How to Make Beaded Motorcycle Seats
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4-10 hours
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Intermediate
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- 75-150
With the use of beaded motorcycle seats you can endure a long trip without having a numb rear end at the end of the journey. Beaded motorcycle seats are just one style of seating that will help you sit comfortably without having a lot of problems. They are comprised of a wicker type border with breads that are strung together to form a strong, comfortable seat covering. Motorcycle seats need to be comfortable in order to have an enjoyable ride. Here are some steps to making your own beaded motorcycle seats.
Step 1: Measure Motorcycle Seat for Beaded Covering
The first thing to do when making beaded motorcycle seats is to measure the seat. Using a fabric tape measure, measure across the seat at both the front and the end. You will also want to measure from the top to the bottom of the seat for the length. This will help you purchase your materials.
Step 2: Trace Outline of Seat
Once you have the materials you need for making the beaded motorcycle seat you can then get the pattern that you need. The easiest way that you can get the pattern for your motorcycle seat is by simply tracing it out onto a piece of paper. It does not have to be exact, but it should be close.
Step 3: Start Outline of Beaded Cover
Begin to lash together some of the wicker strands in the general shape of the motorcycle seat. Lash them together with the small leather cords and use fabric glue to cement them together.
Step 4: Begin Bead Strands
Beaded motorcycle seats are done with individual strands of beaded strips. The beads are threaded onto a piece of leather lashing that is cut to the length that is needed according to the seat outline. Take one strip of leather and cut it to the length of the outline where you will place it. Leave another inch of cord for wrapping around the wicker outline. Thread the beads onto the leather tightly together until you reach the end.
Step 5: Attach Beads to Wicker
Once you have one of the beaded strips together you can then attach it to the border of the motorcycle seat. Wrap the cord around the wicker strands and secure with fabric glue.
Step 6: Continue Building Beaded Motorcycle Seat
Once the first strip is completed, and attached to the beginning of a seat cover, you can continue on with the rest of the beaded strips. Make sure that they are packed together rather tight so that they will not have any room to move and separate.
Step 7: Install Elastic Clips
To hold the new beaded motorcycle seat cover to the seat you will need to install some elastic clips to keep it in place. Sew them to the wicker strands near the top and bottom on both sides. Once they are attached you can then set the cover on the seat and clip it to the bottom of the actual motorcycle seat. Now when you ride down the road you will be able to do so in style.