How to Sew a Car Seat Cover

The car can truly be an extension of your personality. One way to individualize your car is to sew your own car seat cover, using material and colors that push the envelope beyond offerings by the car manufacturers. On the other hand, you may want to sew some car seat covers because your existing ones are wearing out. To paraphrase the race announcer, "Gentlemen, start your sewing machines."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

1. Measure your old car seat to create a pattern. For complicated patterns, take some paper and cut out a piece for each section of the seat. Allow 1.5 inches of extra fabric around the end for sewing.

2. Choose your material and cut out pieces to sew. As with carpentry work, measure twice and cut once.

3. Turn the material inside out and join the pieces together with straight pins. The pins will hold the fabric in the correct position while it's running through the sewing machine. You'll want to have it inside out so that the seam will be on the inside of the seat cover.

4. Run the material through the sewing machine. Keep one hand on the material to be sure it's going through the machine correctly, and go slowly.

5. Attach the top part to the bottom and sew a connecting seam, if you're doing a one-piece car seat. If not, go on to Step 6.

6. Cut holes for the seat belts, if need be, and hem them.

7. Hem a rope into the bottom of the seat cover so that you can tighten it securely.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the type of material you plan to use to sew the car seat covers. Some, such as denim, are stiff to sew. Others may not be sturdy enough for the wear and tear of seat covers. Ask the person in the fabric section for advice.