Car covers are not just a decoration, but also a useful thing. When making them, you can slightly correct the shape of the seats by sewing special rollers into the covers. Covering awnings can be made from both natural and synthetic fabrics. For them, you can choose velor, tapestry, natural or artificial leather, artificial fur or plush. So, what kind of fabric to choose and how to make do-it-yourself seat covers.
What fabric is suitable for sewing covers
Natural fabric fibers absorb moisture quite well. Such fabric does not create a "greenhouse" effect in summer and cold sensations in winter. However, it gets dirty more, and after washing it may “shrink”.
In addition, covers made from natural fabric wear out faster, and their colors are usually not very bright.
Synthetics are more durable material. However, the disadvantages of fabric made from it include poor moisture absorption. In addition, such fabric is usually slippery to the touch, which is not very comfortable. From a spark, it can melt and ignite. Its significant disadvantages can also be attributed to the ability to electrify during friction.
Domestic factories for machines most often use tapestry, which contains synthetic fibers. Covers made of faux fur are convenient to use in winter, but in summer they are rather hot to ride with. The leather interior looks impressive, but it will not come cheap.
Remember, fabrics used for upholstery are not always suitable for car seats. The most practical are leather and velor covers.
How to sew car covers
For a pattern, a greenhouse film is better suited. If you don't have one, you can use a regular newspaper. Attach it to the fabric, secure with pins, circle with a marker, cut out. Be sure to check how symmetrical the part is. If anything is wrong, trim and check again by placing the pattern over the car seat. And only after that you can cut. Do not forget to leave allowances of one centimeter at the seams.
If you decide to use a soft material so that the new cover does not look baggy, do the following: cut not only from this fabric, but also from the mattress. Sew the two fabrics together, wrong side to side. In this case, you should leave a small area unprotected. You can put foam rubber in it, prepared in advance. Sew the armrest and headrest without foam rubber, exactly in shape, without forgetting to leave a hole. Stretch and sew.
If there is a plastic trim on the bottom of the front seat, remove it first. Only then put on the cover and press the edge of the cover with the overlay. Thus, the car cover will be firmly fixed in the lateral position.
We should not forget about some of the features of the rear seat. The armrest may have a special zippered flap. For a car with a backrest reclining in parts, universal covers are not suitable.
On some cars, there are airbags at the end of the seat backs. Covers put on will interfere with the opening of the side cushion. In this case, it is best to clean the seat upholstery. In the manufacture of covers for such seats, cuts must be made in the places where the airbags are deployed. They should be sewn up with cotton threads - if necessary, they are easily torn.
