These lined bags have zippers in the bottom. The bags were designed for the bar that extends from the handle bar to the seat, but could be used over the handle bars instead.

This project is sewn, however I am certain a crafter who has had experience using rubber glue could whip this out in a hurry. I know it would have been easier than sewing it. I am sure Velcro would be a great option instead of a zipper, however I believe it would have to be glued. It is not necessary to paint or line them.

I have a friend who depends on his bike to go everywhere. I decided to make him a couple of bags for his bike. This is what I came up with, using supplies I already had on hand.

Step 1: Supplies for This Project

This project is simple enough for any crafter to make. The difficult part for me was sewing it together because my machine is not suitable for heavier fabrics. In the beginning I had planned on making these bags with Velcro. I experimented trying a rubber glue and it did not hold so I decided to put in a zipper.

A large truck inner tube 16x 24 cut 4 (I got my inner tubes at the dump. )
Lining 16x24 cut 4
Matching thread
2 9 inch Zippers or Velcro (would be easier if you know of a good rubber glue)
Vinyl and fabric paint Dupli-color has worked the best (since I have posted this.) Krylon was ok but if there is stress on the rubber it may crack as I have read. That is why I came back and edited this part.

Sewing machine if you are sewing
Measuring tape
Pattern
Seam ripper
Scissors

Step 2: Washing the Inner Tube

I washed the inner tube in my washer on hot water and heavy cycle 2 times to make sure it was very clean. I needed it clean enough for paint to stick to it. I hung it over our fence to dry.

Step 3: Cutting Out the Bags

Lay the pattern over one layer of inner tube. Cut out 1.
Repeat process until you have 4 pieces.

Step 4: Cutting Out the Lining

Fold the lining in half a few inches larger than the pattern.
Place the pattern on the straight grain of the fabric allowing 2 extra inches at the top and bottom for seam allowances and cut out 2 pieces and then repeat this step 1 more time. You should wind up with 4 pieces 2 inches larger at the top and bottom of the pattern.
I find that when I cut out 2 pieces at a time they wind up being more accurate.

Step 5: Sewing the Zipper

Lay the Zipper over the inner tube bags as shown and sew it in palce on both sides. If using Velcro now is the time to glue it into place, following the directions for turning down the seam allowance.

Step 6: Fold the Lining Seam for the Zipper Area

Now is the time to place your bag lining over the inner tube. Allow 2 inches at the top to turn under 2 time for a nice finished hem.
Turn the bottom edge of the seam allowance under about 1/2 inch as shown and press. Place the wrong side of the lining to the wrong side of the inner tube as shown and sew along zipper edge careful not to sew too close to the zipper or it will get caught when zipping and unzipping the bag. It is difficult to pin this so you really have to hold it as you sew.

Step 7: Sewing the Lining to the Bag

Fold the bag in half with the inner tube side out. Turn the top hem under 1/4 inch and then turn down again enough that will not show through the top edge. Pin if necessary. Sew both sides as shown.

Step 8: Sewing the Top and Adding the Inner Tube Strip

Cut a strip of inner tube 2x 4 inches and tuck it in-between the top layers of one bag centering it and holding it into place while you stitch the top. Now place the tab inside the remaining bag and stitch across the top. Now you have both bags attached together.

Step 9: Paint the Bags

Now you can paint the bag if you want.

Step 10: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

This project was fun to do although if I was to make another one, I think I would try and find some good rubber glue and glue the whole thing and use Velcro. I would definitely paint the rubber first. I was afraid to do this because I was going to sew it and did not want to have any difficulty. All in all I am pleased with the outcome. It will be a very useful bag for my friend. They will be good in bad weather as well. Thank you so much for visiting.