Inner Tube Koozie or Drink Sleeve

Rubber inner tubes are a wonderful material to use for a koozie because of their insulation properties, durability, no slip grip and up cycle potential.

Since these are hand made it also makes it easier to remember which drink is yours ;-)

For this project one inner tube is more than enough for a koozie.
Two standard bicycle inner tubes can usually cover a six pack.

Up-cycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value.

Step 1: Cut the Inner Tube

Cut the inner tube horizontally so that it is one long piece.
* The best place to cut it in order to save materials is by the metal air valve.

Next cut the inner tube again vertically, as shown below.
* Most inner tubes have lines that can serve as guides for cutting straight lines.

Step 2: Measure Inner Tube Width and Cut Sections

Once you have a long flat strip cut it into two sections that fit around your glass.

Step 3: Sew the Inner Tube Pieces Together

Slightly overlap the strips so that you can sew them together.

I used the industrial strength walking foot at the techshop that is awesome for thicker materials.
Theoretically a standard sewing machine will also work.

Step 4: Sew the Sleeve Closed

Sew the sleeve closed as shown then cut off any excess.

Step 5: Turn the Sleeve Inside

The last step is to turn the sleeve inside out, fit it over your drink then sit back, relax and enjoy a beverage.

I made it at the TechShop!

http://www.techshop.ws/