Every car owner tries to keep the vehicle clean and tidy, jealously monitoring its condition both inside and out. And if the appearance is easy to put in order with a regular car wash, then the condition of some interior elements requires more drastic measures. Such elements include a car steering wheel, which quickly loses its presentability due to constant use. To breathe new life into it and give it freshness, the steering wheel is reupholstered with leather or other material. We'll figure out how to do this below.
disassembling the steering wheel
Due to the demand for the service, there are many different braid options on the market, in any size and color. The choice is so wide that car owners are often lost, not knowing what to choose. If you decide to reupholster your steering wheel with leather, but don’t know where to start, pay attention to the following information:
- The steering wheel of different vehicles has different sizes. Before reupholstering, decide on its exact dimensions. The situation is made easier by the fact that manufacturers label their products, indicating which category of cars their product will fit into;
- Do not under any circumstances use a braid made of eco-leather or other material for reupholstery if it is larger than the steering wheel. The braid will not fit tightly on the steering wheel, which creates a high risk of slipping when maneuvering. This will end badly for both you and those around you;
- The choice of material affects not only the appearance and the final price. A leather-wrapped steering wheel will last much longer than a leatherette one;
Types of braids and covers for car steering wheels
Steering wheel braids are:
- In the form of a one-piece case;
- With lacing;
The covers are easier to put on, and it is easier to select them by size simply by applying them to the steering wheel. Pros of choice:
- Easy to choose the right size;
- Dress quickly;
Flaws:
- You cannot buy covers of the wrong size. They will dangle on the steering wheel or will not fit at all;
Cases with laces differ from regular ones:
- Beautiful appearance;
- Pleasant to the touch;
- Easy to use;
Disadvantage of lacing:
- Long lacing;
- Lacing must be done carefully, otherwise it is easy to damage the braid;
The following materials are used for re-upholstering the steering wheel:
- Rubber with various inserts;
- Skin;
- Plush;
- Leatherette;
Note! It will cost the driver the most to cover the steering wheel with leather, but it will last much longer than conventional materials. Budget options include leatherette products.
Grinding the steering wheel
Do-it-yourself steering wheel reupholstery instructions
Reupholstering an old steering wheel with leather with your own hands is a painstaking and responsible task, which should not be rushed. The procedure consists of the following steps:
- Preparation of necessary tools and materials;
- Making a pattern for the steering wheel;
- Sewing;
Each stage has its own nuances that affect the final result. Let's take a closer look at them.
Materials and tools
The easiest part, the execution of which is the same for most cases. The driver will need to prepare:
- Knife with a sharp blade;
- A needle strong enough to stitch the selected material for reupholstering the steering wheel;
- Thimbles that will protect your fingers from damage;
- Pencil;
- Strong thread;
- Painting tape;
- Food film;
- Scissors;
- A piece of cardboard. Choose cardboard of medium thickness so that it can hold its shape firmly;
At this point the preparatory stage ends and we can move on to the pattern.
Making a pattern for the steering braid
The algorithm of actions for making a leather pattern is as follows:
- We dismantle the steering wheel;
- We remove the old, worn braid;
- Carefully wrap the steering wheel with cling film. Try not to allow wrinkles to form;
- Painting tape is wrapped over the cling film on the steering wheel;
- Use a marker to mark the places where the seam will go;
- Carefully draw a knife along the marks, cutting the tape with film;
- We remove them and smooth them carefully;
- To prevent the material from curling up, place a heavy object on it and leave it under pressure for 12 - 20 hours;
- We take cardboard and attach a mock-up of tape to it;
- We trace the outline with a pencil, and then cut it out;
- We cut out pieces of leather, the dimensions of which correspond to the cardboard parts;
- The pattern is ready, let's move on to sewing;
Note! In the end, you should end up with 4 parts that, after sewing, will take the shape of a steering wheel cover.
Lacing pattern
Sewing braids yourself
You should only undertake sewing steering wheel braid yourself if you have experience in doing such things. Beginners who have never done sewing are strongly recommended to turn to specialists. Otherwise, there is a high probability of screwing up the prepared pattern. If you decide to sew on your own for the first time, follow these tips:
- Take your time;
- In addition to the main joints, sew the cover along the edge, retreating 0.5 centimeters from the edge;
- The stronger the thread used when sewing, the better;
The finished leather cover should fit on the steering wheel with little effort. If the cover dangles loosely on the steering wheel, something has gone wrong. Here are some tips to help make the installation process easier:
- Place the leather case in water and keep it there for 15 minutes. This will increase the elasticity of the material, making it easier to reupholster;
- Choose a strong, but at the same time thin needle;
- You should start lacing from the bottom of the steering wheel and move up clockwise;
lacing process
Methods of installation on a steering wheel with and without spokes
If the leather cover was made without taking into account the covering of the spokes, it is not necessary to remove the steering wheel. Otherwise, before reupholstering, you will have to dismantle it. Otherwise, it will not be possible to secure the cover correctly. The algorithm for dismantling the steering wheel for your car can be easily found on the Internet. Follow these instructions and there shouldn't be any problems.
Types of steering braid lacing
There are the following types of leather steering wheel lacing:
- Regular stitch;
- Zigzag;
- Pentagonal stitch;
- Diamond-shaped;
- Hexagonal stitch;
These are the most common lacing methods.
How to cover a steering wheel with leather yourself
If some steps in the process of covering a steering wheel with leather with your own hands are not easy for you or are not clear, watch the video, which explains in detail all the stages of repairing a leather steering wheel. Following his instructions, even a beginner will be able to reupholster the steering wheel with leather quickly and without problems.
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
Before proceeding directly to the reupholstery, you need to decide what material the steering wheel will be covered with and choose its color.
The most convenient leather to use is perforated leather, it is softer and more elastic, and it is more convenient and comfortable to work with than smooth leather. Although smooth leather has its advantages, it is more wear-resistant than perforated leather. The optimal skin thickness should vary between 1.2 – 1.4 mm.
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
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 coverage, many drivers buy from automobile 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 it 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. Leather covering not only looks better and lasts longer, but also improves the handling of the car.
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 a car steering wheel 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.
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 it on 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 so that 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 for a stylish and practical steering wheel cover in a simple and affordable way.
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.
There are many types of seams. However, the most popular are braid, sports and macrame. They look beautiful and form the most durable connection.
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.
The steering wheel is the most important link between the car and the driver. For this reason, a huge number of factors influence how the driver feels and controls the car. The steering wheel is also an important detail in the interior.
Agree, standard steering wheels in most cases can be called one, albeit rude word - squalor. If the covering was previously made in good quality, then time has not been kind to them: dirty spots, scratches, cuts, protruding threads, torn seams, etc. This means that the steering trim urgently needs to be changed, no matter how familiar, beloved and convenient it was for the driver. Every person has a unique taste. Some drivers like the smooth, polished steering wheel. For others, exclusive options are close to their hearts, and they cover the steering wheel with crocodile or snake leather. But, most drivers choose the classic option - black textured leather. After all, a leather-covered car steering wheel makes it easier to control and maneuver, which means, if necessary, to avoid an emergency situation. Plus, this option fits perfectly into the interior of the car, regardless of what color and material was used for the interior lining of the car.
Where is the best place to tighten the steering wheel?
Steering wheel reupholstery is a fairly popular and widespread service. For this reason
in St. Petersburg there are companies that will remake your steering wheel in 6 hours
beyond recognition and breathe new life. Of course this work costs money. But to save money, you can make the steering wheel braid yourself and cover it with leather. This procedure does not require special super skills. Yes, and tools can be found in any sewing store. As a result, you get an exclusive design in a single version.
Choosing material
Before you start reupholstering the steering wheel with your own hands, you need to decide on the material and color. To create a braid, it is better to use genuine leather. The advantages of this material:
- Strength;
- Durability;
- Feels good in the hand;
- Easier to drive.
Attention! If you decide to make a steering wheel cover with your own hands, you should choose car leather. It is designed specifically to operate over a wide temperature range and has a long service life.
Alcantara is a good alternative to leather.
Types of leather for steering wheel
Rules for choosing leather for steering wheel reupholstery
In order for the leather braid on the steering wheel to be made at a high level with your own hands, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Naturalness. It is better to use genuine leather to cover a car steering wheel. It is of higher quality than artificial.
- Thickness. It is worth choosing the correct and optimal skin thickness. The thin one will quickly wear out, and in the near future you will again need to reupholster the steering wheel with leather yourself. Or already order the service in the salon. You should not choose too thick a material; you will be tortured by piercing the skin. Suitable size 1.3mm, plus/minus 0.2mm.
- Skin extensibility. Good and “correct” elasticity ensures a tight fit on the steering wheel. Choose medium skin stretch.
- Perforation. Working with perforated material is much more pleasant and convenient. It is more resistant to wear than regular ones.
Selecting Tools
To make a leather steering wheel cover yourself, for any car you will need the same set of tools:
- A skein of strong thread of the required color. It is better to use nylon threads;
- Several thimbles to protect your fingers;
- A set of steel needles used to stitch leather. Steel hardness up to 50 HRC;
- Masking tape;
- High density cardboard A3 format. It is necessary for making a pattern;
- Roll of cling film;
- A marker or felt-tip pen with a thick rod. A pencil will also work;
- A sharp knife, a stationery knife will do;
- Glue. An alternative is epoxy resin;
- Powerful hair dryer.
Tools for re-upholstering the steering wheel
As you can see, the necessary set of tools can be found in any construction and sewing store. That's why DIY leather steering wheel wrap will not become an impossible and supernatural task.
How to properly remove the steering wheel
Before you make the leather braid for the steering wheel yourself, you need to remove it correctly so that there are no errors with the airbag. Everything must be done in a certain sequence:
- Remove the terminals from the battery.
- Unscrew the lower screws of the steering column housing.
- Remove the plastic on the steering column.
- Lower the steering wheel adjustment lock and remove the remaining plastic.
- Align the car's wheels.
- There are holes on the left and right sides of the steering wheel. There are bolts or spokes that need to be pressed out with a slotted screwdriver..
- Remove the block with the cushion and the signal button.
- Remove the chips from the steering wheel.
- Unscrew the steering wheel.
- Use a marker to place marks on the steering wheel and on the threaded part where the nut was secured. This will help you put the steering wheel back correctly.
- Tap the circle of the steering wheel with a rubber hammer to make it “jump”.
- It is better to secure the steering column element (snail) with electrical tape to prevent it from turning.
Removing the car steering wheel
These manipulations are the most difficult, because Covering the steering wheel with leather yourself is not difficult. Some experienced craftsmen do not remove the steering wheel and perform the reupholstery “on the spot”. This requires certain skills and abilities. It is not recommended for beginners to do this.
Steering wheel reupholstery
In this chapter you will learn how to cover your steering wheel with genuine leather yourself. In general, the whole process is divided into two stages:
- Pattern;
- Steering wheel reupholstery.
If you correctly perform all the actions in the first stage, then in the second (re-tightening the steering wheel) you will not have any difficulties.
Making a pattern
To understand how to tighten leather yourself, all actions must be performed according to clear instructions and in a certain sequence. Otherwise, it will come out unevenly and you will have difficulty driving the car.
Removing old leather from steering wheel
- After removing the steering wheel, you need to get rid of the old braid. You don't need it, just cut along the seams and remove the worn material.
- Wrap the steering wheel with cling film. You shouldn’t skimp on the material, but you should wrap the steering wheel carefully. Eliminate the occurrence of differences and irregularities.
- Place masking tape on top of the cling film. Be sure to use a marker to mark the places where the seams will go.
- According to these markings, cut the wound tape. This will be the layout. The tape will roll into a tube. Flatten it and press it down with a heavy object. Leave it overnight. The next morning the layout will be smooth and neat. Or straighten the tape layout using a hot iron.
- Use the finished layout for a cardboard base. Cardboard is stronger than tape.
- You will get 4 layout elements. Using their sample, we apply it to the skin and cut out the material of the required size.
- All elements of the pattern must be numbered so as not to be confused and to understand the final location of the pieces.
Steering wheel cover
Having basic sewing skills, the question of how to remake a steering wheel with leather yourself will not be a problem. All you need is accuracy and correct and consistent execution of actions. The car will get a unique, designer and beautiful steering wheel, made by yourself.
- You need to take a strong thread. Thread it into the needle.
- Before starting the sheathing, remove excess leather.
- Apply glue or epoxy resin to the surface of the steering wheel. This way, there is no further scrolling of the skin, which means that the possibility of an emergency situation is eliminated.
- Start covering the steering wheel with leather.
- Make all the holes for the firmware in advance. This simplifies this stage of work. Make holes with a sewing machine or an awl.
- It is necessary to retreat approximately 2 millimeters from the edge of the leather workpiece. If you make a seam closer to the edge, the skin will simply tear under tension. The distance between stitches should be 1-2 millimeters.
- Carefully place the elements in the correct order and begin stitching.
Stitching leather on steering wheel
Experienced craftsmen, in order not to use glue and to ensure that the leather fits tightly to the steering wheel, moisten the material in warm water. This helps it become more elastic. When the leather dries, it fits more tightly to the steering wheel due to the reduction of the workpiece.
Final stages
Having completed the firmware, you need to dry the updated leather car steering wheel, made by yourself, with a hairdryer. You help smooth out wrinkles on the surface of the steering wheel. Afterwards you need to wait for the glue to dry completely. If traces of it remain on the surface of the braid, they can be removed with gasoline. Take a dry rag, apply a small amount of gasoline to it, and wipe the steering wheel. The unpleasant smell will disappear within a day.
Now return the updated steering wheel to its rightful place. All steps described in the subtitle “How to properly remove the steering wheel” should be performed in reverse order. By the way, when re-upholstering the steering wheel, you can simultaneously install heating.
Now you know how to make your own steering wheel braid yourself. Not everyone can get a leather steering wheel covered perfectly the first time: the threads or the workpiece may break. Don't be discouraged, working with leather requires certain skills and abilities. A separate segment of drivers who cover the steering wheel with leather themselves can do this the third or fourth time. Practice on cheap material for the first time so that you don’t feel bad for the money you spent. But remember, leather braiding is the most reliable and durable. It is this material that will delight you and serve faithfully for many years.
