’d say is to really focus on your patterning if each piece to make sure they are symmetrical and tight fitting and you’ll be well on your way! Keep it up!

Hi Cody, Thanks for the help. Yes trying to work out that very same 'problem'. They were cut exactly the same; doubled over the vinyl so cut both pieces at the one time. Marked seam allowances on underside of both pieces using a 'seam ruler' , glued all pieces and clamped them to dry, marked piping line using a fine line marker so that I knew I was the correct distance from the piping all the way along. Think maybe part of the problem is due to the seat foam being 40 years old and maybe that is causing the problem; one side is 'softer' than the other.Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. The one thing I did find was that the seat cover was slightly large yet I cut the new pieces by over laying the old seat pieces on to of the new vinyl. Did this as per video. Marcel

@Marcel Ellis ,

I would say great job!

Sounds like you’re on the right track. One thing that I would say is maybe not glue the pieces together. I could see how this would help keeping things aligned but takes some time and idk about other but sometimes I have to adjust on the fly and with it glued you can’t do that. Are you allowing the same seam allowance as the original? If you’re sewing 1/4” and they sewed 1/2” you’ll be off 1/2” per piece on you sew which could be a lot over all. Just some food for thought. I know cechaflo uses a stapler to hold material along the seam allowance. I’m not trying to say what you did is wrong or that you’re not doing a good job. I just have experience of a lot of upholsterers not wanting to help other and make it all secretive. I just like to give help and people advice to try.

Hi Cody, There is absolutely no need to apologize for giving advice; I really appreciate your input. Yes I did check on seam allowance. My wife were both competitive ballroom dancers and I made her dresses so have used all the measuring tools I have from that experience. However, I take your point, even a small amount out and on so many seams very quickly adds up; great point and I will be much more aware next time. After your message which I read this morning and looks over the seat very carefully. I thought that maybe the wires that are fixed to the springs have not been fastened in the correct place and/or the fabric to hold the wires are a slight different width. As per your previous point, this would make a bit of difference as well. It is all a learning experience and although it is not perfect, don;t think my backside would mind and I can try again later. I have kept all the original pieces. Good little project when I have finished my other projects and it is too hot to do anything outside in our summer. Again, thank you so much for your input.

Thank you, very much appreciated. Will keep working on improving next ti,e but first time I am quite pleased with myself. Marcel

Hey @Marcel Ellis That's great for your first try!! Old foam could defiantly play a part. You can steam the foam with a fabric steamer to help revive it. Can you post a picture of your patterns? That could be part of your problem.

@Cody Great advice man! We are super happy to have you here on the forum!

I admire your ambition, you bit off a big piece with this project, nice work.

Thank you. Yes I realize that but I needed to get it done as the original was totally wrecked. It was my father's car, a Australian 1975 XB Falcon Fairmont. Drives beautifully still. Just wanted it back on the road and figured I had nothing to waste but a bit of time. Also, I think what made this a little more difficult was that I had to match all the seams and piping on the back of the seat as that did not need recovering as yet. The rear seat is in perfect condition. I don't want a 'show car'. I want something that I can take out for a drive and just enjoy. I do the same with my other cars. I know I could have had a professional do the job much better but I don't really need that. Thank you for your support. Marcel

Thank you very much to all of you for your advices!

Hi All and thank you so much for supporting me. I have, as requested, uploaded images of some of the pattern pieces I had to work with. Some were very hard to flatten out due to age and condition so steamed them to get them as flat as possible. I double checked all measurement with the seat back which was still in one piece. I cut the patterns on the stitching line, measured the seam allowance and added this to my pattern. I agree that the problem might be in the patterning but??? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Not many people her are willing to try what I did. They just spend the money and send their work out to professionals and pay BIG dollars. Marcel

@Marcel Ellis ,

Looking at that I would just junk the original pattern. It is so twisted out of shape I would create my own.

I have attached a seat cusion that I made a pattern for. I took in a seat that was pure junk and had to rebuild half the foam in it. You will see my pattern paper on a newer cushion I had kicking around.

Failing building your own pattern from the foam I would try to straighten those peices a little and hope it all comes together well.

What vinyl did you use? It looks good!

Just an idea for you.

So when It comes to patterns like those that are all stretched out you don't want to force them flat. You want to just focus on getting the seam area to lay as flat and naturally as possible. You have to be a detective and try to imagine how the piece was brand new. There will be a big bubble where the the pattern has stretched over time. If you flatten this you will essentially make your pattern larger and out of shape. I hope this makes sense and helps solve some of the issues your having.

The best advice that I have read about stretched out patterns! Thank you very much, as always!

You guys are all incredible. Your support/knowledge and willing to share it is inspirational. Living 'down under' and to have such a valuable resource is fantastic. THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Hi Folks, It seems like an eternity since I have been on the forum. Much has happened in my life since last went on and some not good at all! However, now I am back into 'business" have completed my first effort and can see ALL the mistakes I made but the seats are very comfortable, feel like lounge chairs, they work for me at the moment but will redo them later on. I don't want a show car, I want one that I drive! Ours get driven in the wet, 49 degree C days and on dirt roads. I want to enjoy them so am happy. I have attached a few photos of the first seat that went in the car. I had to totally fabricate the piece that goes over the winding mechanism; took a while but don't think it looks too bad. Will cover the screws with upholstery buttons. Still have some cleaning up to do and want to retention the vinyl on the middle panel. Big Rig, you asked me about the vinyl used and sorry for the delay. I bought from a place in Adelaide called Daleys, they are on the net but will take a sample to them and get the correct name. I suspect you can source it in the US.