The seat cover protects the car’s upholstery against stains and dirt. It is usually a thick, stretchy textile that can be removed for cleaning. Some seat covers include a waterproof coating to protect the upholstery from spills and rain. It may also have an anti-slip surface to keep the cover in place. Some covers have a soft, pillow-like feel. Others are made of a material that is grippier to help drivers maintain their optimal driving position. These covers are often padded and have an ergonomically designed shape.
The performance and quality of seat covers depend on the choice of materials and processing. The selection of fabrics is crucial for achieving the desired properties and appearance, such as comfort, dimensional stability, colourfastness to light, and abrasion resistance. In addition, the selection of finishing techniques is important for maintaining the required properties.
Woven fabric types are generally preferred for seat covers. However, they can have low abrasion resistance and limited stretch. The stretching of woven fabrics can be improved by the use of elastomeric yarns or special finishing. The use of fibres with specific health benefits or a pleasant fragrance is also possible, as is the use of recycled materials.
Several different seaming methods can be used to join the cut parts of the cover. In order to achieve the desired quality, it is essential that the selected seaming method matches the requirements of the selected fabrics. The seaming must not lose strength in the area of the stitch, and the correct sewing thread and the right kind of machine with corresponding needle must be employed.