As bloggers, we all carry around these big DSLR cameras to capture our creative outfits and unique experiences. I started thinking about how my camera is the one accessory that I always carry around, but I never thought about how boring it looked. I’m constantly thinking carefully about my outfits; how I accessorize, which purse to buy that will both function and embody my personality, which shoes will match… but I’ve neglected my poor camera.
I’ve seen plenty of handmade strap covers and printed replacement straps, but none of them really spoke to my fashionable side. That’s when I decided that I wanted to show my camera a little TLC by making it a new strap inspired by a designer handbag. If I’m going to be carrying around my camera as often as I carry a purse, it should look just as cute right? Today I’m going to show you how I made my camera a “luxury” strap inspired by a McQ purse. You can pick your own inspiration from your favourite designer & customize one too… Here’s how:
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- your current DSLR camera strap
- fabric (I chose to use leather)
- seam ripper
- scissors
- sewing machine
- embellishments
TUTORIAL:
[ INSPIRATION ] – Start with finding your inspiration. Is there a certain designer bag you’ve been coveting forever? I went with a McQ by Alexander McQueen Amwell Bag because it had particularly cool shoulder embellishments on it!
[ RIP THREADS ] – Since we’re using the hardware and nylon bands from the old strap, you need to start by disassembling the original strap. Rip the threads using a seam ripper, being careful not to tear the vinyl pieces with your sharp tool.
[ KEEP ENDS ] – Set aside the ends of the straps. You’ll need those to attach to your new strap.
[ CUT FABRIC ] – Take your original strap and place it on your fabric. Cut the fabric to about twice the width plus about a quarter inch seam allowance.
[ SEW FABRIC ] – Fold the fabric in half and tuck the seam allowance in. You should pin the fabric before sewing it, but I opted not to because the leather was quite thick. Sew a straight top stitch carefully on both edges.
[ SEW ENDS ] – Take the ends that you had from your original strap and carefully sandwich your new strap into them. Sew them on in the same fashion that they were originally attached (just copy the previous stitching lines). Now you’re basically done!
[ ADD DETAILS ] – This is where you can really customize your strap. Since I was copying the McQ purse, I cut out a piece of leather as a shoulder pad, punched the leather & added screw-on spikes. I also decided to add a “luggage tag” detail but made it functional by making it into a pocket for the lens cap! :) Other great ideas would be adding zippers, studs or other hardware details.
[ REATTACH ] – Reattach the straps to your camera & you’re ready to rock it :)
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Thanks for reading! Are you gonna try this DIY? Tweet us a photo @everybodyisugly
by Sylvia of lipglossandblack
Images by Syl and Sam, McQ Amwell Purse Photo from Net-A-Porter
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