Making a real leather armrest cover

[BamaDrewski]

I am going to try and sew up a real leather (glove leather) armrest cover for my 2000 T4R Limited. The original one wore out! I found some nice brown, tanned, “glove leather” and I have the old cover as a pattern. Anyone ever attempted this? If so, any tips?

 

[SonnySays]

Do you plan to make it any longer? Mine feels so small.

 

[lext4r]

Do you plan to make it any longer? Mine feels so small.

I just had to quote this, well, just because :bounce:

 

[Crammit442]

I am going to try and sew up a real leather (glove leather) armrest cover for my 2000 T4R Limited. The original one wore out! I found some nice brown, tanned, “glove leather” and I have the old cover as a pattern. Anyone ever attempted this? If so, any tips?

As you and I discussed, the pattern is deceptively simple looking. If you're off by just a bit, it's not going to look good. I sew leather daily with industrial machines and have a good supply of leather and after finding the one linked below on eBay, I jumped on it. It's well made, matches the color closely and is a perfect fit. The only difference in the synthetic they use and real leather is that it'll probably last longer with almost no care. It even sort of smells like leather. I don't want to discourage you. It can DEFINITELY be done, but if you don't sew a lot and don't have a fairly heavy machine, I'd buy enough material for multiple attempts:thumb:

Charles

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-1996-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[Crammit442]

Here’s a of pic of mine installed. Very satisfied!
Charles

 

[Crammit442]

For the record, I don't want to make it sound like it's like sewing seat covers or that you can't do it. It's just considerably more sophisticated sewing than it looks like it would be. I assumed it was simply sewn flat and wrapped to fit. It's actually fully three dimensional w/sides that have to be pretty close to dead on to fit well and look professionally made. Good luck and post pics. I've still got my old cover too. I may do one out of the carbon fiber vinyl I showed you.
Charles

 

[Scramble]

Do you plan to make it any longer? Mine feels so small.

:lol:

 

[BamaDrewski]

Do you plan to make it any longer? Mine feels so small.

Fortunately, I have never needed to make mine longer.......its always been plenty big.

 

[loafer]

yeah i am going to have to agree with crammit442, thats not going to be an easy sew. those are some tight turns. Then you have to do it two more times . I would do some practice sewing, and dont forget to put in some timing marks , that will help. I also sew every day, not leather but canvas and vinyls. Good luck

 

[Scramble]

They sell leather & vinyl covers on e-bay. You could even buy a used one in mint condition.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Brand new from Camelback for $55. That's what I did, I think I found one even cheaper on Ebay new. Time is more important for me than saving $20 and making a leather cover.

https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/p...LE&subgroup=CENTER CONSOLE&component=Lid assy

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

the leather option has been discontinued and has been replaced with vinyl.

 

[BamaDrewski]

Brand new from Camelback for $55. That's what I did, I think I found one even cheaper on Ebay new. Time is more important for me than saving $20 and making a leather cover.

https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/p...LE&subgroup=CENTER CONSOLE&component=Lid assy

The more I think about it, the more I think you guys might be right. I would probably be better off buying one. Found a real leather one on Ebay (comes out of England) Looks pretty good!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FITS-TOYOT...Runner&hash=item52018222b7:g:WegAAOSw44BYC6lA

I checked the Camelback link and it does not indicate the new lid comes with leather.....

 

[SonnySays]

:lol:

That's just cold. :caked: