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Seems like in the example the dark blue thread is two pieces tightly twisted together and then stitched. Your attempt seems to be two pieces loosely twisted in some places but in others just running parallel within the same stitch. It might look tighter and cleaner if you can mimic that tight twist.
Seems like in the example the dark blue thread is two pieces tightly twisted together and then stitched. Your attempt seems to be two pieces loosely twisted in some places but in others just running parallel within the same stitch. It might look tighter and cleaner if you can mimic that tight twist.
I think you're on to something there. I wasn't quite sure what was wrong with the second one but I think you're right.
OP - Get that stitching clean and tight and you'll have shift boots and ebrake handles flying out the door like hotcakes. I'd be in for one.
That's pretty nice. Remember, most people are only going to be looking at this from a distance of at least a few feet. Just keep the lines straight, don't go too wide and keep it consistent and you will be golden. The factory stuff isn't always perfect either, especially if it's hand made.
"I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj
That's pretty nice. Remember, most people are only going to be looking at this from a distance of at least a few feet. Just keep the lines straight, don't go too wide and keep it consistent and you will be golden. The factory stuff isn't always perfect either, especially if it's hand made.
Thanks. I was thinking the same thing, I'm a little concerned that the dark blue is hard to see against the black.
- Josh
1990 325is
Need a shift boot? Looking to buy shift boot frames, PM if you have one to sell
Your second attempt looks much better. I think its great that you are receptive to feedback.
The thread you are using still looks a little off but that may just be lighting of the photo. Your technique looks spot on though.
Thanks! If I wasn't
willing to accept feedback I don't think I would get far selling these things. I want to make the best product I can for you guys.
I think you're right about the colors, I've been looking for the color codes but haven't found them yet. Does anyone know the correct codes for the M colors?
Originally posted by Skunkworks
I am assuming that you are blind stitching the suede together and then top stitching each color all by machine and hand stitching the weave.
It looks pretty good, just wait intill you do your first wheel or speaker box and your fingers are swollen and you cant see straight:D
I have been doing this for a while for friends, I find it theraputic.
Your assumptions are correct. I use a curved needle to do the hand sewing. I'm still pretty new to all this so I can't speak for going cross eyed or having swollen fingers just yet but I have an extra airbag steering wheel laying around that I was thinking about recovering. Any tips you'd care to share?
I'm getting a new sewing machine this weekend to replace the old one I've been using so far. It will be nice to experience a walking foot and have something with enough power to go through thick materials like leather.
Oddly enough I have found sewing to be quite relaxing also. I do IT for my day job so this is quite a change. I enjoy creating a finished product from raw materials and have always been one to try and make it myself as opposed to purchasing it.
I made a boot set out of some grey microfiber this weekend and top stitched it with white nylon thread, came out really nice.
- Josh
1990 325is
Need a shift boot? Looking to buy shift boot frames, PM if you have one to sell
Thanks! If I wasn't
willing to accept feedback I don't think I would get far selling these things. I want to make the best product I can for you guys.
I think you're right about the colors, I've been looking for the color codes but haven't found them yet. Does anyone know the correct codes for the M colors?
Your assumptions are correct. I use a curved needle to do the hand sewing. I'm still pretty new to all this so I can't speak for going cross eyed or having swollen fingers just yet but I have an extra airbag steering wheel laying around that I was thinking about recovering. Any tips you'd care to share?
I'm getting a new sewing machine this weekend to replace the old one I've been using so far. It will be nice to experience a walking foot and have something with enough power to go through thick materials like leather.
Oddly enough I have found sewing to be quite relaxing also. I do IT for my day job so this is quite a change. I enjoy creating a finished product from raw materials and have always been one to try and make it myself as opposed to purchasing it.
I made a boot set out of some grey microfiber this weekend and top stitched it with white nylon thread, came out really nice.
Get a chisel tip needle for your machine, that is the key to doing any type of leather. That and starting slow and keeping the bottom thread compartment clean.
as far as the wheel goes use the old leather as a template, Always mark center of leather and wheel. i use 3M spray 90 to keep everything in place and do the circumfrence and then come back and do the spokes.
make sure that you test fit the newly cut peice multiples of times and remember to make a template of it before lacing it up.
after lacing it, a wet sponge with water and then letting it dry will help a ton to tigten things up.
use Nylon thread if possible. sometimes a wax coated thread helps.
oh and when you are lacing use twice the circumfrence of the whee.
Thats all my tricks. I have a feeling i let the cat outta the bag a bit early;)
Get a chisel tip needle for your machine, that is the key to doing any type of leather. That and starting slow and keeping the bottom thread compartment clean.
as far as the wheel goes use the old leather as a template, Always mark center of leather and wheel. i use 3M spray 90 to keep everything in place and do the circumfrence and then come back and do the spokes.
make sure that you test fit the newly cut peice multiples of times and remember to make a template of it before lacing it up.
after lacing it, a wet sponge with water and then letting it dry will help a ton to tigten things up.
use Nylon thread if possible. sometimes a wax coated thread helps.
oh and when you are lacing use twice the circumfrence of the whee.
Thats all my tricks. I have a feeling i let the cat outta the bag a bit early;)
Thanks for the good info!
Not sure what you mean to do with the sponge though.
- Josh
1990 325is
Need a shift boot? Looking to buy shift boot frames, PM if you have one to sell
a teflon foot helps prevent bunching when you're stitching down the leather or suede too. the walking foot is going to make a world of difference in lots of projects with thicker fabrics.
and here's a color guide I use:
Pantone:
Blue — Pantone Process Blue
Purple — Pantone 268
Red — Pantone Warm Red
Paint:
blue violett GLASURIT-BMW 4000
light blue GLASURIT-BMW 5002
red GLASURIT-BMW 353
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