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Custom car upholstery isn’t just about making a vehicle look good—it’s about creating a personalized experience that reflects the owner’s style. Oksana Ignatova, the owner of Stitch Girl Inc., has built her career on transforming car interiors into luxurious works of art. Based in Wauconda, Illinois, Oksana’s expertise and attention to detail have earned her recognition, including the prestigious SEMA 35 Under 35 Award. Here’s a closer look at her process and what it takes to design custom interiors from the ground up.
Meeting Clients and Exploring Design Ideas
The journey starts with a conversation. Every project begins with meeting the client to discuss their vision. Some clients already have a clear idea of what they want. Others look to Oksana for guidance to bring their ideas to life.
Once the design is set, clients choose their materials. With a selection of about 1,000 samples, ranging from leather to alcantara, options are endless. Most clients gravitate toward leather for its premium feel and durability.
Stripping the Interior
Before any custom work can begin, the original interior has to go. Seats, carpets, headliners, and other components are all removed from the car. This step creates a clean slate, making it easier to work on every piece.
Designing Templates
Precision is key in custom upholstery. Oksana creates templates using a special vinyl material, using each car’s unique parts as a reference. These templates are cut by hand with scissors, ensuring accuracy for every detail. Once the templates are ready, they’re transferred to the chosen materials like leather or fabric.
After that, it’s time to cut the material, preparing it for sewing.
Sewing and Stitching
Sewing is where the real artistry happens. For seat covers, Oksana uses a sewing machine, but for pieces like steering wheels, she stitches everything by hand. This level of craftsmanship creates a flawless finish that stands apart.
Stitching also involves creative choices. There’s a wide palette of 300 thread colors available to match or contrast with the material. Many projects feature custom seams like the French seam, which requires extra care. Oksana glues, folds, and even hammers seams to ensure they’re perfectly smooth before stitching. For her, the secret to achieving perfect stitches boils down to one thing: years of practice.
Fitting and Final Touches
Once sewing is complete, the newly wrapped components are ready to be installed. Seat cushions are attached to their frames using hog rings, ensuring everything stays securely in place. To refine the fit, a steamer is used on leather parts to make them more pliable and smooth out any creases.
For clients who want a personal touch, Oksana offers customization options like laser engraving for logos or unique designs. Her team also uses 3D printers to fabricate bespoke interior components. These touches help create a truly one-of-a-kind interior.
Enjoying the Finished Product
The most rewarding moment for Oksana is seeing her clients’ reactions when they view their custom interiors for the first time. Every project is a balance of precision, creativity, and care, and her clients’ excitement makes it all worthwhile.
Looking Ahead
Oksana’s passion for upholstery keeps her pushing boundaries. She continues to explore new technologies and techniques to bring fresh ideas to her work. Her commitment to quality and creativity ensures that each project she tackles sets a new standard for custom car upholstery.
Custom car interiors transform more than a car—they transform the driving experience. With Oksana at the helm, Stitch Girl Inc. creates interiors that blend functionality with artistry, giving each car a personal story. Whether you’re dreaming of a complete luxury redesign or just a bold detail, Oksana’s work shows how custom craftsmanship can bring those dreams to life.
