Technical The upholstery thread to end all threads

I got a lot of fabric samples and ended up liking the feel and look of this particular one. I've played around with the samples quite a bit, like mentioned earlier I glued some to 1/2" sew foam and tried doing some pleats and seams. It sews nicely so far, and I'm hoping it works out for me. I'm going to start with some small stuff first, like kick panels to see how it goes.

 

It`ll be good for flat panels. Just find a contrasting material for the headliner if it`s a bow type. Post some pictures.

 

Sunbrella works great on basic cushions. I did these on my boat. First time!

 

I actually have picked out material for the headliner that is much more stretchy!
I'll take pics as I go

 

This thread is great! I just finished reading through the whole thing and have learned a lot, thanks all.
I have an Adler that I have been practicing with and will be doing the interior on my 50 Chrysler Windsor this winter.
be prepared for some questions. lol

 

Well, here's my first seat cushion. It's not pulled tight or attached yet, but I'm pretty satisfied with it. It's mentioned elsewhere, but this is for my 40 Ford.

The original seat was terrible, and I suspect a previous owner took it to Tijuana and requested as cheap as possible. They just stuffed dacron over the top of the original worn out upholstery, and recovered right over it.

My first seat recover required spring repair, and new custom foam, so being new and starting from (almost) scratch was a bit of a tall order. I had a lot of trial and error. But, I'm a crotchety old fart, and I don't give up easily.

 

I need to buy a machine, all my local guys are flakes. lol

 

One of the reasons I bought a machine...

 

First attempt at seat covers....

 

I have a question about making windlace. Do you guys glue it, sew it, or both? And I'd love to see pics of it being made!

 

Sewn.

 

Very nice! What do you use for a foot on your machine to make it?

 

Nothing special; I just hold it tight to the narrow side. I think my daughter-in-law may have a custom foot for windlace that gets it tighter to the foam cord, I'll ask her next time.

 

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I use a zipper foot.

 

I was thinking of using my cording foot. That puts the needle foot real tight to the cord, if i put the cord to the right of the needle. I ordered some 1/2" sponge rubber cord to make them, but for practice, I picked up some 1/2" backer rod at Home Depot.

 

Try it.

 

First 2 attempts. Both with the cording foot. I think I need more practice!

 

I’m lucky enough to have 1/2” windlace feet (on left) that I acquired 30+ years ago. They are probably older than me. Lol. They work great. An alternative is to take the original flat feet which are rarely used (I keep my small cording feet on 99% of the time.) and remove one side of the main foot to be able to get close. The left black foot is an original flat foot. The other two black feet have had one side removed. I use them for special times I need to get close. Work great for sewing the edge of sun visors.

 

I found this set for 1/2" on amazon. How does this set look to you?

https://www.amazon.com/Consew-Walki...ext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A3HPQS1YHCBIBL&nis=6&th=1

Also this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Walki...ext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A3HPQS1YHCBIBL&nis=6&th=1

 

I'd try them for that price. Wish I could find a set of 1/2" for my Pfaff.

 

I have had decent luck with the welting feet from Amazon.

 

Just ordered a set

 

For the price it’s worth a try.

 

I ordered a 1/2" one myself today......

 

Anybody use this plastic panel from Lowes for making upholstered interior panels? I just bought a sheet of it to try. Only .060" thick and it bends into any shape easily. The only thing I am concerned about is gluing materials to it. It doesn't list contact cement as an adhesive for it. I'd appreciate any info you guys have.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Parkland-Plastics-48-in-x-8-ft-Embossed-White-Matte-Wall-Panel/3436816

 

If it's smooth, I'd recommend roughing up the surface with a quick sandpaper treatment. I've done that with a few smooth sided wood and plastic panels and haven't run into any problems yet. I usually use 120-220 grit with a lighter touch not to gouge the surface.

 

Got mine today. Look pretty good. Haven't had a chance to try it yet, though. Have you gotten yours?

 

Showed up last night. All I have done is looked at it...

 

I have no immediate use for a foot like that, but I'm going to get one, anyway. For $13 or so, seems like a nice thing to keep on hand.

 

Windlace for a 30's era Ford is why I am getting mine.