Abstract: Fastening system for seat covers permits rapid assembly of a seat cover to a seat back member while preventing unauthorized removal of the seat cover. The system includes a split tube which may be loosely positioned in a recess in the seat member. A stiff, elongated retaining member of a material such as fiberboard or plastic is attached along the length of each of the ends of the upholstery material and both ends are then inserted into the slot in the tube. The normal tension forces on the upholstery force at least portions of the retaining members to move away from the slot and act as barbs to resist removal of the upholstery from the slot.