Sheepskin seat covers

[M20F-1968]

I have been thinking of adding some sheepskin seat covers to my plane, but I do not like what is currently being made commercially.  First, there is very little space between the outboard side of the seats and the side panels.  It is sufficiently tight to make placing a layer of sheepskin there difficult.  Secondly, I do not like the loose fit and the straps.

What I envision is making a fitted leather seat cover tailored to the seat which slips over the seat.  I have the Ovation seats so the seat bottom is its own piece velcroed to the aluminum seat bottom.  I envision making a pouch that the seat bottom slides into.  Likwise, the seat back will be fitted with a tailored cover that slides over the seat from the top, and has an opening in the back allowing access to the seat pocket.  The face of the seat bottom and face of the seat back will be sheepskin, and the rest of the seat cover will be regular upholstery leather which will take up less room than the sheepskin because it has no fur, but is equally as durable.

I purchased a fur sewing machine to specifically complete this task.  Any ideas the crowd might add to the project?

John Breda

[Pinecone]

I would have talked to a local car or airplane upholstery shop and had them make them.

 

[natdm]

2 hours ago, M20F-1968 said:

I purchased a fur sewing machine to specifically complete this task.  Any ideas the crowd might add to the project?

John Breda

Out of curiosity what's a fur sewing machine? (as in, what make/model..) I'm actually ordering a machine today (I hope) for something not fur, but just wondering what the differences are.

[M20F-1968]

On 10/1/2024 at 9:28 AM, natdm said:

Out of curiosity what's a fur sewing machine? (as in, what make/model..) I'm actually ordering a machine today (I hope) for something not fur, but just wondering what the differences are.

Fur is not sewn with a typical sewing machine.  A fur sewing machine is a small industrial sewing machine that make a running overlock stitch.  The machines have an open architecture where the leather is placed together, fur facing fur, and held between two knurled disks that turn and advance the leather toward the next stitch.  The machines are made in different models to accommodate the various thickness of hides to be sewn.  Do a google search for Fur Sewing Machine and you will find some videos, used and new machines for sale.  The older and quite viable machines were made in the 1930's - 1950's and were made in Germany, England, US, and elsewhere.  Like with airplanes, you need to know what project you plan to do, since industrial sewing machines are made usually to make one type os stitch only, in one type or weight of fabric or leather.

John Breda