This how-to shows the disassembly and replacement of the red stitching on the MSM's e-brake handle. The same techniques can be used for the shift knob and steering wheel. The e-brake handle itself can be done in around 30 minutes.
82k miles of daily driving a frequent sun exposure has left my threads looking like this...
If yours looks like that, read on...
Tools and Materials:
Flathead screwdriver
30" length of thread
Two needles
Scissors
Step 1: Use the screwdriver to pry out the trim ring at the end of the handle
Step 2: Removing the original stitching
Starting from the top end, Pull out the thread. If you peel the leather back you can see the thread start to loosen itself. This will result in small creases in the leather but they won't be permanent. Pay attention to how the threading is stitched. It will help later.
Thread fully removed.
The original thread that you end up with is a single piece approximately 18" in length. For replacement thread you're going to want a piece at least 25" in length. 30" would be safe.
Any kind of thread will work but for the best possible match, you're going to want to bring the original thread to a crafts store or fabric shop to find the closest available match to thickness and color. You're also going to pick up a pair of needles that you can use with the thread.
This would be a good point to apply leather cleaner and/or conditioner since the threads are off and exposes some surfaces that are hard to reach. You could remove the leather from the handle to do this but it isn't necessary.
Step 3: Re-stitch the handle
Tie one of the needles at either end of the string
Starting at the bottom, pass both needles from outside-in through the holes at the bottom, pull them out through the center.
At this point, ensure that both lengths of thread are of equal length.
Take the thread coming from the inside edge of the right and pass it in from the outside of the next left hole.
Likewise, take the thread coming from the inside edge of the left and pass it in through the outside of the adjacent right hole
Same as above except tightened
This is the basis for the entire baseball stitch pattern. Incidentally, it's the exact same method as the most common way of lacing your shoes.
You know you're doing it right if the threads match the creases left in the leather by the original thread
Continue this pattern, cinching tight the threading, until you have stitched everything EXCEPT for the top hole on either side. Both threads should still be coming out from the center.
Take the thread coming from the right, pass it underneath the leather to come up and out through the leather on last top hole on the right.
this thread will go to the outside in through the last hole on the left, creating another horizontal line. and bring this out from the center.
Take a two lines and tie a knot.
As you tighten the knot, it will travel down and disappear through the center.
Tie another knot which also travels down and stops at the first knot. Cut the excess thread close to the leather
Use the screwdriver to tuck the exposed threads into the center
Replace the trim ring. Win
