What are Concha Pattern Weights, and what do they do

Pattern Weights are little weights you can use to hold down your sewing patterns while cutting. They come in all shapes and sizes, but my favorites have always been the fun, creative DIY options. These weights are placed on top of the pattern pieces and help to keep them from moving around.

I designed these pattern weights to look like my favorite Mexican Pan Dulce called Conchas. It’s a super tasty sweet bread with a sweet topping that resembles a shell when baked, hence the name “concha.” This design is practical and super cute, and I think it would be an excellent gift for any sewer in your life!

You might want to use Concha Pattern Weights for a few reasons. First, they can save you a lot of time and frustration. It can be very frustrating if your patterns constantly move around while trying to cut them. Concha Pattern Weights will help hold them in place so you can focus on cutting.

Another reason to use Concha Pattern Weights is that they can help you achieve more accurate cuts. If your patterns are moving around, it’s challenging to get clean, straight cuts. But if you use weights to hold them down, you’ll be able to get much more precise cuts.

So if you’re looking for a way to hold down your patterns while cutting, or if you want to achieve more accurate cuts, Concha Pattern Weights are a great option!

DIY Polymer Clay Concha Pattern Weights tutorial

Now that you know what Concha Pattern Weights are and why you might want to use them let’s get started on this DIY tutorial! For this project, you will need:

• Sculpey Polymer clay (French Pink, Ecru, Burnt Umber, & Beige)
• Aluminum foil
• Heavy washers (3 per Concha Pattern Weight)
• Cricut True Control Knife
• Sculpey Clay Press

1. The first thing you’ll need to do is condition your polymer clay. Conditioning means you’ll need to knead it until it’s soft and pliable. Once prepared, roll the clay into a flat sheet with a Sculpey clay press. You can, of course, use a rolling pin, but the clay press makes this step so easy!
2. Next, take your aluminum foil and create a concha shape around three of the washers. Once you have your concha shape, use a knife to cut off any excess foil.
3. Now it’s time to start adding clay! Start by covering the aluminum concha with a thin layer of clay. Press it around the washer form, removing any excess clay, and smoothing completely.
4. Repeat this process until you have three concha forms covered in clay. Then, use your fingers to press evenly around the edge of each one.
5. Let’s add some of the sweet toppings now. Cut a circle out of the coordinating color just large enough to cover the top of the “concha.” Use a craft knife to slice the classic concha design into the pink clay. Remove sections of clay to reveal brown clay underneath. Finish by using a blunt point tool to round the edges.
6. Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and place your Concha Pattern Weights on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes and then remove to cool.

Video Tutorial

I’ve created a video tutorial to show you how to make these weights step-by-step. Watch the video below or click here to view it on YouTube.

How to use Concha Pattern Weights for sewing patterns

Now that your Concha Pattern Weights are all baked and cooled, it’s time to put them to use! Place the weight on top of your pattern piece and trace around the edge to use them. The weight will help hold down the pattern while you’re cutting. So easy, right?

Plus, you’ll be reminded of your favorite Mexican sweet bread whenever you see these pattern weights!

DIY Concha Pattern Weights are a great way to hold down your sewing patterns while cutting. They’re also a fun and unique way to add Mexican flair to your crafting supplies. These weights are easy and quick to make, so why not try them?

You may have noticed the Thank with Google feature at the top and bottom of all blog posts and in my sidebar. I’m ecstatic to be one of Google’s paid early testers for their Thank with Google pilot program! Thank with Google is an experimental feature that lets you purchase a virtual sticker and express your thanks for material on my website right away.

Every time a fantastic reader purchases and sends a sticker, he/she/they has the option to include a personal note. Getting these messages makes my day! If you give it a try, let me know what you think! Thanks again for your continued support.

As always, thanks for stopping by! Please tag me (@triedandtrueblog) if you make these Concha Pattern Weights. I love seeing your crafts!

Want to watch a quick video tutorial instead?

Here’s a quick run-through of how I made the Easter Bunny Hoodie just in case you like watching tutorials instead of reading them!

Background on Infusible Ink

Infusible Ink is Cricut’s version of sublimation. It is perfect for crafting projects, and it can be used to create everything from t-shirts to hoodies to aprons. Infusible Ink comes in a variety of colors, and it is easy to use. Simply cut out your design using a Cricut machine, weed out the excess material, and heat it up with an Easy Press or other high-temperature heat press. Your design will be permanently attached to your fabric in just a few seconds!

Since Infusible Ink is infused directly into the fabric, this is a perfect option for items made for kids. You don’t have to worry about the ink fading or peeling off over time, and it is also machine-washable. That’s exactly why I went with Infusible Ink for the bunny ears!

Tips for using Infusible Ink

When using Infusible Ink, it is important to remember a few key tips:

Supplies needed:

• Basic hooded sweatshirt
• Microfiber towel (Dollar Tree) or another sublimation-friendly fabric
• Cricut cutting machine
• Infusible Ink Pink
• Black Heat Transfer Vinyl
• (Optional) Pink & White Heat Transfer Vinyl
• Sewing Materials
• Free Bunny Ears Hoodie Pattern (see below)

How to make an Easter Bunny Hoodie

Now that you know a little bit more about Infusible Ink, it’s time to make an Easter Bunny Hoodie!

1. Use the free Bunny Ears Pattern to cut four shapes from the microfiber towel. Sew around the edges (1/4″ seam) to create two bunny ears.
2. Flip ears right side out and sew around the edges again (1/4″ seam).
3. Use the free pattern to cut the inner ear section from the pink Infusible Ink.
4. Use the manufacturer’s instructions to apply to each ear.
5. Fold the ears in half and sew along the top of the hoodie.
6. Use a Cricut machine to cut out a bunny face from black heat transfer vinyl and apply it to the hoodie.

Ways to customize Easter Bunny Hoodie

There are tons of ways to customize this Easter Bunny Hoodie:

• Choose a color or style for your hoodie
• Select Easter-themed designs or create your own
• Add a bunny tail or some paws
• Choose a light or dark fabric for the hoodie
• Add some wording to the front. I’m thinking of adding my “Hip Hop Easter Bunny SVG” to the front of my daughter’s hoodie.

I’m super excited to be one of Google’s paid early testers for their Thank with Google pilot program. Thank with Google is an experimental feature that allows you to purchase a virtual sticker and express your gratitude directly on my website. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when I get a new sticker from a reader!

There are several stickers to pick from, and each time you send a sponsored sticker, you may add a personal note that I appreciate. These virtual stickers translate into direct income to help fund the time and effort that goes into producing the material on my blog.

You’ll find the Thank You With Google option on my site in various locations, including as a sidebar and at the bottom of articles. If you give it a go, let me know what you think, and thank you for your continued support!

Looking for more Cricut help?

• “Let’s Go” World Free Family Vacation SVG for Cricut & Silhouette!
• What is Cricut Design Space and What Does It Do?
• Cricut Maker Vs. Cricut Explore: Everything You Need To Know!

So there you have it! A super easy Easter Bunny Hoodie that can be customized in any way that you desire. Thanks for reading, and happy Easter crafting!

Keep your kid’s back-to-school routine organized with these personalized day-of-the-week masks. They’re made with Cricut Infusible Ink so they’re sure to last!

This is a school year like no other. Whether your child is doing virtual learning or planning on going back to the classroom, know that I support your decision 100%. We are all just trying to make the best choices for our families!

If you’re planning on your kids doing face-to-face learning, they’re probably going to have to wear face masks every day. Since they should be washed after each use, I highly suggest keeping at least five on hand. That way you don’t have to do daily wash!

Cricut Mask Supplies

Making these back to school masks is easy with a few Cricut supplies! Using Infusible Ink allowed for maximum breathability and durability in a way that vinyl wouldn’t.

I used Infusible Ink markers in my Cricut Maker to quickly draw up the days of the week on laser printer paper. HINT: marking the designs twice for optimum color.

Since Infusible Ink works best on Cricut materials, I cut up a 3XL t-shirt to use the fabric to make these masks. Jersey fabric isn’t recommended for masks because it’s too thin so I added an additional poly layer (Pellon interfacing or Oly*fun works). I finished the masks with a matching cotton lining.

You can even make a personalized bag to keep your kid’s face mask in when not in use. I added this “Face Mask Required” cutout I found in Design space to their small Cricut Cosmetic Bag. Perfect way to keep their mask clean!

Print

Personalized Infusible Ink School Week Masks

Keep your kid's face masks organized and clean with these day-of-the-week masks!

Total Time 2 hours

Author Vanessa Brady

Cost 15

Equipment

• Cricut Maker (or any other machine)
• Cricut EasyPress
• Sewing machine and supplies

Ingredients

• 1 XXL Infusible Ink T-shirt
• Infusible Ink Markers desired colors
• Cricut Face Mask Pattern
• Pellon Interfacing or Oly*fun
• Cotton lining fabric
• Elastic Cording
• Perler beads optional but totally helpful!

Instructions

• Use your Cricut machine to cut the mask pattern from Design Space. They also offer a printed version if you'd rather cut by hand.
  
• Cut pattern shapes from Infusible Ink t-shirt, poly interfacing, and fabric lining. You'll be needing five pairs of each material for each day of the school week.
  
• Load laser printer paper into your Cricut Maker and draw designs with Infusible Ink markers. To get darker, thicker images, have the machine repeat all the lines by pressing the Cricut logo button again once the first drawing is complete. Remove paper from machine, trim out each day, and apply to one side of mask blank according to the Infusible Ink instructions.
  
• Sew the center section of all the mask materials together. Make sure the right sides of the fabric are facing each other. Press the seam open and sew flap to one side.
  
• Layer the poly fabric with the lining fabric and then the t-shirt fabric (right side facing down). Sew outer edges. Flip mask right side out and sew a finishing seam along both edges.
  
• Fold outer edges in twice with a 10" strip of elastic cording inside. Sew along the folded edge. String the elastic edges through a perler bead and tie off. The perler bead will allow your child to tighten and loosen the elastic for the perfect fit.
  
• Optional: cut out this "Face Masks Required" image from Design Space on Infusible Ink transfer paper. Apply to a small cosmetic bag Cricut blank for the perfect place to store your new mask!
  

New School Year Masks

Not only are these masks fun to wear with each day of the week but because the ink is infused into the fabric, you know they’ll last through all the washings. You could even customize these further and let your kids draw what ever they want on their masks!

I hope having these fun back-to-school masks helps you and your child get excited about the new school year. I know it’ll be a year of challenges and unknowns but at least you won’t have to wash their face mask everyday!

Today’s CRAFTWEEK post is sponsored by Fairfield World and contains affiliate links. Make sure to stop by my Instagram to enter the giveaway!

If you enjoy sewing, you have probably already developed a love of pincushions. They’re, of course, a great way to keep track of any spare pins and needles but perhaps more than that, they can be super cute!

Nothing about this Strawberry Pincushion is beyond the abilities of even the most novice sewer. It’s pretty much just a bunch of straight lines and french knots. Hand-sewing all the strawberries together may take a bit of time but in the end, you’ll have an adorable (and useful!) pincushion sitting on your desk!

Supplies

• Mini Wood Berry Baskets
• Craft Felt Sheets (Red & Green)
• Fairfield Poly-Fil
• Sewing Machine (optional)
• Basic Sewing Supplies (including white, red, and green thread)

Instructions for Strawberry Pincushion

Begin by cutting out 9 3.5″ circles out of the red felt. Cut approximately 1/3 away (As seen in Image 1). Fold the felt in half and sew along the flat edge (Image 2). This can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. Flip cone shape right side out and add loose stitch around the top edge (Image 3). Fill with Poly-fil and pull thread to close. Secure with double knot. (Image 4).

Add “seeds” to berries. Cut approximately 1″ squares from the green felt. Trim from each corner to create strawberry leaf shape. Sew in place to the top of the strawberry.

Cut a 6″ red felt circle. Baste around the top edge, fill with Poly-fil, and then pull string tight to close. Secure with double-knot and place in basket. Almost done with your Strawberry Pincushion!

Sew each strawberry in place on top of the red puff. Don’t forget to alternate their positions slightly so that it looks more natural.

Perfect for Your Sewing Desk

I just love how sweet and little this tiny Strawberry Pincushion is! It’s about 3″ wide so it’ll fit on even the smallest of sewing spaces. Hope you enjoy making one!

More CRAFTWEEK Projects

More T&T Creative Projects

• Crochet Trim Pillowcase
• Converse Vinyl Pouch
• Market Produce Bags
• Produce Bags
• Faux Granite Geometric Earrings DIY

Is there anything quite so adorable than these Mini Bunny Easter Baskets? (Answer: No!) They’re easy to make with just a few felt sheets and a tiny bit of vinyl.

Don’t have a Cricut cutting machine? No worries, I have options for you below!

Supplies Needed

• Stiff Felt Sheet (I used pink & purple)
• Cricut Explore Air 2
• Sewing machine & supplies
• Cricut Everyday Iron-On
• Cricut EasyPress Mini
• Mini Bunny Easter Bunny Files (find below)

Instructions for Mini Easter Baskets

Begin by using the free PDF file to cut out the basket shapes. You can either cut with your Cricut or a sharp pair of scissors. If you’re using a digital cutting machine, open the SVG file in your program and cut the face/ears/tail vinyl pieces.

If you don’t have a cutting machine, you can always use fabric paint to hand-draw the face details as well. Gluing a pompom on the back for the tail would look adorable!

Let’s assemble the basket now! Place the back piece edge onto the side piece edge and sew from the top down. Make sure to stop about 1/4″ from the bottom! Continue sewing all the sides together until Mini Easter Basket is formed.

Position the bottom square in place and sew around the edge to finish your basket. Depending on your sewing skills level, you may need to trim away excess felt from the bottom.

Filler Suggestions

These adorable Mini Bunny Easter Baskets can be fill with a tiny bit of artificial grass and mini egg candies. Or what about just a single decorated egg for an easy place setting?

I’m planning on adding mini toys and pencils for my kids. They’re going to love it! Hope you enjoy making and using these for your Easter party!

Grab the Free Files!

Want more T&T Creative Projects?

• Rainbow Bunny Peeps® Wreath
• Decorating Easter Eggs with Flocking Powders
• Easter Bunny Carrot Plate
• Super Easy Cardboard Basket Weaving
• “Some Bunny Loves You” Door Hanger

I’m a pretty easy going person but, I promise, you do not want to be the person who uses my fabric scissors to cut anything other than fabric! I made this Fabric Scissors Holder with some help from Cricut to help my husband and kids remember that I love them with all my heart but they better know, that when it comes to my fabric scissors, they “Can’t touch this!”

Cricut Supplies & Set Up

Before we get started on actually making the holder, you’re going to have to decide on the fabric and vinyl color. Cricut has a ton of great fabric options that match perfectly with their Iron-On Vinyl (their Foil Iron On is my favorite!) If you’re in Canada and are in the market for a Cricut, you can find them at Michael’s right now and coming soon to Costco and Wal-mart.

Since your fabric scissors are probably a different size than mine, we’re going to start by making a template. Just lay your scissors on a blank piece of paper and mark the basic shape with a ruler and pen.

Not Sew Complicated

Use that template to cut out two pieces of outside fabric, two lining fabrics, and two interfacing pieces. Here’s a hint: don’t go too thick with the interfacing or else the entire piece will be too difficult to turn. Iron the interfacing onto the back of the outside fabric and sew the pieces together. Repeat with the lining fabric.

Use your Cricut to cut the “Can’t Touch This!” image that you can find on Design Space. You can decide to cut out just the words, just the scissor image, or both like I did!

Apply the vinyl onto the outside fabric with a Cricut EasyPress. I absolutely love the EasyPress now and won’t ever go back to an iron! Sew the two 4″ pieces of elastic to the top of the fabric and interfacing.

Place that pouch inside of the lining pouch and sew around the top edge. Use a seam ripper to open one of the lining sides to flip the entire piece right side out. Sew up opening and press.

Finish the Fabric Scissors Holder by hand sewing a small button at the top. The elastic loops can be threaded through the scissor handles to secure with the button.

Fabric Scissors Holder

Now, everyone knows that they “can’t touch this!” Plus, if you need to take the scissors away from the safety of your craft room, they’re sure to be protected in this Fabric Scissors Holder.

PIN FOR LATER!

Want more fun Cricut ideas?

I am absolutely in LOVE with this Sunburst Pillow Free SVG Files! Seriously, in love. Plus, the fact that I was able to cut out all the fabric pieces with the Cricut Rotary Blade? Amazing. I’ve been sewing for a long time and the worst part of it has always been the tedious task of cutting out repeated shapes from different fabric. Now I can just get my Cricut Maker to do it for me!

Sunburst Pillow Free SVG Files

Materials:
– Cricut Maker & Rotary Blade
– Pre-Cut Fat Quarter Stack, Kisses
– Everyday Iron-On, Black
– Sunburst Pillow Free SVG Files
– Girl Doll Face (Design Studio)
– Fiberfil
– Basic Sewing Supplies

To begin this project, I cut out 4 squares (5 1/2″) out of each of the six colors of fabric I had chosen. Cricut made it super easy with this pretty stack of fat quarters that already had the rainbow of colors to choose from. Don’t worry about cutting the squares perfectly. You just need them small enough to fit on mat. Love that I can leave the precision cutting to my Cricut Maker!

Start positioning the fabric on the mat. Two things I highly suggest you invest in: the FabricGrip Mat and the Brayer kit. Both are totally essential to getting the perfect cut!

Begin cutting out the colorful rays with the Sunburst Pillow Free SVG Files . I didn’t have any basting spray or else I would have applied three layers of fabric per cut. Next time!

Remove the excess fabric and lay the cut piece to the side. The Broad Tip Tweezers are helpful at removing the fabric without damaging the mat. Don’t worry about removing all the fabric fibers though! The rotary blade will slice right through them the next time you use the machine.

Now that all the pieces have been cut, let’s start the fun part…sewing! Using a 1/4″ seam, sew the first two color sides together (red & orange). Continue sewing all the pieces together until you have a full circle.

Press all the seam open. The Cricut EasyPress Mat is perfect for this!

Take the circle that is also included in the Sunburst Pillow Free SVG Files and pin to the center of the circle. You want the raw edges of the circle and the rays to meet.

Sew a 1/4″ seam around the center raw edge, puckering each strip of color in the center to create a crease that further mimics the look of a sun ray. Repeat above steps to make a second identical side.

Replace the Rotary Blade with the Fine Point Blade and follow instructions for cutting out the face and wording. I absolutely loved the sweet little face I found on Design Space. It’s part of the Cricut Access library which is a monthly subscription that gives you access to more than 60,000 images and fonts like the ones I used in this project! (font: Napoleone Slab Std Regular)

Once the vinyl has been ironed in place on both sides of the Sunburst Pillow, sew the edges together with a 1/2″ seam (wrong sides facing inward). Make sure to leave an opening for either a pillow form or to fill with fiberfil. Once filled, sew the opening shut by hand.

I’m so happy with how this Sunburst Pillow Free SVG Files project turned out and would love to see your projects! This was my first attempt at designing patterns to be used the the Cricut Rotary Blade and I’m just blown away at how easy it was. Can’t wait to tackle more fun patterns for you guys and since the Rotary Blade can hundreds of different fabrics within a quarter of an inch, the sky’s the limit. Feel free to email me with fun ideas you want me to work on!

Click HERE to find out my Top 5 Reason You NEED the Cricut Rotary Blade!

PIN FOR LATER!

Want more T&T Cricut Projects?

I’m a lifelong sufferer of migraines so believe me when I say I’ve tried every trick in the book to get rid of them. Coke and Motrin, pressure points, aromatherapy, turmeric…yup, I’ve tried them all. I’ve figured out that the only thing that works for my migraines is sleeping it off in a dark room with cold compresses either on the back of my head or eyes. Lucky for me, this Weighted Headache Eye Pillow totally helps me out!

Weighted Headache Eye Pillow

Materials:

• Coordinating Cuddle Fabrics (I used Adornit Leaf Garland)
• Solarize Interfacing
• Poly Pellets
• Hook & Loop Tape
• Sewing Machine/Supplies
• “Weighted Headache Eye Pillow” Free Pattern

Step 1. Use the free pattern to cut out all the pieces. (Disregard the two pattern pieces for the cooling pad in the picture above! Decided to change the pattern to one long eye pillow instead.) Fold over the top seam of the main pouch and sew close to the edge. Cut two 5″ x 8″ straps, fold over, and sew along 2 edges (leaving one short side open to flip right side out.) All seam allowances for this tutorial will be 1/4″.

Step 2. Layer the sewn straps in between the two main pouch panels, pin, and sew around the edge lower edges, taking care not to accidentally catch the straps.

Step 3. Use pattern to cut two pieces of Solarize interfacing. With the silver sides facing each other, sew around the edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Don’t forget to leave a small opening to turn right side out. Use or make a small funnel to fill the entire bag with Poly-Pellets. When packed full, sew the small opening closed by hand.

Step 4. Cut appropriately sized hook & loop tape and sew on the strap ends.

Goodbye Headache

And there you have it, you have officially sewn a Weighted Headache Eye Pillow! Go ahead and pop the weighted insert in the freezer right now so that you’re instantly ready when the next migraine hits. I’ll probably make a couple more insert bags to keep cold just in case I need to switch them out or want to apply an additional cold pack to the back of my neck. I love that the cuddle fabric is the perfect weight to insulate slightly so it doesn’t feel like I’m getting freezer burn on my eyes. Hope this tutorial gives my fellow migraine sufferers some much needed relief!

Here’s a random fact about me: before I had kids, I owned a purse/accessories business called Gerbera Designs. I made purses and covers for a brand new technology innovation back then called the “iPod.” Eventually, my two crazy little monkeys took over any free time and I shifted my attention from designing/sewing accessories to sharing free craft tutorials on a personal blog called Tried & True. It’s crazy where the road leads you, right? Annnnyway…this Fat Quarter Purse Tutorial & Pattern is a flashback to the old days of pattern making. It’s an easy project for a beginner sewer or a great jumping-off-point for someone more advanced. Enjoy!

Fat Quarter Purse Tutorial

Materials:

• Pack of Fabric Fat Quarters (you’ll need two coordinating fabrics)
• Stiffen Interfacing (highly suggest buying a roll if you plan on making more purses!)
• Faux Wooden Purse Handles
• Magnetic Purse Snaps
• Slotted Long Nose Pliers
• Free Fat Quarter Purse Pattern (see below)

Step 1. First things first, you’re going to have to print out the free Fat Quarter Purse pattern. It’ll print out on two pages that you’ll have to tape one portion together. Don’t worry, it’s super easy! Just match up the AB lines and tape.

Step 2. Use the pattern to cut out pieces from the fabric, interfacing, and lining. Notice that you only need to cut 1 pocket piece and 2 straps. Don’t forget to place the body and pocket on the fold!

Step 3. Begin by folding the pocket panel right sides facing and sew around the edge with 1/4″ seam. Leave a small opening so that you can turn it right side out. Iron flat and pin in place in the center of one side of your lining. Sew around the three edges, making sure to close up the open seam.

Step 4. Iron the strap edges inward 1/4″ and then again in half. Sew along the edges to finish strap. Repeat with second strap panel.

Step 5. Fold lining in half, right sides facing, and sew along the edges. Pinch the bottom corners to create gusset and sew.

Step 6. Iron interfacing to back of fabric, fold right sides facing, and sew along the edges. Again, pinch the edges to create gusset and sew to secure.

Step 7. Use a hobby knife to cut small openings for the magnetic snap and fold prongs with pliers to secure. I used a scrap piece of interfacing on the back of the lining to make it a bit more sturdy.

Step 8. Insert the outer shell into the lining (right sides facing), pin in place, and sew along the top edge.

Step 9. Use a seam ripper to open one side of the lining and pull the outer shell through. Sew opening closed with a careful stitch right along the edge. Push lining inside of purse and iron the top seam flat. Stitch carefully around the top edge and you’re done!

Easy Peasy

Super easy, right? This Fat Quarter Purse Tutorial & Pattern is a great way to dip your toes in the wonderful world of purse making! It’s easy to wrap your brain around and even if it turns out to be a complete disaster, you’re only out a tiny bit of fabric. Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and let me know if you have any questions!

Columbia Built

Before I get to the tutorial, I thought I would share a little bit more about the history of Columbia and the specifics on my particular bike, the Hampton 26″ Multi Speed Cruiser. As the first US distributor of bicycles, Columbia “rolled” onto the scene in 1877. With ties to the newly emerging car industry (Alexander Pope, Columbia’s founder, was a car manufacturing mentor for Henry Ford), Columbia bikes quickly became best-sellers and would continue to stay popular into the 70’s. Who remembers the “banana” seat?!

Cruisin’ Along

Now that you’re familiar with the history of Columbia, let’s talk about the future! Columbia is back with bicycles that perfectly blend that vintage look we all love with modern day conveniences. My Hampton 26″ Multi Speed Cruiser comes with a hi-tensile steel frame and preferred Shimano 7-speed shifter & derailleur. That’s sure going to come in handy on some of these hills! My favorite parts about this bike are the little details like embossed saddle and hand grips, steel fenders, and the sturdy rear cargo rack. Love that the bicycle comes ready for a DIY Bike Pannier. Let’s get started!

DIY Bike Panniers

Materials:

• Sturdy Canvas Bag
• Sew-In Hook & Loop Tape
• Sewing Machine and Supplies

Step One. First things first, find the bag you’ll be converting into a pannier. Canvas bags like this are often given at conventions and are easily found at thrift stores. You want to make sure that it’s sturdy enough to keep it’s shape to prevent it from interfering with the tire. I highly suggest you add a hard piece of cardboard or masonite to the base if it didn’t come with the bag.

Hold the bag up to the rear cargo rack and mark where the sew-in hook and loop should go. I’m adding four different loops for extra support.

Step Two. Cut 4 strips of both sides of the hook and loop tap measuring 4.75″ long. You might have to adjust this measurement if your rack is thinner. Overlap the coordinating pieces .75″ for a total length of 8.5″.

Step Three. Use straight pins to keep the hook & loop strips in place. Notice how I attached the strips to the side of the bag I wanted hidden. Nothing against parrots, just didn’t want them on my panniers!

Step Four. Attach the strips to your bag with a sewing machine. Make sure they’re nice and secure by sewing an X Box stitch at the intersection of both sides. Repeat until all strips are sewn in place.

Step Five. And you’re done! Told you it was easy, right? All that’s left to do is attach the hook and loop strips in place on your bike cargo rack!

Easy To Customize

One of my favorite things about this project (other than not having to carry my groceries on my back!) is that it can totally be customized to match your needs and style. You could even use an insulated bag if you plan on picking up frozen foods or have longer to travel. There are so many styles of bags, the options are almost endless!

Let’s Ride!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and a bit of background on the new/old Columbia bikes! You can find the Hampton 26″ Multi Speed Cruiser at Dick’s, Amazon, and Target. Be sure to check Toys R Us, Target, Amazon, Walmart and Dicks retailers where Columbia Bicycles can be found!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Columbia Bicycles, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #RideColumbia http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV