Auto Upholdstery Fabric Help

[thereisnoyun]

Looking to redo my upholdstery, having a hard time decifering the auto upholdstery vocab and type of fabric.

What is the type of cloth used in the e30 as oem?
Where can I buy this cloth?
What kind of stitching is used?
Should I have piping or should I not?
Is it easier worth to buy from someone who makes the kit or DIY it?

If you sell kits, please convince me why I shouldnt do it myself.

Thanks.

[rscheiring]

Looking to redo my upholdstery, having a hard time decifering the auto upholdstery vocab and type of fabric.

What is the type of cloth used in the e30 as oem?
Where can I buy this cloth?
What kind of stitching is used?
Should I have piping or should I not?
Is it easier worth to buy from someone who makes the kit or DIY it?

If you sell kits, please convince me why I shouldnt do it myself.

Thanks.

There are many types of cloth (and vinyl and leather too). You're best off doing some searches and find a few interiors you like, then ask again what it is and where/if you can get it.

Most stitching (coupes, 4 drs) is vertical on the seat centers, and piping (aka welt) is used on the bolsters. On the M3 and cabrio, stiching is horitzontal, and bolsters have a "french seam".

If you can sew, have a machine, are familiar with the needles, thread, backing, listing wires/pockets, hogrings/pliers, padding you'll need, have a supply house you are comfortable with, and have the time you can probably save a few $ and get the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

HTH,
Rob

[thereisnoyun]

More questions.

Hey, Thanks for the reply

- I want something like an OEM black cloth sports seat type fabric.
- doing the piping on the side.
- I dont know where to buy these materials. I'm checking out some store tmr. that does upholdstery. How much per yard should I expect to pay for?
- I can do the work, but dont know if my standard 200 dollar sewing machine is sufficient for this work. Any help would be appreciated.

- Yun

[dougsic]

Wow!

Major applause to you for trying!

Keeping double stitch seams straight, like the ones in your convertible, can be pretty tough on a single needle machine. Though if you're going with piping, that won't be an issue.

Where in Maryland are you?

[thereisnoyun]

college park 1/2 time and germantown gaithersburg 1/2 other time. yourself?