The Happy Bicycle Class Plan

by Kathy McGee

Jordis Crossbar Clutch
Lydia Bicycle Seat Cover

Jordis Crossbar Clutch Class Description
The Jordis Crossbar Clutch is a convertible. When on a ride, wear it messenger style or fold it neatly over your bike to carry essentials to and from. The Jordis can also be worn as a regular clutch or a cross-body handbag.
Students will learn to sew a zipper with lining, attaching hardware and hook & loop tape. At the end of the class, students will have their very own bike and fashion accessory. Skill Level: Advanced beginner - Intermediate

Class Length
3 hour class (with fabric pieces cut out prior to class).
Or a 4 hour class (with fabric pieces cut out in class).

Class Supply List

  • Required text: The Happy Bicycle by Kathy McGee
  • Decorator weight cotton fabric: 44'' wide, 1/2 yard
  • Cotton: 44'' wide, 1/2 yard for lining
  • Mid-weight, fusible interfacing: 20'' wide, 5/8 yard
  • Webbing: 1'' wide, 1 3/4 yard
  • Hook-and-loop tape: 3/4'' wide, 6'' length
  • D-rings: 1'' size, 4
  • Swivel hooks: 1'' size, 2
  • Zipper: 12'' length
  • Ribbon: 1/8'' wide, 6'' length
  • Coordinating thread
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Rotary cutter
  • Clear, gridded ruler
  • Cutting mat
  • Sewing machine
  • Reflective tape (optional): 1'' wide, 13 1/2'' length
  • Bicycle (optional)

Tips:

  • Have extra webbing available for making shoulder straps of different lengths
  • Students might want to try larger, long pins for pinning through the heavy cotton and webbing or they might want to try binding clips to hold the webbing straps in place while they sew.
  • #14 or #16 needles for sewing the heavy cotton and webbing.

Classroom Preparation
Each student will need ample space to cut and sew.
Set up ironing stations

Class Agenda
Following instructions for cutting and sewing on pages 48-54:

  • Have students cut out the fabric and interfacing pieces before class.
  • Make the pocket.
  • Make the back straps.
  • Sew the hook-and-loop tape.
  • Sew the zipper.
  • Sew the bag together.
  • Make the strap.
  • Try on bike and play with wearable options (cross-body, shoulder, or clutch).


Lydia Bicycle Seat Cover Class Description
The Lydia Bicycle Seat Cover featured on page 24 is one of the easiest ways to change the look of your bicycle in a fun print or a fresh color. This is a great class for Beginner/Advanced beginner. They will learn how-to make a ruffle, casing and sewing curves. Students will have a finished custom-made bicycle seat cover as their takeaway.

Class Length
2 hours

Class Supply List

  • The Happy Bicycle by Kathy McGee
  • Pattern for the Lydia Bicycle Seat cover traced, cut-out and ready to use
  • Cotton fabric: 44'' wide, 1/2 yard
  • Grosgrain ribbon: 3/8'' wide, 1 1/4 yards
  • Coordinating thread
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Safety pin or bodkin
  • Sewing machine
  • Bicycle (optional)

TIP:
Make it even easier for students to take the class by providing:

  • A bodkin for threading the ribbon through the casing
  • Rotary cutters, rulers, and cutting mats
  • Additional ribbon and fabric for making multiple covers. Have your students consider making one out of laminated cotton with elastic as on page 29 with their new skills.

Classroom Preparation
Set –up ironing stations.
Provide enough space for each student to cut and sew.
Rotary cutters, clear, gridded rulers, and cutting mats for cutting out the band should be ready for students to easily access during class.