How to cover a steering wheel with leather yourself

Making a beautiful steering wheel yourself is not easy.

Content

Got busy with the update.
He continued and didn't stop.

I work as a sales representative, so I spend most of my time driving. From time to time I try to update my car, repair it, and invest in it. My car is not a business class car, but an ordinary Ford.

In general, a workhorse is what I need. After the next season I decided to get serious about the salon. I can’t say that I urgently needed to reupholster the steering wheel, but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.

In addition, I recently changed the seat covers, so it was logical to take up the steering wheel.

Definitely, the easiest option is to contact a specialized salon, who will quickly reupholster your steering wheel. I started by choosing several salons offering a similar service. I called all the selected salons and was very surprised by the significant differences in price. As I understand from the words of representatives of different companies, there are 3 types of steering wheel drag:

economical;
standard;
exclusive.

In principle, the cost varies largely from this. And the main difference is the material that will be used for reupholstering. For the first option they ask for about 2 thousand rubles, for a standard reupholstery 3 thousand and an exclusive option will cost 4 - 5 thousand.

However, there are certain advantages from carrying out this procedure in the salon. They offer an exact repetition of the factory reupholstery, i.e. return the steering wheel to its former factory youth. There is a clear advantage - this is professional equipment and considerable experience in this field. But I always worked on my car myself, so I firmly decided to re-upholster the steering wheel with my own hands.

Took up a new steering wheel

It turned out that the price of reupholstering the steering wheel depends on the material used. To begin with, I read an endless number of forums with advice, listened to the experiences of fellow drivers. As a result, its own history was formed. First I needed to decide which material I prefer:

leather;
leatherette;
tree;
carbon and other materials.

First, I’ll tell you what the advantages of each material are. Leather is a natural and ergonomic material that always fits well and makes driving comfortable and convenient in any weather.

This steering wheel is very convenient for my profession. The material never rubs your hands, even during long rides over long distances. Do not forget that reupholstering the steering wheel with leather yourself is still quite an expensive pleasure.

There is a more economical option.

Motorists sometimes call leatherette leather as eco-leather. Modern artificial materials are not inferior in quality to natural ones. There is even one significant advantage - this is the variety of all kinds of colors, patterns and textures. A full range of colors depending on desires and imagination.

A painstaking process

While I was delving into the theory, I didn’t think much about the process itself. When I read enough information and bought the material at the car market, all that remained was to implement it. I forgot to say that for some reason it took 1,500 rubles to buy everything necessary. I was hoping for a smaller amount. But nothing can be done. I understood that the process consists of the following stages:

pattern;
sewing patterns;
material tie on the steering wheel.

At first, even the points themselves were incomprehensible to me, until I watched a video of re-upholstering the steering wheel with leather. After it, I already knew where to start. I’ll be honest, I turned to my sister, who knew how to hold a thread and a needle in her hand, and helped me draw up that same pattern. I'll tell you in more detail about each stage.

First you need to remove the airbag (if there is one).
Then we remove the steering wheel itself. In order not to be mistaken, I put notes on how he stood. Using a screwdriver, I unscrewed all the screws from the steering wheel and removed the plastic that was there. On the advice of my sister, I drew on the steering wheel with a stroke (you can take a white marker) the places where the seams will later be.
Be sure to mark the top, bottom of the steering wheel and spokes. Next, you need to carefully measure everything - namely the distance between the marks plus the diameter. I measured it in four places to be sure of the size.
After this process, all the numbers need to be transferred to paper, drawing an approximate diagram of the future “case”. The most inconvenient thing is the knitting needles. I read this method - you need to cover them with paper tape, and transfer all the seams and marked lines onto it, so that you can then cut this tape exactly at the joints of the seam.
Next we take the sketch we drew. Using numbers, we draw on cardboard a regular coordinate system with two axes.
We take our cut tape and carefully stick it on the axle, taking the line of the end of the steering wheel as the center, because it is unchanged everywhere.
Complete the circle pattern by adding a few centimeters “in reserve.” The sketch of the lower spoke is completed in exactly the same way.

Thus, I got half of the steering wheel, and the second is drawn in a mirror image. I transferred the resulting pattern to the purchased perforated leather, again, leaving a few centimeters for future seams. Next, I cut out the stitched pattern. I sewed all the created pieces together on a sewing machine so that the seams did not stand out from each other. As a result, I ended up with a “cutaway steering wheel.”

To be honest, reupholstering with your own hands is a rather complicated, painstaking, inconvenient and risky task. Of course, it’s definitely pleasant to look at and then use a steering wheel that you made yourself.

But it’s not a fact that you will succeed the first time. I was motivated by the fact that in the future, even if I have to work on this process several times, I will still learn.

When you have free time, you can provide such a service to your friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q99sn1VvGE

If you do everything beautifully, they will clearly be jealous and ask you to do something similar with their car. The car turns out to be unique of its kind. But at the same time, the price for reupholstering the steering wheel with leather at home can cost you a hefty sum.

In this case, it is better to turn to professionals so that you do not have to redo it twice. This is where I end.

I tried to describe everything in detail. How was your first steering wheel reupholstery? Share, let's discuss.

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Source: http://DaciaClubmd.ru/peretyazhka-rulya-kozhej/

Leather steering wheel

A leather-covered steering wheel looks very prestigious in any car. But, in addition to aesthetic satisfaction, it also brings practical benefits. It is much more pleasant to feel soft natural material under your hands than hard plastic.

During long trips, you will immediately notice the difference: the leather “breathes”, preventing moisture from your hands from accumulating on the steering wheel. Perforated leather is especially good at this.

…

Leather steering wheel options

If you decide to reupholster the steering wheel with leather, then you have 3 options:

Contact a car dealership. Reupholstering the steering wheel with leather will cost from 4,000 rubles.
Buy a ready-made steering wheel braid complete with thread, needle and instructions. It will cost from 300 rubles.
Do everything from start to finish with your own hands. If you have an old leather raincoat or jacket lying around somewhere, then you won’t have to spend any money at all (except maybe 30 rubles for tape and thread). Or you can buy a small piece of special automobile leather for 200 rubles.

Depending on your preferences, you can cover the entire steering wheel (including the horn) with leather, or just re-upholster the rim.

Steering wheel rim reupholstery: a simpler option

Even if you decide to use a ready-made braid for the steering wheel, a couple of tips will be useful to you in any case.

To cover the steering wheel with leather, it is better to soak the workpiece in water for about an hour so that the leather stretches better.

For more comfortable work, we recommend removing the steering wheel from the car. Having placed the trim on the steering wheel, grab it at the corners with regular thread so that it does not move.

To cover the steering wheel with leather with your own hands, now all that remains is to choose the type of seam (options are available in the instructions) and tighten the edges with the thread included in the kit. If you are not satisfied with the strength of this thread, replace it with fishing line.

DIY leather steering wheel trim: full version

First you need to remove the steering wheel. If this turns out to be problematic, then in any case it will be necessary to remove all the buttons, the airbag, disconnect the battery - in general, make sure that nothing interferes with the steering wheel.

Required tools and materials:

A piece of leather measuring 50x50 cm, thickness up to 1.5-2 mm.
Strong nylon thread or fishing line;
Durable sewing needle;
Cardboard;
Cling film;
Masking (paper) tape;
A sharp knife, preferably a stationery knife;
Marker.

First of all, we prepare the patterns. To do this, wrap the steering wheel with cling film and cover it on top with a layer of masking tape. On the surface of the tape we draw lines with a marker in those places where the seams of the future braid are planned.

Most often, the steering wheel is conventionally divided into 3-4 parts. Using this marking, carefully cut with a knife and remove the resulting stencils. We lay them out on cardboard and trace them. Add 5 mm to the seams at the junctions of the parts.

And along the inner circumference of the steering wheel, where the screed will go, we cut off 2 mm so that the edges of the leather do not overlap each other.

Now we take the leather, transfer our patterns onto it and cut out the braiding details. We sew them on a sewing machine with synthetic threads and a No. 120 needle. Keep in mind that not every machine takes leather well, so it’s best to experiment first on small pieces left over after cutting.

Along the perimeter of the braid, it is necessary to sew a seam 0.5 cm from the edge.
It will become the loops through which we will thread the thread to tighten the braid on the steering wheel. We try on the sewn braid on the steering wheel.

To prevent the transverse seams from protruding too much, small grooves can be made with a knife or a file at their locations on the steering wheel itself.

If you do everything correctly, then there is no need to put the braid on glue.

Even without this, it is fixed well on the rim and there will be no scrolling. Those who decide to play it safe can be advised to apply a small amount of epoxy glue.

We insert a thread 2-2.5 m long into the needle and begin to tighten the braid. To do this, we alternately pick up the seam loops on both sides. The process is similar to lacing shoes.

Is the steering wheel worn out? Let's make an exclusive reupholstery yourself!

Considering the fact that the steering wheel is a part of the car, human contact with which is made throughout the entire route, therefore, it is necessary to choose only high-quality material for reupholstery and it is desirable that it should be genuine leather.

Since any other fabric will deteriorate from constant rubbing of hands on the steering wheel after just a month of using the car. The intended skin should not be very thick, but it should not be thin either.

If it is too thick, then you will not be able to pierce it with a needle, and if its thickness is small, then the new steering wheel cover can deteriorate very quickly. The optimal thickness of the material for covering the steering wheel is 1.3 millimeters. An ability such as extensibility should be of average value.

This is a very important criterion to consider before purchasing. Its elasticity should allow the material to fit tightly on the steering wheel, otherwise there’s no point in thinking about quality.

You can consider the option of having perforation. This is a rather unusual and attractive look, and it is also pleasant to work with. But, having such positive qualities, I can also highlight its negative side - wear and tear. The only optimal solution for you is natural smooth leather.

Before purchasing, make sure that the material offered to you really has the necessary qualities, and that they are not slipping you a substitute.

You also need to pay special attention to additional materials that will be used in this matter. The thread should be as strong as possible, because it will pull the edges together, so it should not break easily.

Choose a strong needle, make sure it does not bend. My advice is to buy several of them.

What will you need?

To reupholster you will need the following materials and tools:

Leather (it must meet all necessary criteria);
Stitching needle (the needle must be strong). If possible, use Soviet-made needles, as they are really high quality;
Strong thread (nylon is used);
Two thimbles (it’s almost impossible to work without them). They will keep your fingers from getting punctured.
Masking tape, sheets of Whatman paper (it is better to use thick cardboard);
Pencil or felt-tip pen;
Film;
Knife (it is better to use a stationery knife).

After preparing all the material, you can proceed with the remaining processes: cutting and reupholstering.

Making a pattern

It is made of adhesive tape and film, which must be used to cover the steering wheel. But before this you need to remove the steering wheel, as this will make the work easier. The first step is to remove the cover from the signal and unscrew the fastening nut that holds the steering wheel to the shaft.

After this, using loosening movements in different directions, remove the steering wheel from the splines. Now that the steering wheel is removed, you can do the preliminary layout. To create it, you need to wrap a film around the steering wheel and apply masking tape over it.

Do not skimp on material, wrap it in several layers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bdZIwNNF9c

Once the entire rim is covered, you need to use a marker to make marks where the seam will go (where the parts join). This is done for the reason that it is very difficult to make a one-piece case, so it will be made of four parts.

And those places where the parts will be connected to each other are marked with a marker. We also draw a marker along the inside of the steering wheel. It is advisable to draw all lines as evenly as possible. This will allow you to make smoother original parts when cutting.

After all the lines have been drawn, the layout must be cut with a stationery knife along these lines.

After cutting, you should have four separate elements. Now they need to be leveled and attached to the cardboard to create patterns for the pattern.

After the patterns are ready, they need to be applied to the base material in order to produce the final version of the covering. But, it is important to remember that you do not need to cut it exactly to size, but give some allowances for each edge of the part and then bend it.

This is necessary in order to sew them together efficiently, and so that the thread does not tear the skin during tightening.

That is, the seam will be strong enough and the skin will not tear when stitched. In addition, the folds give the new steering wheel a more aesthetic appearance. Allowances can be given immediately while you are tracing the pattern. You can also first trace, and then use a ruler to add one centimeter to each edge. This way you will maintain an even retreat on each side.

After this, you can check how correctly the cutting of the elements was done. You need to place each of the patterns in the intended place and see how they are positioned: their edges should meet each other. If the stock left is too large, you can trim the edges. If everything is fine, nothing bothers you, you can begin the final process - sewing the parts together.

Step-by-step instructions for reupholstering

So, everything is ready, you can start. At this stage, it is important to follow the order of doing the work so as not to mess anything up.

The first step is to overcast all the edges that will be sewn together. The fact is that each edge will bend (we left indents specifically for this), and since the thickness will double at the bend, it will not have a beautiful appearance and it will be very difficult to pierce such thickness with a needle. That's why stitching is necessary. It will allow you to maintain the required thickness of the leather along the edges and thereby make the edges strong.
We lay out our (4) parts of the future steering wheel cover on some surface. They need to be laid out exactly in the order in which they will be located on the steering wheel.
Prepare the needle (pull the thread into it).
Now you need to sew all the individual elements together sequentially. As a result, you should get a hoop.
Now you need to pull it onto the steering wheel. Position it so that the seams match the cuts.
Next, you can fix the cover on the steering wheel using glue or epoxy resin. Everyone makes this decision personally, you don’t have to stick it.
Now try to stretch the leather (even it out) to determine how much to fold the edges before the final step.

The last stage is the most difficult, since here it is important to maintain uniform skin tension throughout the steering wheel. It is not only difficult, but also difficult. It is much better if you ask someone to help you (one tightens and the other sews).

So, the first thing you need to do is decide which edge to start from. Basically, it just depends on convenience. You need to stretch the skin to form a joint; if the joint does not meet, it’s okay, thanks to its elasticity, the joint will be pulled together with thread. The entire cover is sewn together in this way.

In those places where the cover can go under the signal cover, you need to do without thread and use glue.

After completion, you need to straighten the new cover on the steering wheel; if there are any folds, it’s not a big deal. After a few days they will smooth out and the surface will be completely smooth.

Now you can install the steering wheel in its original place, secure it with a fastening nut and cover the signal cover.

Covering the steering wheel with leather will significantly change the appearance of not only this element, but will also emphasize the overall appearance of the car's interior. In addition, by doing this yourself, you not only saved your money, but also gained good experience in reupholstering, and also became more familiar with the steering structure of your car.

Video “Steering wheel reupholstery”

A video about the work of a master from the Rusty Brothers company reupholstering a steering wheel rim in the BMW M style with leather. After watching the recording, you will learn what tools you need to prepare and how to cover the steering wheel yourself with leather.

Source: http://MineAvto.ru/tyuning/salon/peretyazhka-rulya-2202.html

We cover the steering wheel with leather ourselves

The whole charm of driving appears when, squeezing the steering wheel in your hands, you feel your power over this iron two-ton monster, its obedience to you.

Preparing the steering wheel for leather trim

That is why, more and more often, car enthusiasts are trying to transform the steering wheel - someone buys a standard cape for this purpose; some even install a new steering wheel, which, by the way, can be done with your own hands; Well, someone, just like us today, decides on radical metamorphoses, namely, covering the steering wheel with leather.

By the way, sometimes transforming the steering wheel is not just a whim of the car owner, but an urgent need that can protect you and your car.

Don't believe me? Imagine the situation: the steering wheel trim gets worn out from constant touching and at one far from perfect moment, when you are about to make a maneuver, your hand slips and... We think there is no point in continuing.

So, you have decided to cover the steering wheel yourself. Where to start? First of all, stock up on the necessary tools, materials and patience; it would also be a good idea to get the operating manual for your car.

After this, you can proceed to the next stage of the work - removing the steering wheel. The procedure is similar to the one we already wrote about in the article Replacing a car steering wheel on your own, but repetition is the mother of learning, so it wouldn’t hurt to talk about it again.

We advise you to disconnect the battery in advance to avoid a short circuit, then remove the steering wheel cover, carefully unscrew the central nut and remove the control pin; it is possible that upon completion of the work it will need to be replaced with a new one, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Then, very carefully, you need to disconnect the airbag and horn wires. Great!

Now you should take measurements from the steering wheel; approach this work with full responsibility, since an incorrectly made pattern will minimize all your efforts, and time and nerves will be wasted. The diameter of the steering wheel is indicated in the car's operating manual, and from there we will take its dimensions.

After making sure that the measurements were taken correctly, we create a template, which we transfer with a black marker to the back side of the leather selected for the steering wheel trim. As a result, you should have 2 parts of the workpiece: one for the rim trim, the other for the central part of the steering wheel.

At this stage, you should be guided by the rule: measure 7 times - cut 1, take your time, it’s better to double-check it again.

Covering a car steering wheel with leather

That's almost all, the preparatory work has been completed, which means it's time to move directly to the casing itself.

Having previously degreased the surface of the steering wheel with a special cleaning liquid, starting with the rim trim, and then, moving to the central part, we transform the steering wheel.

Don’t forget to lubricate the rim with leather glue during the process, this will prevent the skin from twisting during further use. Try to make even and neat seams, otherwise you can make things even worse.

After the rim and the central part of the steering wheel have received a new skin, you should let them dry, and then install the transformed steering wheel in its rightful place, which, it must be admitted, has already become missed. The installation procedure is equivalent to that described above, only it must be done in reverse order. Ready! Enjoying the transformation.

By the way, using the same scheme, you can cover the steering wheel with absolutely any material; fortunately, their choice today is quite large.

We are sure that you will not want to stop there and will definitely continue to work on transforming the interior of the car, perhaps even decide to completely replace the interior trim, which, with the help of our tips and recommendations, can be easily done on your own. If you have the desire, the opportunity will always appear!

Source: https://carnovato.ru/obshivaem-rul-kozhejj-svoimi-rukami/

Leather steering wheel

To make driving comfortable, many drivers buy special covers for the steering wheel. This modification creates convenience and makes your hands less tired. Plus, the interior of the cabin is changing for the better.

Today there are a lot of different offers on the market. However, you can tighten the steering wheel yourself. The most practical and convenient material for tuning a steering wheel is genuine leather. The use of artificial substitutes is not recommended.

Since they do not have proper elasticity and wear out quickly.

Tools and materials for reupholstery

Covering the steering wheel with leather yourself involves using the following materials and tools:

To make a template (pattern), it is best to use cling film and wide masking tape.
Thick paper or cardboard.
A stationery or other sharp knife, marker or pencil.
Durable and high-quality thread, preferably nylon.
For safe and convenient sewing, you will need two thimbles for the middle finger.
Durable sewing needles made of hardened steel.
High quality soft genuine leather.
A screwdriver and a wrench to remove and then install the steering wheel.

To cover the steering wheel with leather yourself, it is advisable to use two types of material, perforated and smooth leather. The combination of two different textures will not only create an original and pleasant aesthetic appearance, but will also provide comfort for working with the steering wheel.

Perforated leather has increased elasticity. It is soft and comfortable to work with. Smooth leather, in turn, is more resistant to wear. Therefore, if you combine them together, you get a durable, soft and quite abrasion-resistant material.

Experts believe that leather with a thickness of 1.2-1.4 mm is optimal for steering wheel covers. You can choose any skin color, it all depends on your taste. As a rule, the most popular cases are made of leather in dark shades.

The most commonly used material is black.

Leather steering wheel template

In order for the steering wheel to be reupholstered with your own hands to a high quality, you must first make a pattern. To do this, first make a template from film and tape. First of all, remove the steering wheel, having previously removed the signal cover. Then unscrew the nut securing the steering wheel to the shaft and remove the steering wheel from the splines, swinging it in different directions.

After that, using cling film and masking tape, we make a model of the steering wheel and a template for the pattern. We wrap the steering wheel with film. We glue paper-based masking tape on top. Mark the places where you plan to make seams with a marker or pencil.

Then carefully cut out the tape along these lines. The result should be four elements, one rectangular and three cross-shaped. We unfold and number all the details for the template.

After that, we place them on cardboard or thick paper and make patterns of a similar shape for the pattern.

Leather pattern

To make an original case, you first need to look through various sketches and choose the most suitable one. Of course, only four solutions can be implemented. However, you can make each sector from two or more elements, combining different textures or skin tones.

Naturally, this will require more time and effort, but the end result is worth it. You can search the Internet for various options and choose the most convenient and practical.

After you have decided on the design of the case, we place the pieces of leather on the table and make patterns using a stationery knife.

When making patterns, it is very important not to miss the next essential point. Each sector of the template is transferred to the skin not strictly according to its shape, but with a small margin.

That is, after you have laid the template on the leather, you need to cut it out by 1.0-1.5 cm from the edge of the sector. This margin will be needed to ensure the necessary strength of the seams.

Otherwise, after a short period of use, the seams will come apart, and you’ll just have to throw the cover away. As a result, you will need to reupholster the steering wheel with leather yourself.

After the pieces of leather are cut, attach them to the steering wheel and check that all sectors are cut correctly and match in size, taking into account the seam allowance. If necessary, all excess can be trimmed, because all patterns are made with sufficient margin. Once you are sure that all the elements are prepared and correspond to the design intent, you can start sewing.

Preparing a leather case

First, we lay out all the parts on the table in accordance with how they will be located in the case and begin to sew them together in the given order.

The edges of the sectors must be swept to avoid tightening of the skin during use. The parts must be sewn together with strong nylon threads, departing from the edge at least 3 mm.

All parts are sewn together completely in the form of a ring, with the exception of those seams that you previously marked with a marker.

After the workpiece is completely sewn and all edges are sewn, carefully pull the cover onto the steering wheel so that the joints of the seams are in the places of the cuts. We smooth out the material and eliminate sagging. Some experts advise “setting” the skin on glue or epoxy resin. However, in any case it is necessary to sew the edges.

Video - Covering the steering wheel with leather

So, now the most important thing to do is to tighten the edges of the cover so that it is securely fixed to the steering wheel. This procedure is very troublesome, time-consuming and requires a lot of time.

First of all, you should decide on the place where the seam will begin. Here you first need to secure the thread, and then you can carefully sew.

When tightening the edges of the cover in the area of the signal cover, it is recommended to coat the edges of the leather with rubber glue.

Once the cover is completely ready, you can install the steering wheel on the car. The cover may have minor creases. There is no need to worry about this. If you used genuine leather, then due to the increased elasticity of the material, all these flaws will completely disappear over time.

Source: http://VipWash.ru/rul/obtyazhka-rulya-kozhei-svoimi-rukami

DIY leather steering wheel reupholstery

The steering wheel is the element of the car with which the driver comes into contact most often.

This leads to wear on the steering wheel coating and the appearance of abrasions, which not only spoil the appearance, but also make driving less comfortable and convenient.

In order to restore the coating, many drivers buy various covers from car stores. The disadvantage of having a foreign object on the steering wheel is the inconvenience of driving.

In order to give the steering wheel of your car a stylish appearance, as well as to replace the often poor-quality factory coating with a more comfortable one, it is recommended to reupholster the steering wheel with leather.

The best option would be to do this manually - this way you can not only save on the finished leather covering, but also re-tighten the steering wheel according to your preferences for convenience and beauty.

A leather steering wheel not only looks better and lasts longer, but also improves the car's handling.

Selecting material for steering wheel reupholstery

Nowadays, there are many types of ready-made steering wheel products available in stores. However, the most profitable option would be to create the leather covering yourself. The advantages include not only cost savings, but also the ability to create a unique cover for the steering wheel of a specific car.

The best material for creating the coating is genuine leather. The optimal thickness is 1.3 millimeters, since thinner ones will wear out quickly, and thicker ones have low ductility during processing. In addition, it is desirable that the skin be taken from the sides or back of the animal - this material has the best degree of stretch.

An excellent option for creating a car steering wheel cover is perforated leather. It has a more stylish look and is also more comfortable to drive due to better friction. At the same time, it is less resistant to damage than smooth.

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Before purchasing leather for steering wheel covers, you need to inspect the material for cracks, tears and other defects, as they will manifest themselves during the creation of the cover or already in use.

It is necessary to choose the color and texture of the leather so that it matches the style of the salon.

In addition, it is recommended to buy leather with a reserve or make sure that the seller has more material, since errors may be made during the process of creating the covering.

The least suitable materials for wear-resistant coating are leatherette and other artificial types of materials. They quickly become unusable and have little elasticity. That is why leather, despite its relative high cost, is the most popular option.

Materials and tools needed to create a leather steering wheel cover

In order to make a high-quality steering wheel coating, you need to use several simple and affordable tools and materials:

high quality upholstery material;
a bobbin of durable synthetic thread in the color of the covering material;
hardened steel needles for working with leather;
2 thimbles for pushing the needle;
a roll of mounting tape;
A3 sheet of cardboard paper;
roll of cling film;
a marker that gives a thick line;
small scissors;
two-component strong glue or epoxy resin for working with leather;
an industrial or powerful household hair dryer for drying glue.

Creating a steering wheel cover template

In order for the steering wheel to be wrapped with leather accurately and of high quality, a pattern is needed. This, in turn, requires the correct template, which will allow the shape of the steering wheel to be transferred to a plane - a pattern for cutting out the leather.

The first step in creating a steering wheel template is to dismantle it. You need to remove the signal cover, and then unscrew the nut holding the steering wheel to the shaft. Next, you need to swing it to the sides.

The steering wheel is wrapped in cling film, and several layers of masking tape are applied to it (this way, the tape will stick only to the film). The steering wheel must be divided into several conventional parts - along the joints of the existing coating.

As a rule, there are four of them - one central and three with rounded sides. It is important to number or label each item as they are different from each other. To create a pattern, a layer of tape must be pressed onto thin cardboard.

Preferably at night.

Creating a pattern for a leather steering wheel cover

The next step after the template is the pattern drawing. The tape mock-up, pressed onto heavy paper, may end up being slightly larger than the size of cover required for the handlebar.

However, during use, the leather will first become wrinkled and then smooth out. In addition, an overlap of material is necessary in order to sew the parts - it should be 2 millimeters from the edge.

Next, you need to trace the template unfolded on the plane of the cardboard, and then trace it, leaving an overlap.

Sewing leather cover for a car steering wheel

To create the finished steering wheel cover, you need to lay out all the parts on the table in the way they will come into contact during use. Next, you need to firmly sew the parts together with strong threads that will withstand a long period of use without wearing out. That is why it is important that the leather, threads and glue are of high quality - ideally, such covering is made for years of use.

After the cover has acquired its shape and volume, you need to try it on the steering wheel. It is important that when putting it on the steering wheel, the folds are not too large, since they will not be able to stretch during use and can greatly deform the entire coating when directly exposed to the sun.

To smooth out the seams of the covering against the overall background of the covering, it is recommended to cut grooves on the steering wheel. You can do the same with the edges of parts of the material.

Leather-covered steering wheel

At the stage of fixing the covering on the steering wheel, it is important to give the coating maximum adherence to the surface and the best connection with each other. You need to stitch the material crosswise. In this case, the threads at the junction of the steering wheel spokes are passed through and come from the back side. You can secure the stitches with a double knot at the start of the constriction.

For car enthusiasts who are doing this procedure for the first time and have no experience in reupholstering, it is recommended to use glue or epoxy resin.

This will make the fit more reliable and durable, as well as correct certain errors. The glue must be dried with a hairdryer and allowed to dry.

Car owners who have previously reupholstered prefer to soak the leather in water - this way, as it dries, the coating fits better due to the reduction in size.

After the glue or the coating itself has dried, you can put the steering wheel in place. The same applies to all parts - alarm covers, buttons, airbags and other devices.

Bottom line

Do-it-yourself reupholstery is a painstaking and monotonous task. However, it allows you to install a stylish and practical steering wheel cover in a simple and affordable way.

Source: http://CarExtra.ru/sovety/peretyazhka-rulya-kozhey.html

How to cover a steering wheel with leather yourself? – Automotoguru

The steering wheel, as you know, is the connecting link between the car and the driver. And the pleasant-to-touch material, hand comfort and many other factors influence how the driver feels the car.

The steering wheel for the driver is not only the most significant detail, it is also significant in terms of the interior of the cabin.

The shabby, sometimes torn, worn-out material that covers the steering wheel indicates that it’s time to change the covering, no matter how familiar and convenient it may be.

Everyone’s tastes are different, some like a smooth polished steering wheel, others almost covered with snake skin, but almost everyone chooses the classic black leather.

Any car enthusiast wants individuality, originality and chic. And one of the most popular ways to bring original design into the interior is to reupholster the steering wheel.

At the same time, it is also an excellent element of car tuning.

It is worth noting that servicing the steering wheel is an expensive pleasure. Therefore, the best way in this case is to reupholster the steering wheel with leather yourself, which will save money and add individuality. Everything that is made by hand is exclusive in a single copy.

Re-upholstery process

Perforated leather

Before proceeding directly to the reupholstery, you need to decide what material the steering wheel will be covered with and choose its color.

Next you need to act point by point.

Making a layout

First of all, you need to remove the steering wheel from the base. All that is required is to unscrew the steering wheel itself from the body, if it is attached to it, and then from the steering shaft. The steering wheel is attached to the body with screws; they need to be unscrewed, and in order to remove it from the shaft, you need to unscrew the fastening nut.
Now you can start making a mock-up of the steering wheel, which should match the one removed exactly. To make the pattern, you need to wrap the steering wheel with any plastic film; even simple store bags will do. After this, you need to wrap it with construction tape on a paper base, and mark with a pencil or marker the place where the layout will be cut.
Cutting the cover Now you can start cutting the layout along the marked lines. This must be done carefully. After this, all sectors of the cut layout are transferred to paper. It is worth considering one important point so that you do not have to redo everything again and spoil expensive leather. When transferring each sector of the steering wheel layout directly onto the leather from which the braid will be made, you need to take into account the margin. That is, on the skin itself it is worth adding 1.5 - 1.7 cm from the edge to the seam.
After all the manipulations, the leather parts should be attached to the steering wheel and make sure that everything fits and matches in size. Excess leather must be cut off before stitching.
Now you need to carefully fold all the parts in the order in which they should be, and then sew them together. Be sure to overcast the edges of the cover, since the stitching loops will pull the cover on the steering wheel. To sew a leather cover, you should use nylon threads, since their most important quality is strength.
After the stitching of the leather cover is completely completed, you need to, without making much effort, so as not to tear it, pull it directly onto the steering wheel. After this, the casing needs to be smoothed out so that wrinkles, sagging and similar annoying defects do not occur.
The last step remains - tightening the edges of the cover. You will have to use your imagination and find a device with which you can secure the steering wheel so that it holds and does not move when sewing the edges. This is necessary because in the process of sewing the cover on the steering wheel, both hands will be needed: one holds it, the other sews it. It’s worth warning right away - this is a very troublesome, painstaking and time-consuming task, since you need to tighten it extremely carefully. The most important thing at the beginning is to securely fasten the thread at the very beginning of stitching, then things will go easier. Beauty, as they say, requires sacrifice.
Of the most popular seams when screeding, we can name three types - these are macrame, sports and pigtail, all of them look very organic on the braid. When tightening the edges under the signal cover, for greater reliability, you can coat them with rubber glue.
Now you can install the updated steering wheel in place.

Attach the cover to the steering wheel

Not everyone can ideally cover a steering wheel with leather.

Working with leather requires certain knowledge and skills, so such an expensive pleasure as covering a steering wheel with leather should be performed by a master of his craft.

Otherwise, you can ruin expensive material, as a result of which you simply waste money. Among other things, the most popular steering wheel upholstery is leather - it is comfortable, pleasant to the touch and durable.

Video

Below you can see instructions for installing the steering leather braid:

Photo

Cut out case

Firmware of the steering braid

Skin tightening

Finished seam in difficult places

Securing edges

Sooner or later, you may have a question - how to reupholster the steering wheel with leather yourself? This can happen for various reasons, for example, you have a plastic steering wheel and you want it to look presentable.

Or you already have an old leather steering wheel, but it has worn out over time and just needs to be updated! In general, there are a lot of reasons, including the general tuning of the car, today I want to tell you and show you a photo of such a wrap with comments, of course...

Source: https://avtomotoguru.ru/kak-obshit-rul-kozhey-svoimi-rukami/