Anyone make and install their own leather inserts?
 

I was wondering if anyone has some experience in making or replacing part of an existing leather seat with an accent color? I am not talking about purchasing a complete set, but removing the existing cover, removing the stitching, copying the pattern to the new leather and then sewing it back together.

I am thinking of doing some accents for my car, and was wondering whats involved? I would also like to get something embroidered in the head rest while I was at it.

If anyone has some experience, please post up, thanks

Remove seat cover, cut stitching holding in the insert panel for the seat cover. Use old panel to create pattern for new insert panel. Sew onto a foam backing material. Sew cover back together. Reinstall reupholstered cover over seat and make adjustments as necessary to get a tight fit. Of course, it's really a lot more involved than this as there is technique that only years of upholstery experience can bring. My stepdad has been doing this for several decades so I know the theory, just not hands-on experience.

What is the purpose of the foam backing material you speak of? I think I will try a set of cloth seats out of a parts car I have first to get the feel for what I am doing.

The foam backing gives a little more body to the material. Of course, this isn't always necessary for thicker materials like leather. But if you're using houndstooth or velour, it's a must.

It comes on the seats already, for more comfort I suppose.