Camp Craft: Happy Campers Camera Strap Tutorial

Camp OMHG DIY camera strap tutorial, TrashN2Tees, Oh My Handmade

All summer long we’ve been working towards turning off our electronics, getting back to nature, and earning our merits here at Camp #OMHG. Whether you’ needed the gentle reminder to shine with confidence, cultivate ambition,  or you’re just here for the camp crafts– this experience has brought us back to basics and serves as a reminder to ourselves what community is all about: gathering around the campfire, sharing stories, capturing moments, and embarking on wild adventures.

Camp OMHG DIY camera strap tutorial, TrashN2Tees, Oh My Handmade

Today’s adventure, encompasses all of the above- the tutorial for my Happy Camper Camera Strap encourages you to show off your freshly earned badges with pride (You deserve it!) Badges come in all shapes and sizes, you can find vintage lots, embroider your own, or choose submitted badges and convert them into iron on transfers. (Feel free to forgo the badges and use this pattern to create your own unique camera strap) Suit up for your next excursion, girl scout style.

Camp OMHG DIY camera strap tutorial, TrashN2Tees, Oh My Handmade

To start out, choose 2 fabrics. My fabrics of are designed by Kimberly of Joyful Roots (did you see her Photoshop pattern tutorial yesterday?).  The Retro Pinecone print is one of my all time favorites and is available in several additional colors, I paired it with Agave Weave Charcoal.  You’ll also need to pick up some fusible fleece, to add a little structure and padding- I recommend Pellon Fusible One Sided Fleece.

You’ll need:

Fabric
Fusible Fleece

Scissors (or rotary cutter)

Ruler

Iron

Needle/Thread

 Camp OMHG DIY camera strap tutorial, TrashN2Tees, Oh My Handmade

Cut 1 piece, from the main fabric, that measures 2 1/2″ x 25 1/2″.
Cut 1 piece, from the second fabric, that measures 2 1/2″ x 25 1/2″.
Cut 1 piece, from the fusible fleece, that measures 2 1/2″ x 24 1/4″.  (Tip:  Cut your fusible fleece 1 1/4″ shorter than the fabrics.)

Camp OMHG DIY camera strap tutorial, TrashN2Tees, Oh My Handmade

Fold the ends of the fabric pieces over 1/4 inch and press.  Using a straight stitch sew the short ends.

Camp OMHG DIY camera strap tutorial, TrashN2Tees, Oh My Handmade

Now its time to iron fusible fleece to main fabric. Lay the rough side of the fusible fleece onto the fabric.   Iron the fabric, not the fleece, so you’ll need to flip the entire piece over once it’s centered. (Tip: Remember, you cut your fleece slightly shorter than the other pieces.)

Sewing_Camera_Strap

Attach any badges that need to be sewn.  Tip: I designed my own badges using t-shirt scraps (you’re not surprised are you?) so they were flexible- any thick badges will need to be glued or hand stitched after your finished.

Pin_Tutorial_Camera_Strap

Now, you’re ready to pin and sew.   Place the two pieces of camera straps ‘right’ sides together.  ‘Right’ sides together means that the printed sides of each fabric are facing one another.

Sewing_Tutorial

Using a 1/4″ seam allowance and a straight stitch, stitch down the long edges of the camera strap. Finished it should look like the above image. Don’t forget to snip your crazy threads! Your fabric is now sewn into a tube, open at both of the short ends.
Strap_flip
You need to turn the fabric so the pretty sides are on the outside. This is the hardest part of the whole project. I promise! Here are some tips for turning the tube right side out.
Sewing_JoyfulRoots_Fabric

Once your strap is turned right side out, press it flat. I prefer a more finished look so I added a straight stitch down the length of the strap on both sides.  Your finished product will slip over your current camera strap and can be removed for adding more badges or to switch up your camera strap whenever Kim designs more must-have fabrics. (I’ll let you in on a little secret- Kim and I are working on a fantastic collaboration right now and you’ll want to check the fabrics we’re debuting in September!)

Camp OMHG DIY camera strap tutorial, TrashN2Tees, Oh My Handmade

I hope you’ll make you’re very own Happy Camper Camera Strap, this is absolutely the perfect project to take on if you’re short on time (it takes 15-30 minutes total!), short on fabric (it requires less than a 1/4 yard total!) or still a little bit intimidated by your sewing machine. (read: it can totally be done by hand too!) Essentially the project only requires 6-8 straight line stitches- why no try it out & earn yourself the Sew Something Badge.

Join me in the comments below, I’d love to gather round and share our favorite take aways from Camp #OMHG so far. I’m curious to find out what badges you’ve earned and if/how you’re wearing them proudly.

8 comments

  1. This turned out so amazing Jenelle! I actually just got back from an impromptu camping trip with my husband and hour ago….guess what I brought? My camera and new strap! 🙂 This strap is so easy to make that even someone like me with hardly any sewing experience can create it.

    And thank you for debuting my fabric! I can’t wait until our new collection is released in September!

    • Jenelle Montilone says:

      I can’t wait to hear about your mini camping trip Kim & looking forward seeing how your camera strap turned out! It’s so fun working & playing with you and your fabrics!

      • Thanks Jenelle! I will definitely post some pics of the trip in the forum soon. It always takes me a while to get them off my computer. Also, the ink on the storm trooper camera straps is still drying, but I’ll show you those when they are done too. I’m itching to sew them!

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