The Upholstery Forum

I see all of the replacements done with plain panels. But I wonder if it's possible to do what factory did? How do you create panels that look like those? Seats themselves don' look complex, big pieces, no sharp corners. But EVERY replacement "covers" I see from 3rd party have flat center panels.

I assume there is a trick in doing it like factory, but what?

So, this is typical before/after images. I'd like to try and make it better
I also noticed that those folds go from top and bottom and stop around middle, especially visible on new seat

I think essentially all you do is make the insert wider than it needs to be and then when you sew it together shove the extra material in to the seam evenly.

I wonder if you could use a stem iron to iron in the gathers before the panel is installed?

My question is: Are those factory wrinkles? I have seen foam break down underneath and the fabric sunk in.

Those appear to be factory wrinkle inserts. The way i usually do it is make the insert about an inch longer overall and sew elastic into it with light stretch onto the leather. Then sew the leather to a fitted piece of foam that is the actual size and shape of the insert.

Awesome share @jdenison89 ! Thanks!!