How to Sew a Bicycle Cover

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Things You'll Need

  • 3 1/2 yards of fabric or 2 shower curtain liners or 2 vinyl tablecloths

  • Scissors

  • Measuring tape

  • Sewing machine or needle & thread

  • Cord (optional)

  • Seam binding (optional)

A bicycle is a valuable investment, and needs protection from the elements whenever possible. A lightweight, portable bicycle cover is fairly easy to sew yourself and can often be significantly less expensive than premade covers. Choose polyurethane-coated vinyl or vinyl-coated polyester fabric, or use two shower curtain liners or two large, durable vinyl tablecloths as cheaper options.

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Step 1

Measure the width of your bicycle handlebars, and note this number. Measure the length of your bicycle, from the outermost part of front tire to the outermost part of the back tire--note this number as well. Measure the height of the bicycle, from the handlebars to the ground, and note the number.

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Step 2

Measure and cut two modified half-circles from the desired material, with the highest point of the circle at the point where the cover will go over the handlebars. The half-circle should be about 4 inches longer than the length of your bike, and the highest point of the circle should be about 3 inches taller than the height of your bicycle.

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Step 3

Cut a small notch in both of the modified half-circles at the highest point.

Step 4

Cut out a kite-shaped center piece for your bicycle cover, the length of your bicycle. The widest part of the kite should be about 2 inches longer than the handlebars--and should sit over the handlebars when the cover is completed, so measure this accordingly.

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Step 5

Match the notch on one side piece of the cover to the widest point of the center piece on one side--with the "right" sides of the fabric facing. Sew these two pieces together, creating a 1/2 inch seam.

Step 6

Match the notch on the other side piece to the center piece, and then sew this side piece to both the center piece and the first side piece, again creating a 1/2 inch seam and a whole cover.

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Step 7

Sew a 1/2 inch hem along the bottom of the cover, leaving a small area open to insert a cord for a drawstring, if desired. The drawstring cord will need to be about 3 1/2 yards long.

Step 8

If desired, cut a 7 to 8 inch slit in one side of the cover to allow you access to your bicycle lock without removing the cover. Reinforce the slit with seam binding.

Warning

You may need to adjust your sewing machine settings or use a special pressure foot to sew these kinds of materials, so test it out on some scrap pieces before starting the project.

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