[Mk2] [Generic] Diy alcantara retrim

[gazrev1tubby]

Hi folks, in the ongoing list of mods to my car - I decided to have a go at re-trimming the interior myself. 

Now i'd never used a sewing machine before, and no experience making templates, patterns etc etc. I'm very pleased with the results - not as good as i'd expect a pro to do, but i'm pleased nonetheless :th:

Got the tunnel, door card inserts, cubby box to do but here's what i've done so far:

After stripping and cleaning


I used a 1/4" foam backing to pad it out a bit



Then glued into place, cut out holes for n\s vent and clock - just got to fit windscreen vents

[djpkins]

Gaz...thats awsome man...

[Vampire]

You've done a fantastic job! well done for giving it a go and getting a result!

[planted1]

Inspiring me to have a go at that as well,

Looks great,well done

[riot68]

that does indeed look rather good, well done, looking forward to seeing it all in the car...

[gazrev1tubby]

Thanks guys, I'm hoping it'll all come together nicely

Vamp, your interior is gorgeous

[alanmr2turbo]

looks very good. How long did it take to do and cost?

Bet its going to be a nightmare to keep clean and dust free.

[uglee]

Fit looks good.

Only thing needed is a thicker stitch I reckon. Can you thicken it up or is it once it's done there is no going back?

[gazrev1tubby]

Thanks guys, in total I guess it probably took a day and a half including making the templates

I'd have liked to have used a thicker cotton, unfortunately a basic home sewing machine is limited for needle/cotton choices. Ideally you need a proper industrial machine, a walking foot type for professional top stiching - but they cost ££££

I'm pleased for a diy jobbie - if I done it again, I'd probably lose the bottom topstitch line or go for just a solid colour

It was a bit of a test really - the stitching is infact dead straight, it's the underlay that's caused it to go a bit wobbly. I think hessian would've been a better option

[jack-p]

i've actually been thinking about doing this myself, just havent had time or money yet
for the stitching do you literally just stitch a line through the material or is it where two pieces of material are joined?
also, how much did it cost you to do if you dont mind me asking?
a very good job though i'll know who to come to with the questions if i ever get round to having a go myself!

[Steve@EdgeAutomotive]

Good effort that, Looks tidy!

I don't use any foam backing when I do my dashes, as its not needed.

My machine cost me £2000!

Steve

[gazrev1tubby]

Good effort that, Looks tidy!

I don't use any foam backing when I do my dashes, as its not needed.

My machine cost me £2000!

Steve

Thanks Steve for the info and kind words bud - it's your work that inspired me to try it.
By far it's not near your standards but it's a trade i've always wanted to learn - although I won't be quitting my day job just yet

I'm glad I had a go - although I may redo it with the topstitch in black so it doesn't show so much
I wasn't going to use any underlay to begin with, I only done it as I was worried that the excess material would show through behind the stitch lines - but, I will say that the foam has made it feel extremely soft