How to Sew Auto Upholstery

Over time fabrics become thin and eventually tear.

Auto upholstery is one of the most used items in a car. Upholstery can become torn, ragged, thin and stained from prolonged use. Give your car an entirely new look by sewing your own auto upholstery.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Seam ripper
• Durable fabric
• Polyfoam cushions
• Muslin fabric
• Aerosol glue
• Upholstery thread
• Pins
• Scissors
• Disappearing ink pen
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Remove the seats from your car and cut the fabric off of the hog rings underneath the seats.

2. Take apart the fabric with a seam ripper and mark each piece carefully with a disappearing ink pen so that you will remember the proper assembly procedure.

3. Pin the old pieces onto the new fabric and use them as a pattern to cut out the new fabric pieces. Mark the new pieces for assembly with the disappearing ink pen.

4. Repeat the above procedure with the muslin and poly foam as well, being sure to mark each.

5. Spray the aerosol glue onto the muslin and glue the polyfoam into position.

6. Pin the new pieces together and sew along the proper seams. Be sure to sew them with the right sides together so that the seams are on the inside.

7. Reassemble the seats by gluing the muslin pieces into position on the chairs, then sliding the new fabric cover over the top.

8. Hog ring the new cover under the seat and place the seats back into the car.

References

• "Automotive Upholstery Handbook"; Don Taylor; 2001.