The Upholstery Forum

Hi, I really enjoy your Seat Course however my particular problem is the following. I am reupholstering a bench seat for a '71 Pontiac Lemans and the customer already removed the old cover and threw it away, so I do not have a pattern. What I need help with is how to make a ONE piece pattern for the facing cushion cover. I realize it will not be a straight piece however I am nervous about not getting the "bends" at the corner correct. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Susan

Check out any one of Sailrites videos where they are doing upholstery. Most of them show the process they use with Dura Skrim patterning material.

https://www.youtube.com/@SailriteDIY

IIRC they even had some vids doing a car interior but I haven't watched those yet.

Thanks for the fast reply. They have some great DIY videos including one of a truck bench seat. Unfortunately they are using the old seat cover for a pattern.

Look at some of there other vids where they use the Dura Skrim and see if you can apply a similar technique.

Use some sort of clear patterning plastic. We use clear shrink wrap. Mark your seam lines on the foam then pin the plastic to the foam to trace it out.

All good answers,
the foam will have clue lines where the old material was follow the edges with clear plastic, shrink wrap . dont forget to add your seam allowances.