Leather Steering Wheel Lacing Instructions

Leather steering wheel covers are something that periodically have to be replaced. Car restorers especially often have to replace these leather covers. However, a professional replacement can be very expensive. It is possible to lace the cover to the wheel on your own for much less of the cost.

Supplies

Not too many supplies are needed when lacing a steering wheel cover; however, the right supplies are important. The type of thread used can make the difference between a long lasting wheel and one that easily comes off. Waxed thread is the best string to use because it is sturdy, resists water and is long lasting. Fishing line can also be used but it does cut through the leather over time. Regular thread is not strong enough to hold the leather together tightly enough. Thread sold for sewing leather together should be used if possible. A large blunt needle should be used to sew the piece together. You may also want to use an awl to poke holes into the leather for easier lacing. Some covers come with predrilled holes and thread in the kit.

Procedure

The stitch used to lace leather steering wheel covers together is the herringbone stitch. The herringbone stitch is difficult to master, but it produces the best results and also holds the material together tightly without exerting too much pressure on the leather to prevent tearing. Start with a knotted thread. Pull the thread through the left side of the leather from the underside. Draw the thread through the opposite hole. Go back to the left hole that is already threaded and pull the string tight. Loop back to the right side and come up under the second hole on the right side. That is the most difficult part. For the remaining stitches the procedure is as follows: Pull the thread through the left side from underneath. Go over the right side and into the hole. Pull the needle under the resulting loop and pull tight. Use a double loop to finish and tie a knot to end the strand.

Tips

Wetting the leather helps it stretch better for easier stitching. It may help to use a safety pin to hold the top of the section that you are working with together. If the stitches are too visible for you, you can hammer the seams into the wheel with a rubber mallet. You can also glue the leather to the steering wheel. A crochet hook is a great way to gently tighten threads as you go along.