Abstract: A method is provided for upholstering an automotive interior component such as a seat or door panel. According to the method, a single piece of fabric is provided with a pattern that includes an interior portion and a pair of integral outboard bolsters. In a preferred embodiment, the interior portion is printed with a design that visually distinguishes the interior portion from the bolsters. The fabric is then sewn along pre-selected areas to form pinch seams and side panels may be joined to the pattern. Printing and sewing the pattern in this manner causes the resulting cover to appear as if it were made from multiple pieces of discrete fabric. However, by using the single piece of printed and sewn fabric, the need for multiple rolls of material, laborious pattern cutting, and excess scrap are eliminated.

Abstract: A method is provided for upholstering an automotive interior component such as a seat or door panel. According to the method, a single piece of fabric is provided with a pattern that includes an interior portion and a pair of integral outboard bolsters. In a preferred embodiment, the interior portion is printed with a design that visually distinguishes the interior portion from the bolsters. The fabric is then sewn along pre-selected areas to form pinch seams and side panels may be joined to the pattern. Printing and sewing the pattern in this manner causes the resulting cover to appear as if it were made from multiple pieces of discrete fabric. However, by using the single piece of printed and sewn fabric, the need for multiple rolls of material, laborious pattern cutting, and excess scrap are eliminated.

Abstract: A J-strip is adapted for attaching an edge portion of a trim cover material to a vehicle seat frame component. An elongated extruded plastic strip includes a substantially J-shaped cross-section with a flat portion and a curved portion extending from the flat portion. The curved portion is configured to cooperate with the frame component for receiving the frame component therein. A plurality of hooks extend from the flat portion and from the curved portion. A plurality of loops extend from the edge portion of the trim cover for engagement with the plurality of hooks in a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement for securing the trim cover to the frame component such that the trim cover is wrapped at least partially around the curved portion when attached. A method of forming a crease in a seat cover using hook-and-loop fasteners is also provided.