The Upholstery Forum

I’m working on boat seats and want to know how you can tell when you need to add shape into your patter. The boxing of the seat I pulled off looks like it has curves at the ends but I’m not sure if that’s because it has stretched over time. Can you just use a straight rectangle or do I follow the curves?

What does the foam look like? It might help figuring things out. I have found that you can tell what is stretch and what is pattern. From what I can see in the photos I'm thinking it might be pattern. The foam will give you the final answer.

It would really help you out if you ironed that vinyl with a steam iron and pressed it flat before you do anything else. Might I suggest a you tube video series from a guy in the NW corner of the states? Look for "spit-n-tacks". He has a video addressing making patterns from existing, I'm sure he can answer a lot of your questions.

Think I would use clear vinyl draw out your own panel! if the foam is good.

am i the only person that does match marks on the old cover before i take it off the seat and rip it apart?
it sure does make life alot easier ...
definately make the curves..whatever shape the old covers are is your best pattern

missgee wrote: ↑Fri May 24, 2024 5:58 pm am i the only person that does match marks on the old cover before i take it off the seat and rip it apart?
it sure does make life alot easier ...
definately make the curves..whatever shape the old covers are is your best pattern

No you're not. I do it too.

Match marks as well as numbering the marks in the order I take it apart as some pieces have to be sewn in a particular order when you put it back together.