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Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

I am in love with anything ruffly and flirty – I’m totally digging the ruffled camera strap trend. And I’m really loving all the purpley grays, berry pinks, and olive greens I’ve been seeing everywhere for fall. Gorgeous. I love the idea of a camera strap slipcover that can easily be changed out with new seasons and colors. And although my sewing machine usually runs and hides when it sees me glance in its general direction, this cute slipcover was pretty easy to tackle.

Wanna make one? It wasn’t too bad… promise! Come on, I’ll show you. :)

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Stuff you’ll need

  • sewing machine & coordinating thread
  • iron & ironing board
  • camera strap
  • 1/2 yard camera strap fabric
  • 1/2 yard ruffle fabric
  • 1/2 yard second ruffle fabric (optional)

Fabric I used

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Cut 2 strips of fabric for your camera strap. You’ll want to add 1″ to the length and width of the camera strap you’ll be covering.

For the length, I gave myself a little extra room for the slipcover to hang over – I measured from the middle of the X’s on the leather ends of each strap.

For the width, measure at the widest part of the strap on the leather ends.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

My measurements were 24″ x 1.75″, so I cut 2 strips of 25″ x 2.75″.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Turn the short sides of the strap fabric in 1/4″ and press. When pressing the second strip, make sure the ends line up so both strips are the same length.

Hem the short sides you just pressed, back-stitching at the beginning and end.

(That’s the button that looks like a U-turn.)

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Line up the two strips and pin – right sides together.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Since the width of my camera strap is 1.75″, I want my slipcover to be 2 inches wide. Use a ruler and make a pencil mark so you know where to hem so you’ll have 2″ in the middle.

This centering ruler came in handy. If you can get a picture of it upside down, even better.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Hem just one long side of the strap, back-stitching at the beginning and end.

Embrace the dust!

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

See? Just one side. Remove pins and set aside.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Now if you did want to go ahead and stitch the other side…

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

You’d have a very basic slipcover. Easy! You could find some super fun fabric and change this out all the time.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

But today we want to add ruffles.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Cut a strip of fabric for the ruffle. You’ll want it to be the same width and double the length of your camera strap.

I cut mine 2″ x 42″.

(My fabric wasn’t quite long enough to double the length exactly, but it was just fine.)

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Fold in the long sides of the fabric in 1/4″ and press. Now this can be kind of tricky, so I used a piece of cardstock to help keep a straight edge.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Hem the long sides of the ruffle fabric. I used a zig-zag stitch to add a little fun texture.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

But you could use a straight stitch too. If you’re going with the zig-zag stitch, hem the fabric right side up – I think it looks better. :)

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Sew a basting stitch (that’s the longest stitch your machine will do) down the middle of the ruffle fabric, leaving a long string at the end.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Now grab that camera strap fabric, open it up, and pin the end of the ruffle fabric to the end of the camera strap (on whichever side you want to be the front).

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Starting at the other end, find the long strings you left. Grab the bottom string (from the bobbin thread) and gently pull the fabric to gather & ruffle.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Arrange ruffle evenly onto strap, leaving about 1″ on both ends un-ruffled.

Pin and sew into place using a straight stitch right down the middle, back-stitching at beginning and end.

Remove the pins and the basting stitch. Pull the bottom thread out first, like you’re gathering again, then the top thread. Don’t worry, it should come out pretty easily! :)

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Now it was looking pretty fabulous with just one ruffle, but I just couldn’t resist…  I had to add a second ruffle! :)

To add a second ruffle, cut another strip of ruffle fabric, the same length, but not quite as wide as the previous ruffle.

I cut my second ruffle strip 1.75″ x 42″.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Repeat the previous steps to add the second ruffle. When you are done, you’ll want to sew a straight stitch across the short sides of the slip cover, sewing the ruffles in place at the bottom.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Now fold the slipcover over, right sides together. Find the pencil mark you made, and sew a straight stitch down the long side of the fabric to close the slipcover, back-stitching at the beginning and end.

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

Turn the slipcover right-side out and slip onto your strap!

Make a Ruffled Camera Strap Slipcover Tutorial

You now have a custom, gorgeous, ruffly, feminine camera strap! And it’s a slipcover, so you can change it out as much as you like. :)

Have a great weekend! :)

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93 Responses
  1. KC

    This such a cute idea! I didn’t know you liked sewing too since I’m always drooling over the food and desert posts :o) I might do this for my camera if I ever get through all my sewing projects.

  2. Brooke Franks

    I did it!! I messed up a tad trying to add a bow (sewed it into the seam on the first round >.<) and took a while to flip right side out because I added some padding (those lenses get heavy) but I am so grateful for this tutorial!!! I've been wanting a new strap for a while but couldn't justify spending the $$$!!! I made a psuedo-tutorial on how I did mine on my blog and also has pics of how it came out… but linked back to Amanda's cause I absolutely LOVE the ruffles too and will be making one of these also ;)
    http://www.coneyislandcalifornia.com/custom-camera-strap-diy-camera-strap-cover/#comment-55

  3. Danielle

    I LOVE this! how much would you charge for one? I dont have a sewing machine and i really want this strap cover. :) Thank you.

  4. Beverly

    I’ve been shooting since high school and never thought to cover my strap. Great idea and great site. I love being crafty, so I will be attempting this soon!

  5. Maddie

    Hey! i love this. i have a camera, but not a strap like this. instead of covering the strap, could i just make it and attach it to my camera with clips???
    (i found you via PINTREST by the way!) :)

  6. Digital camera SLR

    I’m planning on getting the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi.I was wondering if any person has had knowledge with this digital camera or if there is a better slr camera out there? I essentially care for something that is simple to navigate because its my first time with a quality camera.

  7. Tanya

    I recently made a quilted camera strap cover and will definitely be making this for myself and as gifts! Thanks for the super-easy-to-follow tutorial!

  8. stacy

    This was the first sewing project I attempted on my own. (Big time novice here.) I am now about to make my 5th one. My friends and family love them! Thank you for such a great tutorial.

  9. Carla

    Hey there! I just found your sight and love it. Thank you for the tutorial and can’t wait to get started on my lovely strap. :D

  10. Steph Ruud

    Amanda,
    I made two of these super fun straps.
    One for my Nikon and one for my friends Cannon – we both love them!
    Thanks so much!
    Much love from New Mexico

  11. Jennifer S.

    I FINALLY was able to sit myself down and make this strap!! One of the things I hated about my Canon strap was that it was just so HARD it hurt to have it around my neck, so that was what helped me decide on a soft flannel, plus it was a super cute argyle pattern. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new strap cover, thank you so much for this tutorial!! P.S. Making the ruffle wasn’t that easy, but I’m wondering if there was a better thread to have used, mine got jammed in a few places once I started pulling, but it all worked out :-)

  12. Carmen

    Since the snow was coming, I figured I’d dust off my machine and give it a whirl. I lucked out at JoAnn’s and found some awesomely cute Debbie Mumm fabric…$7.99 a yr and 50% off…I’m not really good at measurements, but after picking out 3 sets of different co-ordinating fabrics (they are so adorable), and getting home, my mom (via phone) said the 1/2 yrd fabric seemed like a lot…I am now on strap #5 and still have enough for 3-4 more! I’m guessing I will put them up on etsy as they are so adorable! Thanks for the cute idea Amanda. If I ever get done sewing, I will get back to taking pictures and blog about them! And maybe post a pic or 2!

    1. Carmen

      btw…I also wondered about the non-hemmed ruffle, but figured to each their own and hemmed mine anyway. These things happen! :)

  13. Megan K

    Just finished this for my camera strap, very rough edit as I was fighting with the sewing machine in beginning, but I LOVE it! Thank you! I will be sending people over to check it out themselves!

  14. Beth

    Love this idea…now if I only had a sewing machine. I will definitely have to get my grma to do this for me unless you can use glue like the previous post.

  15. Cathy

    I have a question–for those that do not have a sewing machine, can we use one of those –(what are those glues called???) No sew hem? in place of sewing, then hand sew the ruffles?

    Thanks!!!

  16. Kaitlyn

    Just made one of these for my friend for Christmas….

    SOOOOOOO CUTE!!!! It turned out absolutely adorable! Thanks for the awesome idea!

    – Kaitlyn

  17. Jodi

    LOVE IT! I have 3 DSLR cameras and the straps are so ugly right now and they need replaced…this idea is awesome, I am going to blow off the dust on my sewing machine and get busy on a few of these, you have a great blog….LOVE IT ..too.

    Jodi

  18. Christine

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve been wanting a strap cover, but didn’t really want to buy one! This tutorial looks super simple and I can’t wait to give it a try!

  19. Mary @ Life On 19th

    I think I missed something. Did you leave the short ends of the ruffles un-hemmed? Are they just raw edges still?

    1. Amanda

      Ummm… *blush* Yes. I did. This is why my sewing machine gives me attitude. It’s rolling its eyes and dying of embarrassment right now. :)

    2. kranberrie♥

      Hey Amanda! :D I love this so much, I like to sew because it’s simple and doesn’t take much skill besides concentration and dedication! :D

      I was wondering, is there any way to adjust this to make it a water bottle strap? You know, like the ones that hook around the lid of the water bottle and you hang it from your neck? I would love to make one of those with this pattern because it’s just so cute! :D

      Thanks so much for being so fun and positive, every time I read your blog I smile! :D and I even advertise your blog on mine. :]]

      Loves n kisses n all sortsa wishes,

      kranberrie♥

  20. Alissa

    I told my husband about this project. He said “Be prepared for me to never touch the camera again.” I said perfect… all mine. : ) lol

  21. Michele B

    love this strap! I’m a novice at sewing, so this is a perfect project for me! Already have my fabric and everything, just gotta get motivated! I may try it today! Thanks for all your great tips!

  22. Maria

    LOVE it! I would make one, but I can’t even sew on a button:)

    I look forward to meeting you at Blogher Food next week. I am loving your site!

  23. Ashleigh

    Holy Moly I love your blog! I have been stopping by for a couple of months now and even made the picture frame earring holder..btw it is so cute and handy too…my husband thanks you! haha I just started sewing and think this looks like a contender for Christmas presents for my photo-taking friends! And I cant wait to make the chocolate chip cupcakes. I am pretty sure I gained 5 lbs just reading the recipe :) Again, I LOVE LOVE your blog! Thanks for the tutorials!!

  24. kranberrie♥

    Hey Amanda! :D I love this so much, I like to sew because it’s simple and doesn’t take much skill besides concentration and dedication! :D

    I was wondering, is there any way to adjust this to make it a water bottle strap? You know, like the ones that hook around the lid of the water bottle and you hang it from your neck? I would love to make one of those with this pattern because it’s just so cute! :D

    Thanks so much for being so fun and positive, every time I read your blog I smile! :D and I even advertise your blog on mine. :]]

    Loves n kisses n all sortsa wishes,

    kranberrie♥

  25. Nicky H

    You make it look so easy! I tried to make one without ruffles once, and it was NOT as easy as it looks! (I got a little narrow in the middle)! The one you made is SOOO cute!

  26. michelle :)

    love .. love …. love …

    I want to make it now!!! But must finish editing and ordering a few session first.

    Thanks for the great step-by-step-directions.

    So excited!!

  27. Ashley

    I can’t get enough of your blog! I just made one of these today. Not only is it much cuter but the old Canon strap kinda rubbed my neck after long periods of time. Thanks!!

  28. chinamommy

    went and got my fabric as soon as I saw this!! I just made one a few weeks ago but this one is SO much cuter! thanks for all your awesome ideas, fonts and recipes!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!!!
    ~m

  29. Georgia Peach

    Too cute! I hate the way the camera strap feels on my neck and that is the perfect solution to stop the scratching! Thank you so much for the pattern and tutorial.

  30. kelley blake

    You finished it!! And it looks amazing!! I especially love those colors together! I always love gray and this season I’m really loving the olive tones I’ve been seeing! Yay for you!!! :)

  31. Floppy Latte Designs

    Okies! This is super! I just need a really nice camera to go with it! My little point and shoot would not do it justice. I think I will make a few, then hang them around the house, just to get the significant other’s curiosity up, then hit him up for the new Olympus Pen that I want for my Birthday (which he forgot, back in July) Should be a good way for him to make it up to me. I need one to go with the oh so sweet straps! Awesome work there Amanda!

  32. Beth

    Going to a gymnastics clinic this weekend, but I have printed ALL 26 pages to make this fabulous strap cover next weekend!! LOVE IT!! Thanks Amanda!!

  33. Tracy

    This is great! I love the idea of being able to change out the strap cover! thanks so much for sharing! I may make one today :-) one question, though? why the 1/2 yard fabric requirements per fabric? it seems that 1/8 yard would be plenty for the ruffles & quite possibly, even the cover itself…..

    1. Amanda

      Hi Tracy! Yes, you are right! :) 1/8 yard for the ruffle and 1/4 for the strap would be plenty, if you don’t mess up at all. :) I just put 1/2 yard because if you buy the fabric online, that’s usually the smallest increment you can buy it. Hmm, maybe I should change it. I went back and forth with myself. We fought. The other guy won.

  34. Debbie St. Germain

    Wonderful tutorial and something I should make.
    I haven’t put a strap on my camera and when I am walking, regret not having it on, so maybe I would wear it, if i had a comfy and fun strap.

    Debbie

  35. BrooklynBeka

    Wow. Cute! ruffles not really my thing but the basic slipcover would be cute. Too bad my strap is wonky! It’s not straight so it is more comfortable but would be hard to measure for…pity!
    Thanks for sharing all your great stuff!

  36. Sheila

    Great job, I so wish that I had your talent on everything. The only thing that I could do was make those cookie dough filled cupcakes .. YUMMY :)! The ruffled strap would be to hard for me to make but still, it is awesome.

  37. Deborah Harris

    I love, love, LOVE this!!! I’m making this for me and my BFF immediately!!!! We are making plans for a girl’s weekend in NY the first week of December and this would be a great gift for her! Thanks!

    I’d love any ideas for hot spots to visit while in NY. This will be my first trip- I’ve dreamed about it since I was a little girl! :-) There is soooo much to fit in to one weekend! Any advice would be great!

    Thanks for your blog! I love it and know if you lived in Raleigh,NC we’d be besties!!!!! ;-)

  38. Olga Oliva

    Great idea! How do you come up with these things. Your mind is a bottomless pit of information (I mean that as a compliment, lol). Thanks so much for sharing all u do with us. Keep them coming.

  39. Rita

    I LOVE this tutorial and can’t wait to pull out my sewing machine and change my Canon camera strap into something pretty!

    I love your blog. :-) Rita

  40. Amber

    Super cute!! I love it.

    One thing I like to do is make my own camera bags for my cannon digital elf, allows me to make something nice, little and cute and this way I have my own design, with a zipper pocket on front to hold my extra memory card and battery, but yet small enough to just keep in my purse.

    1. Cathy

      Amber–I found this at I Heart Face Forum

      By–Brittney Woods-Chaney on October 4, 2010 at 1:31pm
      Unfortunately, I didn’t take photos of every step but I would love to tell you how I did it! It was so easy, and took less than 30 minutes!

      Supplies:
      Purse ( I got mine on sale for $20)
      1 yard of fabric for lining
      foam padding ( I got two squares at Hobby Lobby for 1.99/ea)
      Scissors
      Hot glue gun & Glue

      First I cut a piece of padding to fit the bottom of the bag, then each side.

      Then, I put them in the purse (to make sure they worked). Then I played around with putting my camera body and lenses in to see how I wanted it to be divided. After I figured that out, I cut a few divider pieces of foam.

      Next, I took each piece of foam and covered with the fabric. (Cut it, then glued it. I didn’t feel like whipping out the sewing machine, but you obviously could. I just glued mine like you would wrap a present.)

      After I wrapped each piece of foam I had cut with my fabric, I glued the bottom and side pieces together (So I had a base pieces to just set in the purse!)I decided not to glue the divider pieces because they stay in place well on their own, and if I wanted to rearrange them in the future it would be super easy.

      I also decided not to glue the padding into the purse because it fits well and stays in place, plus I can easily make more than one lining to switch out! :)

  41. Kerry

    My camera is broken and I never use my strap… call me lazy, but THIS was inspiring and oh SO cute! I have three girls (all under 6) but they thought it was TOO cute and want me to make something for them with straps. Hehahaha… first I need to learn to use a sewing machine… YOU have inspired me to learn to sew!!! You made a really cute tutorial I think ages ago about a patchwork quilt… I am just so impressed with your brain and the way you think and see things and how everything makes you so excited! Thanks for letting us all over the world follow along inside your head ;)

  42. Jenni

    DO you buy your fabric online, like from the links you posted? Or did you find these in stores? I feel like all the cute stuff is only available on line, but that it is more expensive and you have to pay for shipping…

  43. Alisha

    I ADORE this! It’s too precious! And you could make cute ones for every occasion (college sports team, Disney, Christmas, puppies!) Oh goodness, I am so excited! Thanks, Amanda!

  44. Ashley

    Omigosh! I’ve been wanting to buy a new camera strap (even though I still don’t know how use my camera very well) since I got my camera. but since I can’t justify buying one… I can totally make one! :) LOVE THIS!

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Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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