Damn. Australian $ or US $?

Either way, that's really pricey!

These look great @Keith Mayne! They're a HUGE time saver, for sure!

LeatherSeats.com sells acrylic stitch templates. They offer 10 different patterns, which could help with some ideas on new ones. You can view them here.

We reviewed the stitch templates last year, and gave some away. Click here to read our review.

We definitely cosign that! @Mal Maher at NC, Nick Roberts and Brodie Smith at Douglass and Aaron Laithwaite at Hydes did an amazing job bringing the auto upholstery community together at this year's SEMA Show.

I can't recall a time when this industry has been so inclusive, encouraging and supportive.

These manufacturers and suppliers are creating a space for trimmers to come together, network and forge professional and personal relationships.

And trimmers have been so cool about it too. Long gone are the days when pros hoarded tips and tricks. We're all learning from one another, providing constructive feedback on each others' projects, and welcoming advice.

It really is a beautiful thing! THANK YOU!

Haha all good ones!

@Jens Jesberg I appreciate how passionate you are in your hatred for the term "vegan leather" :lol: :rofl:

That's a good question @Rodger Pisani.... why do we call it "tuck n' roll"? Where does that term come from?

@Chris pintos Here's a good list of industrial sewing contractors in Georgia: https://www.thomasnet.com/georgia/industrial-sewing-contractors-95999561-1.html

Nope, but in 2017 we reported on a shop employee who died when an airbag deployed by mistake, causing head trauma. At the time, he was the 11th such death in the United States related to faulty Takata airbags. You can read the article here.

It's all fun and games until you blow someone's testicles off...



The videos are funny, but I'd never do it myself.

Last year, we reviewed and gave away a full set of LeatherSeats.com's stitch templates.

If you're interested, you read about the templates here: Draw Pleats Faster With Stitch Templates

Got more questions about leather?

Keep them coming! Aaron, CEO of Hydes Leather, is going to answer 1 to 2 questions each month for as long as we like.

This is a great opportunity to tap an expert for anything you've ever wondered about leather.

Hi @Dean McConnell, Aaron answered your question about steaming leather. You can read it here: Is it Safe to Steam Leather Seat Covers?

This is the equivalent of buying shredded jeans.... :lol: :rofl:

Haha, I'll never understand "rat rods"... :lol:

Check out our article: "10 Best (Worst) Rat Rod Interiors"

Private message me @Richard Tice, I'm interested in acquiring them.

Albright's Supply has a nice selection. Check it out here.

@Torrie Coffman is on their team and can answer any questions you have.

Hi Richard, we'd definitely be interested in checking out those how-to articles!

Yup. What Fred and Steve said. OEM steering wheel covers are hand stitched, to this day.

Good topic! Would love to hear what others think. Here's my take...



In the end, shops end up eating at least some of the cost. Not because they have to, but because you want to avoid the negative reviews, keep customers happy and coming back, etc. It's not really fair, but that's life.

@Dean McConnell Thanks for your question. Steaming leather is also something I've long wondered about. Will get this question over to Aaron ASAP.

@William Duffy Aaron just answered to your question on how to remove creases from folded leather. To see his answer, click here: How do I Remove Creases from Leather?

Thanks for submitting your question!

Hi @MICHAEL TODD, check out this how-two pictorial: http://www.thehogring.com/2012/07/12/how-to-upholster-a-steering-wheel/

Agree with @Johann Merkhofer. Hydes is our go-to for woven leather.

That's a great question @Dean McConnell. I've always been taught that you never steam leather, but I see trimmers do it all the time on Facebook and IG. We'll pose the question to Aaron and put the debate to rest once and for all. Thanks!

Thanks @William Duffy. We'll definitely pose your question to Aaron!

Hi @Bryan Owens and @Andy Laird. As promised, we posed this question to Aaron Laithwaite of Hydes Leather.

Here's the answer he provided us: Is the Back of Leather the Same as Suede?

In short, he doesn't recommend it and explains why.

Gorgeous work @Tom Richardson! Love it!