Car covers are designed to protect the interior. Dust, dirt, damage and harmful effects are the main enemies. They can improve the interior of the car. By purchasing them, you can feel a noticeable saving. Reupholstering the seats will cost more.
What are car covers made of?
Various fabrics are used in sewing. They have advantages and disadvantages. The most common are:
- Fabric car covers are made of natural wool and cotton threads. Perfect for any season. Disadvantage: strongly absorbs moisture.
- Nubuck is a shaggy leather. It undergoes a mandatory polishing procedure. It is distinguished by its increased durability. It requires constant care.
- Eco-leather - made of polymer. Easy to care for. Has an expensive appearance. Disadvantages - heats up in summer, cools down in winter.
- Jacquard is a three-layer knitted material with a huge range of colors to choose from. It consists of foam rubber, lining and thin knitted fabric. Jacquard material is of high quality. It is made abroad. They are sewn according to patterns that retain all the functionality of the covers in the car interior.
- Leatherette - also made of polymer. Excellent moisture repellant. Easy to wash. Disadvantages - cracks.
- Alcantara is a product of polyurethane and polyester fibers. Perhaps the best of the above. The only drawback is the high cost.
Several materials are mainly used for sewing car seat covers.
Important! Most materials used for sewing covers are afraid of alcohol-containing products.
For long-term service, they need constant care. A certain technique is used for each material. For example, fur categorically does not accept moisture. It is forbidden to wash it in water. There are special foams for cleaning fur fabrics. You can also take them to a dry cleaner. Fabric covers for car seats need constant shaking from dust, vacuuming and brushing. A good means for removing dirt is an antistatic. Regular cleaning of seat covers and careful use is all they need.
What types of fabrics are used for car covers
Fabric for car covers can be used in different types, types and sizes. A combination of several materials is possible.
Velours
Velour is a very popular material in the automotive industry. It is pleasant and soft to the touch. It has a warming capacity and is highly durable. Automotive velour is made of synthetic and cotton threads. It is easy to dye. It has a large palette. Using the material as car covers, the motorist will feel relaxed.
Car covers made of velour can be of different types and colours. They can transform the interior. In this industry it is called - autovelour.
Thanks to its small pile, velour is very convenient as a cape. It does not irritate the skin and does not rub. Drivers who spend a lot of time behind the wheel will certainly appreciate this property. In winter cold, it will reliably protect your back from drafts.
The technology of manufacturing velour covers is different. They differ in sensations and appearance. Drawings, ornaments for every taste and color. Such capes will pleasantly surprise people with an average income. The prices are quite affordable.
Perhaps the only downside is the increased collection of hair, threads and other small debris. Pile has the ability to attract. Smokers should be careful, as it is very easy to burn through velour.
Faux Fur Car Seat Covers
There are 2 types of fur capes: artificial and natural. They are available in different colors and patterns. There are universal forms. They are sewn so that they fit any car seats. Fur fabric for car covers can be with or without pile. The length and thickness depend on the wishes of the car owner.
Pros:
- Comfortable feeling;
- Correct thermoregulation;
- Long lasting.
Cons:
- There are cases of poor quality fur processing;
- Electric discharges from wool;
- Attracts dust;
- Slide;
- Dry cleaning only.
Faux fur is affordable. There are many options. Any car enthusiast will find something suitable for themselves.
Sheep wool covers
Car covers made of sheep wool will bring comfort to the car interior. Advantages of wool: heat insulation and absorption. Suitable for any season. Warms in winter, cools in summer. has protective properties of seats. Creates an aesthetic perception in the interior.
Pros:
- Keeps you warm;
- Expensive appearance;
- Safety (natural material);
- Resistance to pollution;
- Easy and simple to wash.
By using sheepskin for capes, drivers suffering from back problems receive therapeutic treatment while behind the wheel.
Basic rules for sewing covers yourself
You can sew a fabric or leather cover with your own hands. This will be advantageous by all criteria. First of all, you need to choose a practical fabric or material for car covers.
This could be:
- leather;
- leatherette;
- neoprene;
- poly cotton;
- velours;
- fur;
- wool and many others.
The interior of the car greatly depends on the quality of car seat covers.
To sew, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:
- pattern;
- needles and pins;
- chalk, soap or marker;
- roulette;
- sewing machine;
- scissors and a cutting knife;
All necessary measurements are taken from car seats in advance. Transferred to paper or newspaper. A pattern is made. 2 cm are added on each side for seams.
The pattern is placed on the material, outlined with chalk and cut out with a marker.
The fabric should not be soft. To give shape, the side lining should be made of rough material. This will create a kind of frame.
The finished parts are connected with pins and stitched on a sewing machine. The seam is reinforced with leather or nylon tape. Such a product is durable and strong.
To prevent the covers from slipping off the car seats, elastic bands, ribbons and hooks are sewn onto them.
Some cars have rear seats that slide into the trunk. For these, you will need a longer cover.
Please note! You need to decide in advance what kind of fabric will be used for sewing car covers and which one is better.
For 1 seat you need to make several patterns:
- The bottom of the chair;
- Front;
- Lateral;
- Headrest.
Additional are considered to be - rear sofa seat, 2 headrests and additional armrests. 2 front headrests are basically the same size.
In order not to waste a lot of material, the cape is sewn from the remains of different fabrics. Fabric car covers are much easier to sew than from other materials.
How to Secure Car Seat Covers
After manufacturing, you need to know how to properly attach the covers to the car seats. The main thing in this matter is attentiveness and accuracy. First, you need to lay them out in order. Each seat has its own cover. It is very easy to confuse them. An effective method will be to mark the seat number during sewing and patterning.
Particular attention should be paid to the headrests. In many cars, the rear ones are larger than the front ones.
Additional information! Velour car covers are ideal as seat covers. They do not slip, are easy to wash and practically do not wear out.
The next step is to pull the covers onto the chairs. These are the seats and the back. You need to start in the front. Carefully pull them onto the back and secure them with additional elements (rubber bands, springs, hooks). You need to do everything carefully. Otherwise, folds and unevenness may form on the cover. Then you should move on to the seats. Everything is done according to the same principle. If the seats were previously removed from the interior, they should be returned to their place along with the covers.
Online stores offer a wide range of covers. The brand and manufacturer greatly influence the prices. You can also order by phone. Contact the sales manager, tell him what brand of car it is and describe the interior. For additional information, take measurements and pass the data to the company representative.
Car seat covers are a very important part of the car. They create coziness, comfort and give the first impression of the owner. They cope with their main function perfectly - protecting the upholstery of the seats from dirt and deformation. In car accessories stores there is a large assortment for any car. Options from the most budget to the most expensive. In online stores there are detailed catalogs. They describe the material, cost, manufacturer. Having studied all the points of interest and having decided on the choice, you can go shopping for a new car cover.
