The Upholstery Forum

Hi....I’m new and have a couple questionsand would love the advise of those with experience . I very careful dissected with a seam ripper the 1st seat I’m starting on (back seat base, figured I’d make all my mistakes on the least visible seat lol) so I noticed the original seam allowance is 1cm which my machine is not marked for. Which brings me to my next question....the original material was a non backed vinyl and a very thin plaid like material. I am replacing the plaid material with faux suede with 3” channels on 1/2 sew foam and was going to add 1/4 sew foam to the vinyl sections. Do I need to add any allowance for the foam. Id hate to sew it all together using the original panels as templates and it’s too tight.
Next question....it (1965 Studebaker) instead of foam has a cotton like batting. It’s in good shape on the seat area but it looks like mice may have removed some it around the front and side panel. Should I add something of maybe use 1/2 sew foam for the front panel. It may have come like that, I’m not sure.

Thanks for any advise
Pictures are the seat base upside down

Hi @rdh522 Congratulations on starting your first auto upholstery project.
- The seam allowance can be what ever you like. Just make sure you are consistent with it on all your pieces. I usually use 1/2" seam allowance
- I dont recommend compensating for the 1/2 and 1/4 foam. If you do the cover will likely fit too loose. The foam backing will help fill the cover and make a nice tight fit.
- If your going to keep the cotton batting cushion I would just add mor batting in the areas where its needed. The other option is to remove it and make a foam topper for the seat. On those spring seats I usually use 2 inch foam.

I hope this helps!

Thanks....I think it turned out pretty good for my first go at it. The grief it gave my was at piping intersections. Can you cut out the cording in the seam allowance for easier sewing. I found my foot getting hung up on the piping and messing up the stitching.

That came out fantastic for your first project!

yes you can trim a little bit of the cording to allow for a smother intersection.