DIY Camera Bag

Supplies:

1. A purse (old or new) without a divider in the middle and fairly long.
2. 1/2 inch wide foam (I was unable to purchase foam because Michaels was all out - so I used quilting batting "stuffing")
3. Fabric of choice (Aqua colored Jersey Material) (I used about 2 yards…..and I think I found it at Joann’s)
4. 1 1/2 inch wide industrial velcro (or any width……just make it work)
5. Hand sewing needle and thread
6. Sewing machine/scissors/thread/etc……..of course.

Here's the breakdown on cost:

I bought my purse at Burlington Coat Factory for $10. Can't go wrong! Camera bags alone cost hundreds!

I spend around $10 for supplies at Michaels

Used existing fabric FREE

Total cost: $20


Sorry this tutorial is out of order. It's going to be hard to understand (since it was hard for me to explain) so please visit this site for more information. Thanks Make it and Love it!

Step 1: Pick your purse, use an existing one or buy an inexpensive purse that has a rectangular shape without any (sorry typo) dividers.

Mine is simple black "pleather" with a zipper pocket inside. It also has a zipper on top (you do not want a bag that's open at the top).

Step 2: Measure the bottom. Measuring will help to ensure that your bottom piece will fit snug.

Step 3: Cut your foam (or in my case batting) to match the measurements at the bottom of the purse.

Step 4: Once you have your bottom piece cut out you will need a strip of fabric cut out that's bigger that your foam piece. Instead of cutting two separate pieces and fitting them together, I cut one long wide piece so I would only need to sew together three sides. Leave about a half an inch around the foam for sewing.

Here it is: Folded over (wrong sides facing out- this is important if you are using a printed fabric because we will be flipping this right side out). This picture is just a test with the fabric folded over the batting to make sure everything fits before I begin sewing.

Step 4 (continued): You can use scissors or a roller.

Step 5: Measure the height of the bag - This will be your padding surrounding the sides.

Step 6: Measure the bottom and double it (this will be the length for step 5). Your padding should be cut to the correct size to wrap around.

Step 7: A picture to show steps 5 and 6. I wrapped it around so you could get an idea of what it would look like in the bag.

Step 8: Finish the bottom piece by sewing the three sides leaving about 5 inches in the middle (when you turn this right side out you will use the opening to pull the fabric through.

 Step 9: (Sorry this is out of order): Sew Velcro (so sides of the velcro so it doesn't scratch your camera) to the long rectangular side. Only sew the two strips of velcro to one side of the fabric (the right side if you have a pattern).

Step 10: Sew the above step 9 together by flipped the fabric (wrong sides together) and sew the three sides leaving one edge with a 5 inch gap in the middle.

Step 11: Flip right side out to see the velcro.

Step 12: Make sure to the bottom fits snug in the bag after adding the foam or batting and sewing the 5 inch gap shut by hand.

Step 13: Add the "sides" piece in the bag to ensure its snug.

Step 14: Similar to the bottom piece you will be creating a divider by taking a square shape (going by the measurements of the bottom and sides) sew it wrong sides first, add the foam or batting, then sew shut by hand. To add the velcro to each end as shown add a strip to each end. (Rough side of the velcro).

Your done: