Creating golf cart seat covers from towels is a practical and budget-friendly DIY project. Use bath or beach towels as the base material, cut them to fit your seat dimensions, and sew them with elastic or Velcro strips for a snug fit. This method protects your seats from dirt, wetness, and wear while adding a custom and comfortable touch to your golf cart.
| Step | Time Required (Approx.) | Essential Materials | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measure the seats | 10-15 minutes | Measuring tape | Accurate towel size for seat dimensions |
| Cut the towels | 10-20 minutes | Bath/beach towels, fabric scissors | Towels trimmed to the correct size |
| Sew the covers | 30-60 minutes | Sewing machine, thread, Velcro strips | Durable and fitted seat covers |
| Attach elastic/Velcro | 15-20 minutes | Elastic bands or Velcro strips | Snug fit for seat covers |
| Install on golf cart | 10 minutes | Finished towel seat covers | Functional and stylish seat protection |
Materials You Will Need
Before starting the project, gather the following materials:
| Material | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bath Towels | 2-3 towels | To create the seat cover fabric |
| Scissors | 1 pair | For cutting towels to the desired size |
| Sewing Machine | 1 (or hand sewing kit) | To stitch the towels into seat covers |
| Measuring Tape | 1 | For accurate measurements |
| Fabric Pins | A few | To pin towels in place while sewing |
| Thread | Matching color | For sewing the towels together |
| Elastic Bands | 2-4 | To hold the covers securely in place |
Step 1: Measure the Golf Cart Seats
Start by measuring the dimensions of your golf cart seats. The most important measurements to take are the length and width of both the seat base (where you sit) and the backrest (where your back rests). To get an accurate measurement:
- Measure the Seat Base: Use the measuring tape to find the length and width of the seat.
- Measure the Backrest: Measure the height and width of the backrest from the seat to the top of the backrest.
- Add Extra Fabric: Add a few extra inches (about 2-3 inches) to your measurements to allow for seam allowances and tucking in the fabric.
Write down these measurements before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Towels
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to prepare the towels. Towels work well because they are absorbent, soft, and easy to work with. Choose towels that are not too thick or heavy, as they will be harder to sew.
- Cut the Towels: Based on your seat measurements, cut the towels to the appropriate size. If you are covering both the seat base and backrest, you may need to cut different sections from the towels.
- Trim Edges: Trim any uneven or frayed edges from the towels to make them more manageable.
Step 3: Sew the Seat Covers
Now, it’s time to sew the seat covers together. Whether you’re using a sewing machine or hand sewing, follow these steps:
- Pin the Towels: Lay the towels out on a flat surface and pin the edges together. Start by pinning the base seat cover and then move on to the backrest cover.
- Sew the Edges: Using your sewing machine, sew along the pinned edges. Make sure to sew slowly and carefully, keeping the fabric even. If you are hand sewing, use a simple running stitch or backstitch to ensure the seams are strong.
- Leave Openings for Elastic: For a snug fit, leave small openings at the top or sides of the cover where you can insert elastic. This will allow the cover to stretch and conform to the seat.
Step 4: Attach the Elastic
Elastic is key to keeping your towel seat covers securely in place. It helps the cover stay tight around the seat, even when you’re driving over bumps.
- Cut the Elastic: Based on your seat measurements, cut pieces of elastic that are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the seat. For example, if your seat is 20 inches wide, cut the elastic to 16 inches for a snug fit.
- Insert the Elastic: Using a safety pin, thread the elastic through the openings you left in the seat cover. Once the elastic is threaded through, sew the ends of the elastic securely to prevent it from coming loose.
- Secure the Elastic: Pull the elastic tight and sew the openings closed. You should now have a stretchy, form-fitting seat cover.
Step 5: Attach the Seat Covers to the Golf Cart
Once your seat covers are sewn and the elastic is securely in place, it’s time to put the covers on your golf cart seats.
- Place the Seat Cover on the Base: Slide the base seat cover over the seat and adjust it until it fits snugly. Ensure that the elastic holds the cover firmly in place.
- Place the Backrest Cover: Repeat the process for the backrest cover. Slide it over the backrest and adjust the elastic to keep it in place.
Step 6: Enjoy Your New Golf Cart Seat Covers!
Your homemade towel seat covers are now complete. Not only do they provide a comfortable and absorbent surface for sitting, but they also give your golf cart a personalized look. You can easily wash the towel covers when they get dirty, making them low-maintenance.
Tips for Maintaining Your Towel Seat Covers
To ensure that your towel seat covers last as long as possible, here are some helpful tips:
- Wash Regularly: Towels can absorb sweat, dirt, and moisture. Regularly washing them helps maintain their appearance and functionality.
- Avoid Overstretching the Elastic: When removing or putting the covers back on, avoid overstretching the elastic to prevent it from losing its elasticity.
- Use Colorful Towels: If you want to add a little flair to your golf cart, choose towels in vibrant colors or patterns that match your style.
Why won’t the towel seat covers fit properly?
Improper fit often results from incorrect measurements of the golf cart seat dimensions. Always measure the entire seat surface, including the seat bottom, seat back cover, and any rear bench seat if applicable. Add 2-3 inches for seam allowance to avoid excess material or undersized covers. Use a measuring tape and ensure accuracy to prevent fitting issues.
Why does the towel fabric fray during the sewing process?
Towels, especially cheaper bath towels, can fray when cut. To avoid this, use fabric scissors designed for heavier fabrics and finish the edges with a straight stitch or overlock stitch. For extra durability, consider using a sewing machine with a zigzag stitch to prevent the edges from unraveling.
What should I do if the covers keep slipping off?
Slipping is often due to insufficient securing mechanisms. Using strong elastic bands or Velcro strips can solve this issue. Attach these securely to the seat corners and around the seat frame for a snug fit. Non-slip seat covers may also require adding a layer of non-slip, durable material underneath the towel seat covers for better grip.
How do I handle excess material during sewing?
Excess towel fabric can make the covers bulky and uneven. Trim any extra material before sewing, but ensure you leave enough fabric for hemming and seam allowance. If there’s still excess after sewing, tuck it neatly under the seat bottom tuck or seat handle to keep it out of sight.
Why does the sewing machine jam when working with towels?
Towels are thicker than standard fabrics, so ensure your sewing machine is equipped with a strong needle designed for heavier or pre-quilted materials. Use a durable thread and adjust the tension settings on your machine. If you’re adding Velcro strips, sew slowly to prevent jams caused by the adhesive backing.
Can I use beach towels instead of bath towels?
Yes, beach towels work well, especially for bench golf cart seats, as they are longer and cover a larger surface area. Choose towels made from soft, durable material to ensure comfort and longevity. Cool beach towels can also add a stylish touch to your golf cart seat covers.
What if the towels don’t stay waterproof?
Towels are not inherently waterproof. If you anticipate rain or wet seats, consider adding a waterproof liner underneath the towel seat cover. Alternatively, use a tarp-type material or marine-grade vinyl as a base layer to keep the seats dry during wet conditions.
How do I create non-slip, durable seat covers?
For non-slip seat covers, attach non-slip material to the underside of the towel seat. This will prevent sliding during use. Additionally, double-stitch all seams with strong thread for durability. The addition of decorative elements, like designer fabrics, can also enhance aesthetics while ensuring practicality.
Can these covers protect against outdoor elements?
While towel seat covers can protect against dirt and moderate wear, they are not resistant to deterioration over time due to outdoor elements like rain, sun, and mud. To combat this, use high-quality seat cover materials or waterproof additions like marine-grade vinyl. Removing the towel seat covers during prediction of rain or covering the seats with a rain enclosure can help extend their lifespan.
How do I deal with wet or muddy seats?
Towel seat covers are ideal for absorbing moisture and mud, but ensure they are easy to remove for cleaning. For particularly muddy conditions, consider using a tarp-type or high-quality clear PC material as a temporary seat protector.
Are there alternatives to towels for custom seat covers?
If towels aren’t working, consider using outdoor upholstery fabric, microfiber fabric, or marine-grade vinyl. These materials are more durable, waterproof, and better suited for outdoor elements. They can be paired with extra fabric or decorative elements for a custom seat look.
How do I make the covers stylish and unique?
To create stylish seat covers, use cool beach towels or high-end fashion fabrics with unique patterns. You can also add decorative stitching, embroidered designs, or colorful Velcro strips for a custom golf cart seat cover look. Striped patterns like the Stripe Pink Golf Cart Seat Cover Solid Navy can make your golf cart stand out.
What if I only need covers for specific seats?
You can create individual covers for the driver’s seat, passenger seat, or rear bench seat based on your needs. For instance, the Bucket Seat Saver – Duluth is a great example of a custom seat cover design tailored for specific seat shapes and uses.
Final Verdict
Making your own golf cart seat covers out of towels is a simple, inexpensive, and creative way to protect your seats while adding a personal touch to your golf cart.
With just a few basic materials and some sewing skills, you can create comfortable and functional seat covers that will serve you well for years. The best part is that you can wash and reuse them, keeping your golf cart looking fresh and tidy with minimal effort.