These days, owning a DSLR camera is becoming more and more common. It seems like so many people I know have jumped on the bandwagon or are thinking about it. So if everyone has one… then why not accessorize and make yours stand out with a nifty, personalized camera strap cover!? Let’s be honest here, the standard strap that comes with your camera is probably black, boring, and uncomfortable (and you probably have the same or similar one as your fellow camera brand users as well).
Look here… little Evan is telling his Uncle Marvin to “get that ugly strap off your neck”!
So I bring to you my very first “In Stitches” post and sewing project I’ve ever made, the nifty Camera Strap Cover!
First off, you’ll need to pick two coordinating fabrics for your strap. I always like to go with a design on one side and a soft fleece like solid print material on the other side. Then find the length (just the thicker part, not including the thin strap that adheres to the camera) and width measurements of your straps. This can vary depending the camera you have. For example, I have a Canon 50D and my strap length and width is 26 1/2” by 1 9/16“… while a Canon 5D Mark II’s strap length and width is 27” by 1 9/16“… and while an Olympus camera is 27” by 1 1/2“. Anyways, you catch my drift, just measure your strap and then you can go from there. You will need to create a seam allowance and this is where it may take some trial and error. I cut my two fabrics at 29 1/2” and 3 3/4“.
Next you will need to fold in both ends of both fabrics and sew them up so that the ends will have a nice non-frayed folded edge. Make sure the fold is against the side that you want to be on the inside.
Next you will line up the two fabrics so that the side that you would like to show on the outside, is facing the inside. Then you just pedal away (if you are using a machine, and I really hope you are using a machine b/c it would take forever to sew by hand) on both sides.
Once you are done, your strap should look like this. And you should probably cut off the loose threads.
Then comes the most annoying part… flipping the fabric inside out. I’ve managed to come down with a technique for doing this, but it’s too hard to explain so you’ll have to figure out what works best for you!
Once you are done you have a strap that looks like this, pretty neat huh??
But wait, there’s just one last (optional) step I like to take… and that’s called top-stitching. I think it gives it a more finished look… so here we go, last thing, I promise. Basically you just stitch another line a little bit inset from the ends of the fabric.
And we’re done! The top stitching is kind of subtle in this picture but you should see a line on both sides that is about 3/4” in from the sides of the strap.
And finally, put the camera strap cover onto your strap.
A camera strap in action!
And here’s all of the strap covers I whipped up in a week – with my MIL’s help! All fabrics courtesy of J0ann Fabrics.
Now, your turn to make some and have your camera stand out from the rest!
that is SO awesome!!! 😀 now I want one!! 😀
Love the print w/ the solid color! It looks great 🙂
hahaha…i love how versatile this blog is becoming. you should start collecting orders for your friends 🙂
Super cute! I saw a DIY like this a couple months back and tried to convince a (male) friend to make one for his DSLR (I didn’t have one at the time)… he declined… but I think I’ll make myself one now that I have my own! Thanks for reminding me!
So cool!! Okay, now I understand.. when I kept seeing references to camera straps on your facebook, I wasn’t sure what you were talking about, but I get it now.
PRETTY!!!
What a fantastic idea! Love it!
Great tutorial! I’ve been thinking about making something like this for my boyfriend’s photographer sister.
wow very creative!! nice work!!
i want one sandy! those are so cute! i’d make one myself but i am sewing impaired.
hey girl! This is so neat! Thanks for mentioning my Olympus strap! Your nephew little Evan is so cute! Believe it or not Billy can sew too, and without a sewing machine. He made a cover for a blanket when he was in college. You guys should have a competition! Also we need to have a sewing / knitting party!
CUTE! What a good idea!
What a great project. I’ve been meaning to make one for my boyfriend for his Nikon. He’s a photo major so he wears it everyday, everywhere. Thanks for getting me inspired!
Your straps are sooo cute! Thanks so much for mine! I love them. Thanks for the tutorial~ hope I can make one someday! Love the pic of the 3 of you…it really looks like Evan is thinking that, hehe!
great job dear! i’ve been contemplating on buying a new strap. there’s so many patterns, so many decisions, but yours are cute! 😉
I love the one with the zebra!
what a great tutorial – thanks for the idea and especially how to do it 🙂 your blog is just lovely!
How cute are these!! I can never sew straight!! lol
comfy! i’ve seen straps made for stethoscopes as well 🙂 you could even make mini ones for the joystick in your car or door handles. awesome.
wow! that is seriously so creative!!!
So cute! And now I have a SLR too (compliments of my honey!) 🙂
How chic and fun are these! I would love to have one of these on my camera, but don’t think mine would turn out as nice as yours! With your easy to follow tutorial, maybe I’ll try though! Thanks!
I’d like to order one, please. The color scheme you demo’ed, exactly. I’m serious. How much do I owe you?
You are so talented!! Love these. And Need one!!
Be blessed-
Amanda
Oh.. and AMAZING pictures on your blog… I am in awe!
OMG!!! I totally want that one you have on!!!! Where do you think of these ideas???? I LOVVVVE This website~ you are seriously sooooo amazing Sandy!!!!!!
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@Sooae – AWWWW thanks soo much Sooae! Not sure where the ideas stem from… just foods that I crave haha!
Oh, I love it! So pretty. I really want to make one-I keep seeing them everywhere, you make it seem easy 🙂
Oh I love it! Where do you find all these cute fabrics?
You should sell it on Esty Sandy!