Protect Your Investment: How to Make a Custom DIY Pontoon Bench Seat Cover
X-HT-300833
- Patterning Seat - 1:03
- Cutting Fabric Panels to Size - 16:53
- Creating Obstacle Circle Cutouts - 22:50
- Sewing Panels Together - 28:07
- Adding Boxing Rectangle Piece - 39:35
- Sewing Binding on Edges Along Rail - 45:38
- Adding Webbing, Binding on Rail Flap Edge - 48:18
- Easy Fits on Rail Flap & Marking Bottom - 51:12
- Installing Snaps on Rail Flap Edge - 54:15
- Adding Snaps Around Bottom - 55:09
- Filament Strapping Tape 3/4" (60 yds.) - SKU: 5643
- Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (36 yds.) - SKU: 122064
- Dura-Skrim® Patterning Material 74" - SKU: 103134
- Top Notch® 7 Charcoal 60" Fabric - SKU: 126942
- Tex 70 Polyester Thread
- Top Notch® 9 Polyester Bias Binding Tape Black - SKU: 120940
- Black Polypropylene Webbing 1 ½” - SKU: PPLWBK
- DOT® Snap Fastener Cloth-to-Surface Set 3/8" Screw - SKU: 333002
If you own a pontoon boat, you know the struggle: you arrive at the dock ready for a sunset cruise, but you have to spend 45 minutes unstrapping and hauling off a massive, cumbersome boat cover. By the time you’re done, you’re exhausted before the engine even starts.
The solution? Individual upholstery covers. This project focuses on a contoured L-shaped bench seat, but the techniques can be applied to almost any marine seating. These covers are lightweight, easy to install, and designed to shed water instantly, ensuring your seats stay in pristine condition whether the boat is at the dock or in the driveway.
Mastering the Art of Patterning
The secret to a cover that doesn't sag or blow away in the wind is proper patterning. In the video, we demonstrate how to use Sailrite® Canvas Patterning Material along with Strapping Tape and double-sided tape to create a precise template. You’ll learn exactly where to place your seams to ensure rainwater runs off naturally rather than pooling in the center of your cushions.
Professional Techniques for a Custom Look
We don’t just show you how to sew two pieces of fabric together; we dive into the "pro" details that make a project look factory-made. You'll see how to:
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Use a notcher to create permanent alignment marks.
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Incorporate Top-Notch® 9 Bias Binding to navigate tight curves and hardware cutouts.
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Reinforce snap areas with Polypropylene Webbing for long-lasting durability.
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Utilize Easy Fit Snap DIY Tools to ensure your hardware lines up perfectly with existing studs on your boat.
The Right Tools for the Job
To get through multiple layers of marine-grade fabric like Top-Notch® 7, you need a machine that can handle the heat. The Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine is the star of the show here, effortlessly stitching through heavy assemblies and providing that professional-grade stitch tension. We also highly recommend using a Sailrite® Edge Hot Knife to cut your panels; it seals the fabric edges as you go, preventing fraying and ensuring your cover lasts for years to come.
Part of a Complete Series
This bench seat cover is just one piece of the puzzle! If you’re looking to refresh your entire deck, be sure to check out our other tutorials in this series, including videos on how to pattern a helm cover, a pedestal seat cover, and a captain’s chair.