Bicycle Seat Upholstery: Easy Bike Seat DIY

X-HT-300822

Replacing the worn-out vinyl on your bicycle seat, also known as the saddle, is easy. Don’t let a ripped or damaged seat keep you from enjoying bike rides. Our step-by-step video will show you how to replace your torn vinyl with new quality vinyl from Sailrite®. Let’s start today’s easy bike seat upholstery project.
Video Chapters:
  • Removing Old Cover — 0:23 min.
  • Repairing Foam — 2:15 min.
  • Patterning — 5:55 min.
  • Patterning & Cutting Allsport 360° Stretch Vinyl Fabric  — 11:43 min.
  • Tacking Stitch The Boxing to Top Plate — 13:42 min.
  • Sewing Semi-Flat-Felled Seam — 20:11 min.
  • Applying Cover With Contact Cement — 23:34 min.
Materials List:
  • Fabric Backed Sew Foam 58" #124306
  • CushionRite® Foam & Fabric Spray Adhesive 16.9 oz. #125476
  • Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (36 yds.) #122065
  • Dura-Skrim® Patterning Material 74" #103134
  • Morbern™ Allsport 360° Stretch Black 54" Vinyl Fabric #104182
  • PremoBond® Tex 90 (V-92) Black UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. #123338 
  • Polyester Carpet Binding Beige #120236
  • S-18 All-Purpose Adhesive 4 oz. #124192
Tools List:
  • Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" #102400
  • Comfort Grip Rotary Cutter 60mm #965511
  • Sailrite® Self Healing Double-Sided Cutting Mat 24" x 36" #123113
  • Kai Stainless Steel Bent Handle 9" Scissors #125661
  • Tape Measure 120" #102986
  • Sewing Gauge Ruler 6" #102995
  •  Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) #311602
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Industrial Sewing Table #120934
  •  Basic Thread Snips #123222
  •  Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide #103597
  •  Marker, Pen

The key to a taut, well-fitting bike seat is the vinyl you use. You need an upholstery vinyl with a lot of stretch that can be pulled and can conform to a frame with a lot of shape and angles. That’s why we recommend Morbern™ Allsport 360° Stretch Vinyl. This vinyl stretches equally in every direction — on the warp, on the weft and on the bias. This makes it perfect for a bike seat that has a lot of exaggerated shaping and curves.

X Ht 300822 2

In this video tutorial, you’ll learn:

  • How to remove the old vinyl fabric.
  • How to check the foam for damage and repair it if necessary.
  • How to pattern from the old vinyl.
  • How to sew the boxing to the top plate.
  • How to glue the vinyl to the seat frame.

You’ll find the complete materials and tools lists below. Order the materials you need at Sailrite, and then get started on this quick and easy upholstery project.

How did your bicycle seat upholstery redo turn out? Tag #Sailrite on your favorite social media platform with photos of your new bike seat. We love seeing all the amazing projects our talented customers are making.

And if you’re looking for more DIY content, you’re in the right place! We have hundreds of how-tos for your home, patio, boat, vehicle and more. Learn everything from sewing a leather crossbody bag to reupholstering your living room sofa. With Sailrite’s vast inventory of quality sewing supplies and beginner-friendly DIY tutorials, you can craft with confidence.

!