DIY :: Scarf Camera Strap

Today I've got what might be one of my favorite DIY projects ever! This project is especially for those of you with DSLR cameras who hate the uncomfortable stock camera strap like I do. I've been wanting a Bloom Theory scarf camera strap for so long, but at $80 I can't really rationalize it. So, here's the next best thing!

The good news is you can do a no-sew version with a hot glue gun if you don't have access to a sewing machine. I can't vouch for how sturdy it is but I can imagine it would work just as good.

What you need:
Scarf = Owned
Leather Remnants = About $6 (I got them from Joann's but I think Hobby Lobby might have better prices)
Swivel Clasps = $2 (with 40% off coupon)
12 mm Split Rings =  $1.50 (with 40% off)
Thread = Owned

If I hadn't bought a bunch of the wrong sized d-rings and hooks, this would have cost me less than $10. Not bad compared to $80!

First, measure your clasps and draw the shape you want your leather on paper. Since my leather was black, I traced the shape with chalk and then cut them out. From end to end, each piece was 4 3/4" long and almost 2" wide.

I found it easiest to sew the bottom and secure the clasp before fighting with the scarf. You can see I screwed up a bit on one of them, my sewing machine pedal has a life of its own...

Measure how long you want the scarf based on the length of your original camera strap and cut the scarf. Fold the ends like an accordion (I pinned it until I was ready for the next step).

Place the scarf into the leather and stitch a square, starting next to the first row of stitches. (Does that wording make any sense?!)

Sew an X in the middle of the square to hold the scarf better and make it look more professional.

Hook your straps onto your camera and you're done! My clasps didn't fit on the camera hooks, so I added some split rings and it feels really sturdy. I may try to find black split rings but that's just because I'm a perfectionist!


Things I was not expecting going into the sewing portion of this project:
- I don't suggest putting a pin in the leather unless you really need help holding everything in place because it might leave a mark.
- Leather doesn't move very easily in the sewing machine, so you might end up stitching quite a few times in the same place before you realize you need to help the leather along.
- No matter how hard you try to keep the leather in place while stitching, you will probably have to trim some of the edges because it moves around. Unless you're awesome and this doesn't happen to you!

Sewing the leather was a little tricky but if I can do this with my crappy beginner sewing skills, y'all can do it too! Anyone up for the challenge?!