If your steering wheel is getting that worn or faded look, or even if you just want to add some color or personality to the interior of your car, a custom leather steering wheel covers could easily be your answer. While you can purchase them in many colors, you might be looking at as much as $40 to $50 for a quality leather cover. Make your own for a fraction of the cost.

Steps

1 Measure the length of the steering wheel you want to cover. Normally you cover just the part above or below (or both) the center area. Subtract an inch from the measurement as leather will tend to stretch as you work with it.

2 Measure the diameter of the steering wheel. Measure in several locations, then take the smallest measurement and subtract ½ inch.

3 On the wrong side of the leather, use a ruler to measure out a rectangle to the dimensions you need, and cut it out. The thicker the leather you use, the less likelihood of it curling up on you later or ripping during installation.

4 Pre-punch your needle holes with a 1/8- or 1/16-inch hole punch. These can be found in craft departments with the scrapbooking items or at leather stores. Punch along both sides, leaving about 1/4 inch between each hole.

5 Cut off a long piece of braided fishing line, and tie a knot in one end. Sew though one edge and secure well.

6 Fold the leather around the area you wish to cover with the open end facing toward you, and run the needle back and forth from hole to hole. Be sure to pull the line snuggly every three to four holes. When the line starts getting short, tie it off and start a fresh one.

7 When completed, twist the leather around until the opening appears in back or underneath the steering wheel.