However, since posting my camera bag post I've had several requests for directions (I've also had requests (commands?) to open my own Etsy shop. That is NOT in the plans!) on how to make the bag. I even attempted to teach a lesson on it (I never saw her completed bag but she had a great start on it when I left....).
So, because I aim to please (ha) here are directions (with pictures) in Camera Bag Making 101.
How to make a (cute) camera bag (that doesn't look like a camera bag):
You need:
approximately 2 yards of a heavy fabric (I use canvas) for exterior of bag
1 yard of fabric for liner
cardboard (or other form for sturdiness)
1/2 yard 1/2" foam
Cut fabric (disclaimer: I do not measure so all sizes are approximate and I tear instead of using scissors...uh...shears).
You'll need:
-four strips (4 1/2" x length you want your bag + 1 inch, this one is 17")
-one strip (6" x length you want strap +3 inches, this one is 39+3")
-two pieces that will make the front and back of your bag (for width, decide how wide you want your bag plus 7". for height, how tall you want it plus 4")
Find the center of the top of the front of the bag. Measure equal amounts on either side (about 1 1/2") and make a pleat. Pin and iron. Repeat until it looks like you want. I put 6 pleats total. You will not want your pleats closer than 4" to the side of your bag because it will not be seen from the front. (You may want to baste stitch the pleats so they stay in place when you do the next step.)
Lay one of the small strips face down so that the edge of the strip aligns with the top edge of the bag and the RIGHT sides of the fabric are together. Strip should overlap the edges of the bag. Pin and stitch together.
Open and iron the seam. Lay on top of the other piece of fabric. They will no longer match up (because of the pleats). Trim the fabric of the back piece of your bag so that it aligns with the front (it would make sense to do this before the last step, I suppose.)Then, take another small strip. Pin and stitch to the top of the back of your bag. Open and iron the seam.
Pin the RIGHT sides of the front and back of the bag together. Stitch along the sides and bottom of the bag.
Sew a dart 3" from the bottom of the bag on each bottom corner. (If that doesn't make sense to you do a google search. The teacher in me is currently on winter vacation.) Also, if you are making a purse instead of a camera bag, your dart does not need to be that big.
When the darts are sewn, your bag should have some body to it, like this.
If you want to add any embellishments you can sew them on now.
Take the long strap. Fold together so right sides are touching. Stitch the two raw edges together down the long side of the bag (this is the same method you use for a camera strap cover only you would hem both short edges before doing this). Turn the strap inside out so RIGHT side is showing. Press flat with iron.
Align the raw edge of one end of the strap with the raw edge at the top strip of your bag along the side seam. Pin (or stitch). Make sure the strap is not twisted and stitch the other side using the same method.
Hem one long edge of the two remaining strips. (Actually now that I'm typing this, you should just make one long strip instead of the two because now you will....) Stitch the two strips together.
Align the raw edge of the strip with the raw edge of the top of the bag with the RIGHT sides of the fabric together. Pin into place and stitch leaving a 1" seam (I don't know if that's necessary but a wider seam leaves room for the weight of the camera equipment to pull on the strap and not have it come undone.). Stitch multiple times over the strap to hold it securely in place. Open and fold over top strip so it is now on the inside of your bag. Press with iron.
Get your sassy fabric ready to make the liner. It should be the height of your bag + 1 inch x the width of your bag (twice) + 1 inch.Hem the top edge.
Take another piece of fabric that is tall enough for your accessories + 1 1/2" and almost as long as your liner.
Hem the top edge.
Lay your accessories out and decide what pockets you need.
This bag has three lens pockets and three accessory pockets. I put the body in the middle of the bag although in this bag, the one pocket is large enough for the body sans lens.
Fold in half, stitch the raw edges together. Make 2 1/2" darts at the bottom. Set into your bag to check fit. The top strips that you folded over should overlap the top of your liner.
For extra protection (no it's not water proof... yet), I cut cardboard and foam to fit along all four sides of the bag as well as the bottom. They should be about 1" smaller than the bag so there is room for movement. Glue the foam to the cardboard.
Line the bag with the foam boards. Put an extra base in the bottom. The bottom of an old luggage bag works well.
Insert the pocket liner. Attach velcro strips to the inside of the top strip of the exterior of the bag as well as to the top of the pocket liner. This is handy for removing the liner for cleaning (I'm assuming the foam boards wouldn't launder well). I'm sure you could stitch them together at this point too if you wanted.
And ta da. A camera bag for your fabulous cousin (or, you know, yourself).
On second thought... my current camera bag isn't quite big enough for my 3rd lens. This could be a nice replacement.....
....just kidding, Amy. I hope you enjoy your new bag!!
