So, what is consensus on factory-like diamond stitching thread size? 138? Or go 207?

I have some 138 thread but visually original thread I took off looks bigger. Also hard to tell because it's "fluffy". It's a baseball stitching on Lexus steering wheel.

Smaller pulley will make a lot of difference for sure. Then, practice will make even more difference. For upholstery you do want to go faster, not stitch by stitch. You can always just crank by hand if you need it very slow. I got this one (link doesn't open at the moment) https://store.keysew.com/s...

Install 45mm pulley on motor. This is cheap motor, doesn’t start slow, not enough power

So, this is typical before/after images. I'd like to try and make it better
I also noticed that those folds go from top and bottom and stop around middle, especially visible on new seat

I see all of the replacements done with plain panels. But I wonder if it's possible to do what factory did? How do you create panels that look like those? Seats themselves don' look complex, big pieces, no sharp corners. But EVERY replacement "covers" I see from 3rd party have flat center ...

Pyramid Trim seem to be "wholesale only"

Instead of purchasing something like Lloyd mats I want to try and make my own. What is a good plush quality carpet and how much do I need for regular sedan (4 mats)? What is the rubber material they have on bottom? What kind of fabric do I use for the stripe that wraps around? Those metal circles, h...

I did this with regular suede (Ultrasuede Toray(R)) which is very much like Alcantara. Unbacked. It's pretty thick, like 1mm+, doesn't stretch very well. But it does a little. I did not do any foam and it came out OK. 1. Practice on something else. I did A/B/C pillars first. Then I did rear shelf (h...

I would buy branded machine and if you don’t mind used I would look for excellent condition used one

Bigger bobbin is nice to have, self oiling might be problematic if you sew slowly. And if you don’t use machine daily just making it more complex. I personally like manual oiling but I don’t use machine to make money. Stitch length is another questionable item. If you never use it then you don’t nee...

DO get needle positioner if you going to upgrade to servo motor. Extra $20-30 but it's so much better when you don't have to reach out to move needle every time.

@Susy
Would you be able to do french seams like this on single needle flat bed machine? I know I cannot, but I am a beginner..

Nice! Does anybody have experience on Post bed vs Cylinder arms in auto upholstery? Flat top "attachment" can be made for both making it "flat bed" if needed. I found source for machines and purchased 2 walking foot post bed Singer's. Single and double needle. They were so cheap ...

No, I was referring to covers being loose, not stretched, need some foam or templates might need to be smaller.

Stitches and sew lines all look excellent from what I can see.

I think it looks very good. From sewing perspective all lines straight which I rarely see with piping.

The only thing is it’s not stretched, need some padding

My "sewing machine table" project is completed now! It's little bit too much and I wouldn't do it again but I love end result. Had to make my own aluminum pan, installed better motor, 1100W with needle positioner and 24V for knee lift (might add that too). My other machine (Seiko above) is...

Acetone is the best degreaser

It's 168w101, Essentially the same as Singer 111 but with a post. It's a walking foot machine, just like Seiko on top, I bet lots of the same parts.
It's definitely for heavier stuff, I know people using up to 207 threaad with those.

That singer post bed looks interesting. Are you planning using it or was a two for one with the skiver? It was at very good price to not take it. I always thought about something like this to do headrests. Having trouble sewing them on flat bed machine. I didn't plan on buying post bed but for the ...

@ajnegus You don't have to go through machine like I did, you can buy it dialed in. Right now I will be selling one of my machines, either PFAFF 1245 or this Seiko, one have to go since I don't need 2. Not sure which one to keep though Machines now following me. Just bought 2 more, was very good de...