The Upholstery Forum

I am about to start a project to recover a pair of old Recaro seats. I have a question regarding cutting patterns from the original cloth.

Should I trim the old seam allowance off the old cloth, to allow for marking an accurate new piece, then obviously add it back to my new fabric, before trimming and sewing ?

Hopefully that makes sense ?

Yes. If you can see the stitch marks in the old material, cut the seam allowance off there. Then add copy your pattern. Then before cutting out add on your S.A. to your pattern cut out on that line.

I find it easier and faster to cut at the sew lines then add my seam allowance.

We always cut the originals at the seam line because you can’t trust the seam allowances. It may be 1/4” in one spot and 1/2” in another because it was trimmed.

@mrcanvas, this is exactly right and just be careful guys NOT to mess up the top stich marks with the seam.

Thanks guys.

@B1N9S ,

I have a set of these seats to do as well. I will take a picture of them next time I am out to the car. They are leather and he wants them redone in leather. How are you coming along?

I always cut off the seam allowance and add it when I'm tracing out the pattern.