Seat Material & Suggestions

The following information is provided to help anyone considering having a new seat produced.  Hopefully, you may be able to find a reputable and willing leather worker in your area.  If not, you may want to contact Forest Hill Leather to determine if Isaac Stoltzfus may be interested.

D-rings (plastic) 1 inch – source – Strapworks.com

Main Adjustment straps – source – Strapworks.com

Small plastic strap adjusters (for the two ½” top straps that keep the seat from sliding down over time) – Strapworks.com

The original Avatar seats were made using a green colored mesh.  Apparently, it was the only color available to them at the time.  I would think they would have preferred black.  Fortunately, I have been able to locate a similar, but black polyester weave.  Using a macro-type lens, the following photos reveal what is referred to as a “leno” weave.  One advantage is strength and it resists unraveling if cut or worn.

Original Avatar seat – note the green staining for coloration

 

This mesh was used on the 1st four new seats. I can no longer find a source for this exact mesh. It works and looks great. (Note: the image can appear as an optical illusion – the white areas are simply the white background under the mesh when photographed)

 

This mesh would no doubt work, but I don’t recommend. Source – Seattle Fabrics. It is listed as “soft” leno weave. I initially ordered it but under the macro lens it shows a different weave pattern with perhaps less ability to “breathe” They also sell a “firm” version shown in the next photo.

 

Seattle Fabrics Leno polyester weave – “firm”. This should work fine. I ordered a yard from which this photo was taken. While the macro shot shows what appears to be faded coloration, it appears all black by eye. (Just like the original “green” macro appears less than all green.)

Seattle Fabrics Leno Firm Mesh 

(As of April 2022, I note that Seattle Fabrics is listing this item as “Not Available”.  Temporary?  Supply chain issues?  May need to find another source…)  The “soft” version is still listed as available as of 5/31/22.

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