Looking for an easy sewing project to get into sewing, or just practice your skills? Then this is the project for you! See how to make a camera strap with fabric in this easy sewing project.
If like me you have a blog, make videos or generally love a bit of creative photography, then no doubt you will be used to using some form of camera.
The bigger cameras like a Mirrorless or DSLRs need a bit more support when in use. That is where a camera strap comes in.
Not only do camera straps help you carry a camera around when you are out and about on the go, but they can help step your photography up. Did you know that pulling the strap taught away from you can help give a smoother flow when making videos? That is just one of a few photography/video tips I have picked up along the way.
Camera Strap
Now, most of the larger cameras come packaged with a strap, but they are not always the prettiest of things. I have a standard black strap that came with my Fujifilm XT-30 (which is a fab camera that I would highly recommend) but over the last few weeks, I have noticed that the strap often comes loose when I am either carrying the camera or trying to use it.
So, I have taken matters into my own hands and made a new one from a small piece of fabric and a few swivel hooks. It looks more stylish than the original strap and it feels more secure when I am using the camera. A win-win in my book.
This project is perfect for any sewing level, whether you are a beginner sewer or more experienced. It is perfect for making for yourself or giving away as a gift for the photography enthusiast out there. Totally customisable, you could even match it to your outfit!
So, if you would like to see how to make a camera strap with fabric, then let’s get crafting!
Jump to the end of this post for the video version of this project!
How to Make a Camera Strap with Fabric:
The good thing about this project is that you do not need a lot of material to make it. Scrap material can work great for this, and a good way of culling your fabric stock. If you have lots of little pieces of fabric, these could be joined to make a lovely patchwork type of design too.
I often talk about fat quarters for easy sewing projects, as they are the perfect size for small projects like this. I mean, you can make Face Masks, Tablet cases and even Make-up Bags with a simple fat quarter piece. You can also make a camera strap out of a fat quarter too!
What you need:
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To make this project, you are going to need the following items:
- Fabric of your choice
- Faux Leather or a stiff material
- Lightweight iron-on interfacing* (optional)
- Swivel Clips*
- Sewing pins or clips*
- Sewing Machine
- Matching cotton
- Scissors
- Iron
- Paper to make a small pattern
Step 1 – Create pattern and cut fabric
Firstly the fabric has to be marked and cut out. Take your chosen fabric and cut a strip measuring 77cm long by 7 cm wide. You can make this a little bit longer or shorter depending on where you want the camera to sit. Unfortunately, this strap isn’t adjustable once sewn so you need to make sure it is the measurement you want.
Then, on a piece of paper create a pattern for the strap ends. This will look like the letter ‘T’ a bit similar to how bubble writing would look. The picture below will show you the full measurements and make it easier to understand, but essentially you want it 2cm wide at the bottom by 2cm up. Then, 1.5cm out and 3cm up with the top part being 4 cm. You want to make sure that the inner piece is no wider than the swivel clip D-ring.
Cut this out.
Place the pattern piece onto the faux leather material. Make sure the bottom of the ‘T’ is on the fold. Trace and cut this out, making sure not to cut at the fold. Unfold the faux leather and it should be an ‘H’ or ‘I’ shape. Cut two of these, one for each side of the camera strap.
Step 2 – Sew the main strap
First, make sure the material is pressed with an iron to get rid of any creases. Then, fold this in half lengthways with the right sides together. You could press this with the iron to maintain the fold or use pins/clips to keep the material folded. If you like to be a bit extra like me, then you can add in a label to this seam. Place the label sandwiched inside the material near to the bottom of the strap.
Whilst the iron is on, you can iron on lightweight interfacing to the faux leather. This can help stiffen the material more, as I found mine was too pliable and soft. Cut this out using the same pattern as the faux leather and fix to the material with the iron.
Then, head to the sewing machine and sew a narrow seam along the folded edge of the main material. Remember to backstitch at each end of the seam. The seam should be about 0.5cm wide. Before turning right side out trim the seam, making sure not to cut into the stitching with pinking shears. This will help prevent the seam from fraying and help it lay as flat as possible when turned right side out.
Step 3 – Turn right side out
Turn the strap right side out with a safety pin. Place the safety pin on one side of the top of the tube. Then, begin threading the safety pin through the inside of the newly sewn tube, which will bring the material with it. This step can be a little fiddly but is the exact same method used when making scrunchies.
When right side out, use an iron to press the seam flat. This will help when placing the strap into the faux leather ends and make sure that the strap is as even as possible.
Before adding in the faux leather ends, you can run the raw edges of the strap under a zig-zag stitch. This will secure the ends and again, reduce the chance of fraying.
Step 4 – Attach the Swivel Clips
Place the faux leather pieces through the D-ring of the swivel clip and fold wrong sides together. Then, place the material strap inside the folded leather. Ideally, you should measure this, but I eye-balled where I wanted the strap to be. Make sure the strap is enough into the leather, but not so it shortens the overall length of the camera strap too much.
Then head back to the sewing machine to attach the two together. Start by sewing a square around the top part of the faux leather part. Go over the stitching a few times for added strength.
Then, create a cross through the square, starting in one corner and creating a straight stitch to the opposite diagonally. Repeat this a few times for added strength, and sew the opposite diagonal stitch. Once the cross is complete, turn the machine to the zig-zag stitch, and go around the edge of the faux leather square part. Again this will add a bit of strength and help close up the raw edges of the faux leather.
Finally, change the sewing machine foot to the zipper foot. This will allow you to stitch a bit closer to the D-ring. Create a straight stitch along the fold of the D-ring as close as your machine will allow. Go over this a few times for added strength. Then, create a few straight stitches up the side parts of this piece of the faux leather.
Now your DIY camera strap made of fabric is ready to be attached to your camera and for you to get out there shooting!
What do you think of this DIY? Do you have a favourite camera strap? Let me know in the comments below!
How to Make a Camera Strap with Fabric Video:
Here is the video version of this post. Don’t forget to like video and subscribe to the channel if you have enjoyed it. Keep up with all of my crafting antics over on my Youtube channel!
How to Make a Camera Strap with Fabric – Pin it!
If you enjoyed this post, why not share the love and pin it for later?
Oooh I need a new camera strap, I’m going to try this!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
So easy to make, you have loads of different straps to go out and about with!
Have fun making!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
What a great idea Aimsy! Camera straps are very useful when you’re out and about with your camera, so inventive lovely! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Definitely so useful. I was annoyed when mine kept coming loose the other week, was so scared I was going to drop the camera and break it! Now I have this, it feels much more secure.
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Once again, fab post! The strap looks so professional I love it! Congrats for making such lovely things 🙂 x
Glad you like it! There are a few tangled cotton threads, but only I can see them I guess haha!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This is such a great idea. I’ve still got the strap that came with my camera and its so uncomfortable. I’m definitely inspired to have a go at making one myself.
I know they seem to dig into the neck a bit, don’t they? With this, you could always add in a bit of cushioning with some batting, or my fav to use a cut-up pillow protector. Then, it will hopefully be a bit comfier on the neck.
Glad it’s inspired you and thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This looks so cute which is such a pleasant change as most of them are ugly. I don’t use mine that often but definitely think I’d reach for it more if I had one like this. Need to try this at some point x
Sophie
Oh, I know why can’t they make them a bit prettier when you get the camera? I guess they have to cater to the wider market though. I always use my strap when I am out and about or my tripod. I am always so scared of dropping it!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Ooh this looks great! I’m no good at sewing unfortunately 🙁 but this is a great idea!
Glad you like it! It’s a great project to start learning to sew, if you wanted to. Simple seam lines and you are good to go!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Wow! This is a great idea, looks super cute! Thank u for sharing with us!
xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com/
Glad you like it! It’s turned out great, hasn’t it?!
Aimsy xoxo
It looks great! I have to try!
Glad you like it. Happy crafting! I would love to know how yours turns out 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Love it!
Glad you like it!
Aimsy xoxo
Oh WOW how fun is this! How talented and resourceful you are. This really came out great. I am not so good with sewing, I wish I had these skills. Thanks for posting!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Glad you like it. I love how it has turned out, stylish and practical. A great little project to start of learning how to sew. I am sure you would master it with a bit of practice.
Thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
I simply adore your gorgeous homemade camera strap! This is such a fun upgrade over the standard Canon camera strap I always use.
Aww, thank you! I love how it has turned out, and definitely an upgrade to the bog-standard one you get.
Gad you like and thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
Love the design of the fabric that you chose! It goes with a lot and the print is both classic and adorable. Thanks for the tutorial!
You cannot go wrong with a simple polka dot, can you? Definitely makes it versatile.
Glad you liked and thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
love this! I always love fun camera straps for my canon but never wanna heft over too much money on these. I’ve found a few vintage ones that are starting to wear out so I’m glad I saw this!
Glad you like it! This is a perfect way to cut down costs, especially if you have some scrap fabric. You could even use old clothing that no longer fits/suitable for giving away… a great way to recycle. I love the sound of the vintage ones!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This is such a cute idea! I love your camera strap, it looks so lovely! I don’t think I’ve ever thought about making my own camera strap before. I feel like this would be a cute gift for someone too, especially if you know they love their photography and they use their camera a lot. xx
Glad you like it. I love how you could make them in any colour/pattern you want. Definitely a great gift for someone too!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I’m totally bookmarking this to try out, I love the idea! I really want a longer strap for my camera but the brand ones are ridiculously expensive! This is such a perfect DIY, thanks for sharing 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Glad you like the idea. They are so expensive to buy and don’t always look that nice. Making your own is a great way to jazz it up and get it to the length you want. I haven’t mastered an adjustable strap yet, but hopefully in the future!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Love what you have created here – it’s a lovely way to fancy up the strap!
Glad you like it. So simple to do, but a great way to make them a bit fancy!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This looks like such a fun little project. I currently have an all black strap for my DSLR but I have been considering getting something that’s a little more interesting – with a little personality. Rather than buying one, maybe I’ll just pick out some fabric and make one myself!
Its a great little project. Perfect if you are new to sewing, but also if you are a dab hand. I love how customisable it is…you could always repurpose some old clothing too, which will save on having to buy any fabric!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I love this idea! I always have weird shaped spare fabrics from little sewing projects so this is a great idea to use em up xx
Glad you like it! This would be a great way to use them up…a very unique camera strap for you as well!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Ooh these are well cute! Much nicer than the bog standard straps that come with the camera!
Thanks, Jenny! I love how it has turned out, and definitely gives the strap a bit of something else compared to the bog-standard ones!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Awesome post!! Thank you for sharing!
Glad you like it!
Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
What a great idea! Buying camera straps can be so expensive, so this is such a useful tutorial. Thanks for sharing this!
Glad you like it. They can be so expensive, can’t they? If you have scrap material then this is a perfect project to use them up.
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
What an excellent post this looks so helpful!
Thank you! Glad you like it and find it helpful.
thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo