Then you use each of the pieces as a pattern to cut out new fabric. I ended up using about three yards total…a little less than two yards for the front and a little more than a yard for the back. Make sure to mark where things line up, where elastic bands are sewn on, which seams are serged, etc.
After you have all your pieces cut out, it’s time to sew! I reused the batting from the original car seat. My car seat had tan fabric around the outside and plaid in the center. Originally I thought I would make it easier on myself and just make the whole thing out of the same fabric, skipping the maroon binding and second fabric. Then I learned a lesson that is worth sharing…you can’t change things. They sewed it together a certain way because it had to be that way. In my case, that maroon binding around the center section holds a second layer of batting in place. Trust the professionals who put the thing together in the first place and copy everything they do.
That stinkin’ center panel was the hardest thing to sew. This is how I had to sew the fabric together:
It seemed so backwards, but I just kept looking at the original and tried to get mine to look the same. And in the end, my pink binding didn’t line up perfectly, but at that point I wasn’t about to undo seams to fix it.
With two layers of batting plus two or more layers of fabric in some areas, I used my walking foot to help me sew things together. It helped me stuff all that bulk through my machine.
Did it turn out perfectly? No. There are little things that are puckery or crooked or whatever, but nothing too noticeable. And I may have used a teensy bit of hot glue in a couple places where sewing wasn’t working out.
I still think it’s pretty dang cute.
And it sure is an improvement! And I have just enough fabric left over to make one of those car seat canopy tent things. But I may not want to use it. It would cover up all my hard work!
Comments & Reviews
Danielle says
Wow. Just wow. I am so impressed.
S Bannerman says
Great job! It turned out really cute.
Petra says
those are gorgeous…. and so unique. i love them
Tharvey says
That is an insane piece of sewing! So impressive.
Jennifer {The Craft Patch} says
Tharvey-
Yeah…it was so intimidating! But I would totally do it again.
Lyd Stew says
You are truly brilliant. I feel like you could so be the head of some designer company! Incredible!