Owner guides
How to make motorhome seat covers
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Want to learn how to make motorhome seat covers? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether for your own use or your hirer’s, it’s important to make your motorhome (or campervan) feel as homely as possible while out on the road. Motorhome seat covers will not only make for comfortable, stain-free travel, but they are also a quick and easy DIY task that can really add to its unique look and feel.
Below, we take you through some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to how to make motorhome seat covers, along with a simple step-by-step guide.
Do you need motorhome seat covers?
The first question on your lips might be whether or not motorhome seat covers are necessary. Just like your car, you can technically get by without protecting the seats or adding a bit of flair to your motorhome. That said, we strongly recommend seat covers if you want to keep your motorhome’s interior looking fresh and feeling comfortable for longer - especially if you’re planning to rent it out!
It is important to remember that this motorhome is going to be the base of your adventures on the road. You’re going to be eating, drinking, sleeping, hanging out and more in this motorhome. So, unlike your car, there’s a much greater chance that sticky hands are going to find their way onto the seats, along with all those inevitable spills on the way. After all, it’s no easy feat to eat neatly when you’re on the road!
That’s where the seat covers come in handy. One of the biggest benefits of seat covers is that they help protect your motorhome while also adding your own personal sense of style.
What supplies do you need for motorhome seat covers?
Ready to get creating? Here’s how to make motorhome seat covers that will travel New Zealand with you (and your hirers, if you’re renting it out!). Here’s what you need to get started:
Fabric: we go through the different options below. The most important thing is to get too much fabric. It’s always better to do away with a little than to not have enough.
Scissors
Sewing machine
Elastic
Pins
Butcher’s paper
What are the best material options for motorhome seat covers and why?
When it comes down to it, you can really choose any fabric you like. It all depends on your personal preferences. Some people are quite happy to sit on plastic seat covers for the trip that simply wipe clean. If you’re looking at other options, here’s some suggestions:
Canvas : if you’re after a heavy-duty material that will protect against mud, dirt, dust and so on, then canvas is your go-to. It is highly resilient and will see you through the dirtiest of road trips without a problem. It’s also strong and sturdy, reducing the risk of rips and tears.
Vinyl : also known as imitation leather, vinyl gives off a sophisticated and stylish look to really amp up your motorhome’s interior. You can choose from several different finishes depending on your preference, and it’s usually very easy to wipe down after those inevitable spills.
Neoprene : This synthetic rubber material is nice and durable, and even better, it comes in a range of fun prints and designs! If you’re looking to really showcase a modern style, then this is a great way to do it.
How to make motorhome seat covers: a step-by-step guide
Let’s get right to it. Here’s your step-by-step process on how to make motorhome seat covers for your next trip.
It always helps to have a pattern to follow. Of course, each motorhome seat is so different, so you’re going to have to measure your own. Start by pinning the butcher’s paper to your seat in each section:
Centre seatback
Centre seat bottom
Seat backside
Seat bottom side
Trace around each one and cut out. This can be used as your template for the material.
Pin the butcher's paper piece to the material. When you are cutting out, you want to allow yourself a good half-inch as a seam allowance. Keep everything pinned to the pattern until you are ready to sew! For the bottom of the seat, you want an extra few inches for the elastic.
Get sewing! Place the right sides together and start sewing away. Make sure you finish off the seams, so the covers can go through the wash without unravelling.
Once you’re done, you can join up all your pieces, with the part that goes over the back of the seat joining up with the seat section that wraps around.
Now’s the time to add the elastic at the bottom to keep it fitted to the seat. Fold over that extra few inches you left at the bottom and sew. You can then feed the elastic through. Join the two pieces of elastic together at the end and sew. Pop the elastic into the casing and then sew shut. Done!
Earn a return on investment from your motorhome
Now that you know how to make motorhome seat covers, you’re one step closer to hitting the road in style - all the while ensuring your seats are protected from food, mud, dirt...you name it, for the entirety of your trip. And if you’re after more motorhome interior inspiration, check out our article on how to decorate a motorhome!
Want to earn a return on investment from your motorhome? Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their motorhome through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income!
And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by hiring out your unused motorhome!