What You Need To Know When Sending Us Your Own Fabric For Seat Trimming.
At GSM Performance, we love helping our customers personalise their vehicle interiors with custom seat trimming. One of the most exciting ways to make your car uniquely yours is by sending us your fabric for seat customisation. However, there’s a lot to consider when selecting the right material to ensure your custom seats look great and hold up over time. Choosing the wrong fabric can lead to premature wear, a poor fit, or a finish that doesn’t meet your expectations.
This blog is here to help guide you through the process, answering all the important questions about material selection. Whether you’re drawn to tartan for a classic look, a bold pattern for a standout interior, or a sleek plain fabric for a modern vibe, the key is finding a material that balances durability with aesthetic appeal. We’ll explain what to look for, how much fabric you’ll need, and why considerations like weight and backing are critical to the final result. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently choose the best fabric for your custom seat project.
Key Characteristics to Look for in Fabric
When selecting fabric for seat trimming, stability and durability should be your top priorities. Seats experience significant wear and tear from daily use, exposure to sunlight, and frequent cleaning, so the material needs to withstand these challenges. Here are the key characteristics to keep in mind:
Polyester Base:
Ideally, your fabric should have a polyester base. This type of material is known for its durability, resistance to fading, and ease of maintenance. While we can work with wool-based fabrics, it’s important that the material is not 100% wool to ensure longevity and proper fitting during installation.Weight Requirements:
The fabric should weigh 250g per square metre or be classified as medium to heavyweight if measured per linear metre. Heavier fabrics, such as tartan with a weight of around 400g per linear metre, provide the durability necessary for seat applications.Backing Material:
A proper backing is essential to give the fabric the necessary structure. Backed materials are easier to work with and produce a more polished and secure finish on the seats.
How Much Fabric Will You Need?
The amount of fabric required depends on its pattern and the number of seats you’re trimming. For patterned materials, additional fabric may be necessary to ensure the design aligns perfectly across the seat. Here’s a general guideline to help you plan:
- 1 Metre Per Seat Centre: For plain or minimally patterned fabrics, we typically require no more than 1 metre per seat centre.
- 3 to 4 Metres for Patterned Fabrics: If your fabric has a bold or intricate pattern, we recommend sending 3 to 4 metres to allow for precise alignment.
Any unused material will be returned to you, so you can rest assured that nothing will go to waste.
Special Considerations for Custom Fabrics…
If you’re opting for a unique material like tartan or another specialty fabric, here are a few extra tips:
- Choose a material that is hardwearing and designed for upholstery or automotive use. This ensures the fabric can handle the stresses of seat usage.
- Medium to heavyweight materials (such as 400g per linear metre) are ideal for long-term durability.
- Consider how the fabric will look and feel in different lighting conditions, as some materials may appear lighter or darker once installed in the car.
Explore Our New Tartan Fabric Range
If you’re considering tartan fabric for your seat trimming project, you’ll be thrilled to know that we’ve recently expanded our selection of tartan materials available on our website. These fabrics are perfect for those seeking a bold, timeless look that complements both classic and modern vehicle interiors.
Our range of tartan fabrics includes a variety of styles and color combinations, allowing you to choose a design that perfectly reflects your personality and complements your car’s interior. Whether you’re restoring a vintage classic or adding a retro vibe to a modern vehicle, tartan fabrics offer a unique and stylish option. Each fabric is carefully selected for its quality, durability, and suitability for automotive applications.
Closing Thoughts
Selecting the right fabric for custom seat trimming is essential for achieving a professional finish that’s both stylish and durable. By focusing on materials with a polyester base, the correct weight, and proper backing, you can ensure your seats look fantastic and stand the test of time.
At GSM Performance, we’re here to help with every step of the process. If you have any questions about your fabric choice or the trimming process, don’t hesitate to contact us. With the right fabric and a little planning, we’ll bring your vision to life!