The Upholstery Forum

Hi,
Is there a way to help hold the vinyl together when sewing rounded curves( for a vehicle seat)? It is a challenge to sew and keep the edges lined up at the turn - any tips?

Janet

I used a combination of sailrites seam stick for canvas basting tape and small binder clips when I did my boat.

Most of the time the tape was more then enough though.

I'm sure some of the more experienced trimmers will have better solutions as I have only done the one project to date.

You can use a stapler and pull them out as you approach each one or keep them close but not on the sew line and remove them later. Double sided tape may work but I find staples to be easier.

I use a hand held stapler. Keep the staples off the sew line, then remove when finished. Sometimes I use the mini clothes pin type clips. They work pretty good, but I remove them before the foot makes contact.

I've stopped using staples, clips, or basting tape on curves for the most part, because I find that I can do better without them.

When sewing curves, I try to put the more straight piece (if there is one) on the bottom and the more curved piece on the top. Then I just 'feed' the curved piece into the path of the needle. In my mind, I am just sewing a straight line and the curved piece is being moved into the line of sewing.

I do find that as I'm feeding the curved piece into the path of the machine, the piece on the bottom likes to drift away from my intended seam allowance. So, I try to slow down and make sure that the edges of both top & bottom piece are aligning as they go through the needle.

I hope that all makes sense.

I agree with what @TedP said above. When I stared sewing the curved pieces were intimidating and I tried the staple method, but I usually ended up with creases or a weird pinched spot in the curve. Make sure you have plenty of alignment marks in both of your pieces and go slow. This will give you a chance to move the two pieces around as you go to get them lined up properly. I will usually use a couple of clips at the start of the seam to hold the pieces in place as I start. With practice it gets easier.

I use the staple method. I got one of the pliers type that will run up to a 5/16 leg on the staple. I tend to do a lot where there is sew foam on both pieces and the 5/16 legs hold nicely. Otherwise I use 1/4 inch legs. Take time matching and fitting seams or as others have noted it can bunch in curvy areas.

Link to the one I use https://surebonder.com/products/2500-pl ... nd-stapler