DIY Carpet Cutting, Binding, and Install

[rennch]

I was long overdue for a new carpet kit to replace my tired RS carpet kit in the gray ghost. I've always liked the look of German square weave, but they don't by default make it for my car. The kits I priced out where anywhere between $950 and $1300, so I thought in the spirit of do it yourself'ers, I'd give it a try myself.

I stopped by global upholstery and picked out read 345 German square weave carpet.



I thought it would look pretty cool with black binding instead of red, so that's the direction I went.

Here is a close-up of my first binding experiment last week, but I just used a piece of scrap vinyl as binding:



I got progressively better as I practiced around the square.



Obviously these edges are so rough I would not want to leave them exposed:



So, onto the real deal. I thought I would start with a pretty inconspicuous peace, so I picked one that sits mostly under the seat, in case I messed it up.

I placed it face down on my upside down square weave carpet, traced, and cut it out with some nice upholstery shears.







I picked up 15 yards of vinyl binding in black, also from global upholstery. So, I cut out enough to go around the perimeter of the carpet.



My first attempt did not go well at all, mostly because I'm a hack. Secondarily because I needed to adjust the machine for a longer stitches. I'm brand-new to sewing, so I'm just learning as I go.



The end result, however, was what I was hoping for:




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[rennch]

This evening, I improved my approach a bit by pinning the binding before I sewed it:



Overall, the process is pretty simple: you place the binding upside down on the edge of the carpet, can you run a stitch about 5 to 10 mm in from the edge of the carpet. Then, you simply wrap the binding down, fold it under, and run another stitch from the top to secure the underside. I will be filming a how-to video for my rennch YouTube channel.



Tonight was a bit easier, and I'm really happy how it's turning out:





That said, it's easy to see why upholstery guys can charge so much money. It is a very time-consuming process!

Stay tuned for future updates!




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[83_Silberpfeil]

Looks great! Keep going! Cannot wait to see the rest, and the how-to video.
Special Singer machine for upholstry or leather/carpet?

[rennch]

Originally Posted by 83_Silberpfeil

Looks great! Keep going! Cannot wait to see the rest, and the how-to video.
Special Singer machine for upholstry or leather/carpet?

I bought a heavy duty Singer, model 4452. So far it has handled just about everything I've thrown at it, including leather. Joann fabrics always seems to have great sales. I think I bought mine for 140 bucks.


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[AHudson]

That's pretty darned remarkable. Yep, "Singer" seems to fit for a cool retro custom!

I'd have definitely sewn my fingers together on the first effort. Big bravo there. Looking excellent!

[OldSpool87]

That's an awesome and ballsy project. I like it. Great work!

[McLaren-TAG]

Love it man, that's the DIY spirit!

[livetopedal]

Inspiring! Subscribed and looking forward to your progress.

[Steve F]

Well done Sir!

[Tremelune]

Great choice with black trim. Even perfectly-matching red vinyl trim will fade differently than the carpet and clash.

[KevinB_NJ]

Sub'd! Would you mind sharing what they charged for the material? Or maybe a total project cost when you finish. Thanks!

[cnielsen]

Looks great Michael!

Mind sharing info about your sewing machine?

[cknaak]

That will look great in your car. Cool DIY project.

[yazhound]

Nice! More than I would have attempted having no seamstress skills.

[timchar]

First bringing that dash back from the grave, now making your own carpet kit. You are one talented hombre. Great inspiration. Tim

[David 23]

I'm super impressed! The color will look great with your car. Can't wait to see it!

[yelcab1]

I will buy the machine and make my wife do the sewing..... My 328 needs new carpet, bad....

[Vereeken]

Well I be damned. Ronnie James Dio does his own sewing !

Nice work....

[OffCamber00]

Very nice work. Was thinking about this same project recently. Glad to see its doable with a bit of time and patience.

[yelcab1]

I got a pair of jeans that need hemming
.....