Padded Camera Strap Cover Tutorial *Updated*



Let me start by saying... I am just learning to sew; I am not an expert seamstress.

I have been wanting a padded camera strap cover for a long time and I finally feel confident enough with my sewing skills to try making one. 

I really only quilt so this whole "tutorial" is based on quilting-style sewing (if that makes any sense).

Supplies Needed:

-sewing machine

-matching thread

-beautiful outer fabrics (prewashed & pressed)

-solid lining fabric (prewashed & pressed)

-fusible batting (low loft)

-chopstick or knitting needle

-printer paper & pencil

-ruler

-scissors

Step 1:  Undo one side of your camera strap.

Step 2:  Fold the strap in half and trace the wide nylon part.

Step 3:  Using a ruler add 1/2"* lines around your tracing except where the fold of the strap was.

*When using a thicker batting add another 1/4" to all sides but the fold. Seen Below,

Step 4:  Cut the pattern out!

Step 5:  The fun step, choose your fabrics!  You will need front of strap, back of strap and a lining fabric. Cut a loooonnnggg strip of your outside fabrics and then fold in half, lay your pattern on top lining up the folds and cut.  You will measure the lining fabric after sewing the outer fabrics together.

Step 6:  Lay the outer fabrics together, right sides facing each other and sew along one long edge using a 1/4" seam.  Now press the seam toward the darker fabric.

Step 7:  Lay the outer fabric right side facing out on top of your fusible batting, cut the batting to fit and fuse with your iron.  (Follow the batting instructions carefully)

Step 8:  Lay your lining fabric on the opposite side of the batting and fuse.  Trim any excess lining fabric.

Step 9:  Run several lines of stitching/ quilting through your sandwich, I did this on my second strap and found that it was much easier to turn the strap right side out in the end!

Step 10:  Fold your short sides inward toward the lining a little less than 1/2"  Sew down through the outside to secure, I used a straight stitch at 1/4" and another a 1/4" from the first row of stitches right along the edge next to the lining. (Turned over to show detail in picture, it is just a cleaner look to go through the front of the fabric)

 

Step 11:  Fold the whole strap in half lengthwise with the outside fabric facing in and the lining out, secure with straight pins, sew a 1/4" seam along the open edge.

Step 12:  The hardest step.  Turn the whole thing right side out.  Use a chopstick, knitting needle, or like me a long paintbrush.

Step: 13:  Press the whole strap cover nice and flat again.

Step 14: Slide the end of the camera strap through the cover, I used a little painters tape and secured the strap to my long paintbrush and pulled it through.

Step 15:  Enjoy!

*Updated from the first post, I found just a few things (like more fabric and a little quilting) that made this strap even easier to work with than the first one I posted! 

If you make one of these comfy-cozy straps for your camera please link a picture in the comments, I would love to see it!