Learn how to sew a bike or motorized scooter handlebar bag. In this sewing video tutorial, Mariona from @costura.brava will guide you step by step to create a handlebar bag.
This design includes an elasticated side pocket at the top, designed to carry a small water bottle. It also includes an inner cord closure and flap. It can be easily fastened to your bike handlebars with a couple of Velcro straps.
If you want to make it even easier to carry, you can add a shoulder strap. However, remember to keep the strap inside the bag while riding your bike to avoid accidents!
How to sew a bike handlebar bag following the tutorial by @costura.brava
This video tutorial and design is by Mariona @costura.brava. A young doctor whose grandmother taught her to sew when she was little.
With an old sewing machine, I used to help her sew curtains and cushions, although my feet were sometimes uncoordinated, and we had to go over some stitches. When I started university, I bought myself a simple sewing machine, and I slowly started to learn new techniques and dared to make myself clothes and accessories. Above all, during the pandemic, and under a lot of pressure at work, sewing has been a refuge to disconnect from my day-to-day life. Although my nephews keep me busy with all their requests.
Optional: 1 magnetic button or other type of closure if you don’t want to use Velcro
Basic sewing notions
Fabric scissors
Sewing machine
Matching thread
Tape measure
Pins
Safety pins
Iron
Fabric recommendations
Mariona has used cotton canvas and cork fabric for the outside. As well as cotton poplin for the lining, but you can customize it according to your preferences. For example, you could use polyripstop fabric to make a waterproof bag, or even recycle some old jeans. Depending on how much structure you want your bag to have, you can interface the outside pieces to add body to the bag.
Remember to wash and iron your fabrics.
Sewing tutorial: Bike handlebar bag
Mariona’s design includes two bag versions in different sizes: adult or children’s size. Cut the pieces to the specified measurements for the version you want to make.
Children’s version
Outer fabric: – Front and back piece measuring 22 x 17 cm – 2 side pieces measuring 14 x 17 cm – Pocket measuring 20 x 16 cm – Bottom piece measuring 22 x 14 cm – 2 flaps measuring 22 x 26 cm (you can make the bottom corners round) Lining fabric: – 1 piece measuring 66 x 43 cm – 1 piece measuring 22 x 14 cm
Adult version
Outer fabric: – Front and back piece measuring 28 x 22 cm – 2 side pieces measuring 14 x 22 cm – Pocket measuring 20 x 18 cm – Bottom piece measuring 28 x 14 cm – 2 flaps measuring 28 x 30 cm (you can make the bottom corners round) Lining fabric: – 1 piece measuring 78 x 52 cm – 1 piece measuring 28 x 14 cm
Video tutorial:
Prepare the pocket:
Make a double hem on the pocket piece and backstitch close to the edge.
Using a safety pin, pull the elastic through the hem.
Place the pocket on the side piece and sew a long backstitch 8 mm from the edge along both sides to baste the pieces together temporarily.
Assemble the pieces to attach the bag to the bike or motorized scooter handlebars:
Cut 2 pieces of backpack tape each measuring 17 cm long. Place 3 cm of Velcro at each end as shown in the video.
Sew the middle to the back piece. I have placed mine 3 cm from the top edge and side, but you can customize this according to your bike or scooter.
Sew the bag pieces:
Join the front, back and side pieces along the edges, sewing with right sides facing each other.
Once sewn, iron the seam allowances toward the front and back pieces. You can runa backstitch along the right side of the fabric.
Join these pieces with the bottom piece. Sew carefully, when you get to each corner keep the needle down, lift the presser foot up and turn the pieces as shown.
Sew the flap:
Sew the two flap pieces with right sides facing each other, leaving the top open. Cut notches along the curve and turn the piece right side out.
Sew the flapto the body of the bag with right sides facing each other.
Now the outside is ready, you can place the Velcro (or the closure you’ve chosen) on the flap and the front piece.
Assemble the lining:
Backstitch the lining along the sides, leaving 4 cm open as follows: for the children’s version, sew 12 cm from the top edge, leave 4 cm open, then sew again to the bottom edge, finishing off each seam. For the adult version do the same, but sew 14 cm from the top edge, leave 4 cm open, and then sew again to the bottom edge.
Iron these seam allowances open. Then, join the back piece to the lining, but leave 12 cm open.
Fold the lining lengthways 16 cm from the top edge and iron.
Backstitch2 cm from this edge to make the tube to run the cord through.
Place the whole outer piece inside the lining with right sides facing each other, sewing along the top.
Finishes:
Turn the bag right side out through the hole in the bottom of the lining.
Iron it well and backstitch around the entire top perimeter that we’ve just sewn, this time with the flap open.
Seam the hole we’d left in the lining closed by machine or by hand.
With a safety pin, run the cord through the tube we made in the lining. Place the cord stopper and tie the ends.
You’re ready to put your bag on your bike or scooter!
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