Learning to sew can be somewhat challenging, but once you make the effort, youll be surprised at how quickly you progress. Once youve learned the basics of sewing you can make yourself some simple outfits or even a few decorative things for around the house. After youve gotten even better the skys the limit! When people think about learning to sew they usually dream of new outfits and decor but rarely about the improvements they can make on their vehicle! Youre not most people, though, right? You must know, then, that after youve learned a few basics you can make a new steering wheel cover thats cool and easy to make.
You dont have to be an expert at sewing to create a simple steering wheel cover. Set your machine to run a straight stitch and youre good to go! Set the stitch length to be somewhat long so that you can accommodate a slightly stretchy material. Thread the machine and wind a bobbin that match the color of the new steering wheel material. An ordinary foot works fine.
Choosing the material youll use can be tricky. Thin, slick material is totally unsuitable. Thicker materials are perfect but might not work with your machine. In addition, the material needs to be somewhat stretchy so that you can get it over the steering wheel. Fabrics which have a foam backing work well if the foam is not really thick. Thin vinyl works well to make a decent steering wheel cover, and if you want, you can later add a foam backing. Vinyl stretches, comes in a variety of colors, and is not all that expensive. Measure around the steering wheel, and add a couple of inches, to get an idea of how much material to purchase. To begin creating the steering wheel cover simply measure around the steering wheel and add an inch and a half. This will give you the length to cut the material. To determine the width measure around the steering wheel. Cut the cover to this exact measurement. After youve cut the strip of material that will become the new cover you can begin to sew it together. If youre using vinyl to make the cover you dont necessarily have to have a foam backing. Just take the length of material, fold it in half, and position it so that the right sides are together. Stitch across the ends taking a half-inch stitch. Back-tack when you first start sewing, stitch across the material, then back-tack once again. Trim away excess thread then trim the seam down close to the stitches. Can you believe the steering wheel cover is already finished? If you want something more substantial you can first add a foam backing. You have a couple of choices when it comes to the foam and affixing it. Youll find thin foam at some fabric stores but you can also find it at a home improvement store. Air conditioner filters that are made of thin foam work well, too. Cut the foam to be a quarter-inch smaller, all the way around, than the actual steering wheel cover. Using fabric glue you can attach the foam piece to the backside of the cover before you stitch the ends of the strip closed. Allow the glue to dry completely before sewing the ends closed and placing the new steering wheel cover on the wheel. If you prefer to sew the foam to the cover place it on the back of the vinyl and use clothes pins to hold it in place while you stitch. Go around the perimeter, stitching the foam to the material, removing the clothes pins as you go along. After adding the foam stitch the ends together. When youre finished making the cover youll simply stretch it over the steering wheel. If theres already a cover over the original steering wheel remove it before adding the new one. Youll be surprised at just now easy it is to make a new steering wheel cover for your vehicle. Youll enjoy creating it so much youll definitely want to make more! Consider this easy sewing project when it comes to gift-giving this year. The recipients will love em!
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