[HotRodMan]

Next to leather, what is the most durable material I can use on automotive seats?

May I sew this material together using a standard home style sewing machine or does it have to be the industrial type designed for upholstery?

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

Originally Posted by HotRodMan

Next to leather, what is the most durable material I can use on automotive seats?

May I sew this material together using a standard home style sewing machine or does it have to be the industrial type designed for upholstery?

Vinyl has been the standard for many years.
Standard thread will not be heavy enuff or strong enuff also won't hold up to outside elements.

[DanTwoLakes]

After leather, automotive grade vinyl or marine grade vinyl would be the most durable. Don't buy closeouts for $8 or $10 a yard. Also, don't buy closeouts of leather, you never know what you're getting.

If you are not sewing the fabric to sew foam, (in other words, just sewing two or three layers of fabric together) you could use a home sewing machine to sew seat covers. You would need the largest needle the machine could handle, and use at least size 69 nylon or polyester thread. They are both equally strong, but polyester's color won't fade like nylon can. Otherwise, you would need an industrial sewing machine to do seat covers.

[John long]

Originally Posted by aerojet777

i have the perfect material, its a synthetic leather called izit leather. its the same as ultraleather, i have it for $25/yard.

aero_jet777@yahoo.com

I upholsterd my seat in my Roadster with Ultra Leather about 4 years ago. DanTwoLakes has advised on several occasions that it does not wear as well as vinyl. He is correct. My seat is already showing wear where I sit. It looks great, feels great, is great to work with, but If you are going to drive the car. I would not recomend it. Durability is lacking.

John L

[DanTwoLakes]

The stuff has really been disappointing as far as wear goes.

[Alexandro699]

Broadcloth is a made of wool combination that is a large heavy weight content. This is well known for automotive when you want a standard upholstered look. It will hold up against excessive temperature ranges, and is relaxed to sit on in all climates.

[DanTwoLakes]

Wool Broadcloth also stretches like crazy and is very expensive. It is beautiful stuff, and would wear well, but it is not very flashy either.