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Posted by Chriscase on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 09:33:09 :
In Reply to: Upholstry posted by Robert N. on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 00:25:36 :
You need a pretty good machine, a zipper foot, and readily available needles for leather/vinyl.
The needles have dagger-point that slices through the high friction materials.
I use a 1953 Singer #201, same year as my truck, cost $20 at a garage sale.
Do all the sewing with the zipper foot, it will ride along the edge of the cording, making seams straight.
An old cover for use as a pattern helps too.
First sew up some 'cording', the trim piece the goes along the big seam. You'll need 8-9 foot pieces, so cut them off the edge of the long material before you cut it up. Cut strips about 1 1/2 ot 2" wide. Practice first. Roll the piping cord into the end, and using the zipper foot (about $8), sew the cording into the vinyl.
I use those little spring clamp/paper clips to hold the vinyl together, as needed. About $2.50/dozen at the office supply.
Now sew the cording to the edge of the fabric, one piece at a time, keep the fabric edge lined up with the edge of the cording, and the zipper foot will sew right along the same line as the cording was made. Then, sew the other piece of fabric, same way. You will end up sewing along the same line three times, the last time through four layers of fabric. That is why the heavier machine and special needles are called for.
Then, 'double stitch' along the seam. Fold the inner selvedges (the edges of fabric) over to one side, and sew them all to one piece of fabric. Fold it to the 'outside' of the seat, so it faces forward on the bottom, and backward on the back of the seat. Keep this stitch line smooth and paralell to the cording. Maybe use a darker thread?
You may want to buy a small sample of fabric and make a mini-cover for practice? The tough part is turning the corners neatly.
PS: I might sell my whole interior- seat and headliner, if somebody wants to come buy it. San Diego. It won't fit my 5WFFPW any more.
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