How to Make a Homemade Leather Bench Seat Cover

[coloradosean2009]

I suspect that many of you suffer from multiple hobbies like myself. My newest "winter hobby" is leathercraft. I have made a couple of leather projects before and I now am confident that I can tackle a leather bench seat for my pickup. I hope that others who share an interest in leather working will chime in and show off their handy work also.

As you can see from the photo below, the old cover is shot. I could buy any of the replacement covers available for anywhere between $150 and $400. I also could take it to a shop beginning at $850.

The process is as follows:

1. Remove old seat from truck and pull the sliding tracks off.
2. Cut all of the hog rings holding the old cover on.

On a side note, you may consider gloves because all the little rings under the seat are sharp. When I got done it looked like I spent the day pruning roses.

[coloradosean2009]

3. Next you need to cut the cover along the seams very carefully. We are going to use the old seat cover to make our pattern. Stay on one side of the seam and don't rush.

4. Once we have the pieces cut I verify that I have enough leather for the project. You can see that I have selected two colors of leather. The darker leather is a 1/2 hide and measures approx 22sqft. I will use it for the back and the lower seat sides. This will give it a nice contrast and the leather was less expensive as the more substantial seat and back pieces.

The second leather that I have selected is a lighter tan color with a hint of green to match the truck. I went lighter color because of the sun here is Colorado. It is my hope that it will stay cooler.

The tan leather is an amazing piece of hide. Almost 57sqft of pebble soft tannage. This was one big cow. The hide is 100% blemish free. If you are in the market for this type of hide you need to do some homework as you can get taken for a ride at large retail "leather factory" stores. Ebay is also an option.

Next up: I will make a paper pattern from the pieces.

[msgross]

this will be cool, sourkraut (John) does leather work too...

[TheSebring]

Subscribed.

[Piece of Work]

Originally Posted by TheSebring

Subscribed.

ditto.

[sourkraut]

looks like a nice project! i will be doing the same to my bench seat when i get to that point in my project.

[OARNGESI]

This will be interesting to see how it comes out

[West Texas Z]

Originally Posted by TheSebring

Subscribed.

me too.

[bigguy69]

subscribed

[VA72C10]

joining in for the fun!

[basemodel67]

I'm in!

[coloradosean2009]

The paper pattern needs to be slightly larger than the pieces from the seat (aprox 1/4"). This extra leather will allow for the seam and is the key to making the seat cover the correct size (I hope).

I bought a roll of "construction paper" from the paint department in the Hom* Depot for about $12 and a roll of blue masking tape.

The paper pattern is where the learning curve comes in. You need to think about how much seam allowance you need in all directions as well as allowing for the metal wire that ultimately makes the connection to the seat frame. I recommend practice covering a few items before you make this your first project. That will give you a good feel for how each seam will come out.

Once you have the paper pattern you cut the leather pieces out using a rolling cutter or scissors. That part is easy - just don't forget your layout and cut a piece out of the wrong hide.

In addition to the pieces you will need strips of 1" wide brown for the piping accent.

The next step involves drilling a series of holes in the leather for the hand stitching. For this I use a Dre*mel equipped with a diamond abrasive bit. I recommend the diamond over a conventional drill bit because it won't pull the leather into the drill. The layout of the seam is 1/4" from the edge. The more accurate the seam the better the end product.

An overstich wheel will allow for quick layout of the stitch holes. I spent about 1.5 hours drilling the holes for this project. Expect twice as long if this is your first leather rodeo.

When we stitch the seams together I will use piping to give contrast and dimension to the seams. The strips of brown leather 1" wide will be wrapped around a piece of micro para-cord. Below you will see photos of a seam in a mock up. I hope the contrast will add visual appeal for the seat. The piping will also help shape the final product.

Next we will talk about making the seat a little more comfortable.

[drewskiren]

Can't wait to see, thanks for teaching us.

[coloradosean2009]

One more picture of the seam mock up. This time from the side that I will hand stitch. I am using binder clips to hold it together. The clips will come in handy when I start sewing the seam.

[jrdv]

Great Post!
I have been wanting to do this to the seat in my old Model A pickup.
Thanks for taking the time.

john

[coloradosean2009]

The bench seat that I have gains its support from a series of springs. One of the springs is broken. I have a replacement ordered and I am hoping it will fit. My plan is to sister the new spring next to the old one.

In the meantime, I have a set of pool noodles that I bought at THE Wa*-Ma*t. I have used these in the past to add strength to a seat while not changing the outer dimensions. The funny thing about the pool noodles is they always seem to be just the right size.

In the first couple of photos you can see the vertical orientation that I have been successful in using in the past on a Mercedes 250 bucket seat. This method adds considerable strength to the corner that gets the most use. Every time the driver gets in and out of the seat the corner gets mashed down. By adding the pool noodles the corner is stiff while still allowing for just the right amount of give.

I also am considering laying the noodle in the spring set with a horizontal orientation. This will provide less support but will be uniform along the length. The other advantage of this orientation would be the ease in lashing the noodle to the spingset. I am not sure which orientation I will end up using - any recommendations would be nice.

That is it for me this weekend. I will spend some time during the week finishing up some holes in the leather and preparing to sew the cover together. My goal is to have the cover done by the end of next weekend. Seems lame having the truck out of order just because the seat is in pieces.

[coloradosean2009]

Tonight I installed four springs that I bought from L*C. The springs are a decent fit and were easy to "sister" alongside the existing springs using wire and hog rings. I placed two on each side of the bench to help support the area to ease passenger loading and unloading.

The hog ring tool that arrived with the springs looks like a child's tool. Very disappointed and now plan a trip to the local hardware store to buy the correct tool. Once again I have failed to live up to the saying "buy nice or buy twice".

I am planning on a big weekend push to finish the cover. I have a couple of events that I need to attend that may hinder productivity.

I am contemplating a method to strengthen the springs in the "field" of the bench. The new sisters and pool noodle have done a good job of adding resistance to the perimeter of the bench. Now the middle seems to sag more than normal. Please reply with any suggestions on how to add strength to "field" springs. I am thinking of adding a felt blanket over the springs and below the foam top.

[8mpg]

why on earth hand stitch? I admire teh work, but man...I dont have the patience for that. Im plan on making some seat covers for my Dodge seats

[coloradosean2009]

Originally Posted by 8mpg

why on earth hand stitch? I admire teh work, but man...I dont have the patience for that. Im plan on making some seat covers for my Dodge seats

I am lacking a sewing machine that can stitch leather. I hope to pick one up some day, but until then I use the tools I have.

[TonyJohnson]

Wow, that's quite an undertaking. Can't wait to see the results.

[sourkraut]

coloradosean2009 i am proud of you! it gives it more soul hand stitched! that is how i do all of my work!http://www.sourkrautcustom.com/

[coloradosean2009]

Kraut -

I like your work. You have a nice style that shows in all the pieces.

Here are a couple of photos of a bag that I made for my wife. I notice you have a seat with cross stitching too.

I also made her a laptop sleeve. The inside is lined with goat leather. Man is that stuff soft and strong.

Keep up the good work.

[72BlckButy]

FAQ worthy.... subscribed!

[sourkraut]

very nice sean! it is amazing how strong the thinner leather is! i usually use pig skin for my inside and it is the same super tough stuff!

[beebster]

Originally Posted by sourkraut

coloradosean2009 it gives it more soul hand stitched! URL="http://www.sourkrautcustom.com/"]http://www.sourkrautcustom.com/[/URL]

You pretty much hit it right on the head!
adds more soul and has that "handmade" look.