Forum

[Reg]

Some time ago I asked the forum if anyone had re-covered a seat, and received a mixed response. Well, having considered all the options I decided to have a go myself, and I must say I am reasonably pleased with the result. A metre of vinyl material purchased on T'internet and a can of industrial strength spray adhesive from my local DIY shop left me with change from a ten-pound note. It took about an hour to do, and while I wouldn't say it's perfect, it certainly looks ten times better than when I started. If I had the expertise I'd put a photo on the forum, but I'm afraid fiddling about with Photobucket and the like is way beyond me. Suffice to say that if anyone wants to smarten up a tatty seat, it really isn't that difficult, and is certainly worth the effort if you're on a budget.

[Himself]

Hi Reg, I remember your original post and I responded to it. I'm going to have a go at recovering a seat as well. There are some videos on You Tube offering advice which are worth viewing. I'm sure with a bit of time and patience a seat cover can be made, especially if the original cover is used as a pattern. I wonder if you had to do any stitching and how easy, or difficult, this was. I'll let people know how I get on.

[Reg]

Yes, plenty to watch on you-tube. I didn't follow any to the letter, just used them to get the general idea. The material I bought had been folded for posting and arrived quite creased, so I rolled it up and left it on a radiator for a day or two. This not only got rid of the creases but left the material nice and pliable and easy to stretch. I left the old cover on the seat (insurance!) I didn't do any stitching, and consequentially ended up with two folds at the rear corners which I made as neat as I could. These are pretty well concealed by the bikes rear carrier. I made the job as uncomplicated as possible which has resulted in a workmanlike rather professional finish. If it doesn't last very long I shan't worry too much as I have enough material left over to do the job again. Best of luck.

[Himself]

Just finished sewing together the three panels of a seat cover. It seems to have worked out very well and wasn't all that difficult. I used a needle and some very strong thread rather than a sewing machine. I used the original bits of piping but should probably have used some new bits which would only cost pennies I'd imagine. All I have to do now is glue the cover to the base and wonder what sort of glue Reg used.

[Reg]

Hi Himself,. The glue I used was " Stuk trade industrial strength". Very cheap from Boyes, (hardware chain in NE). Well done for attempting hand sewing.