1. When threading a needle, some people have this voodoo magic skill and can get the most frayed end of any string through the smallest eye of a needle; the eye is the opening at the dull end of the needle. Most people aren’t born with this skill, so here are some hints:
a. Take your thread and fold it over your needle with your thumb and index finger.
b. Pull the thread down over the needle so it’s tight.
c. Lick the thread.
d. While holding the thread tight, pull the needle out from underneath it. Keep holding the folded string between the two fingers.
e. With your free hand, take the needle and turn it so the eye is facing up.
f. Carefully slide the eye of the needle between the two fingers holding the string. You’ll see the thread start to push through the eye. (This may take a couple tries.)
g. When you’ve successfully pulled the thread through the eye a bit, start pulling one end of the string through.
You’ll see the one end pull through.
2. You don’t need to tie off the end of your string when you sew. The string length should be quite a bit longer than what you think you’ll need. I usually measure elbow to tip of middle finger, then back again for string length. When you thread your needle, you will have to stagger your string ends so one is shorter than the other. When you begin sewing, tuck the end of it under your first stitches. This will hold the string in place while you sew, and you won’t have to worry about it pulling through.
Step One
Pick a scarf! We didn’t have a scarf we were willing to sacrifice for the DIY cause, so we bought one for $5 at Charlotte Russe. If your scarf is a loop, you’ll need to cut it where the seam is that connects it.
Step Two
Measure for the right length. You can use a measuring tape for this if you have one. Given that most people don’t, you can just eye ball how long you want it to be.
a. Stand in front of a mirror.
b. Wrap the scarf around the back of your neck. Pull it so the ends are even.
c. Take the camera and hold the scarf with the camera. Move the camera up and down until it’s where you think it will sit comfortably.
d. With the permanent marker, mark off on the scarf where you’ll cut.
Step Three
everything together. Set the scarf aside when you’re done.
Step Four
The leather or whatever fabric you choose is going to be cut in a “U” shape. It’s easier to draw the shape on a piece of paper, cut it out and use it as a stencil for the leather. You’re going to mirror the “U” shape. When you cut it out, it should look like an hourglass. You’ll do this twice for both ends of your scarf. In regards to size, you want it to be big enough to pocket each end of your scarf. Because of this, the size will vary depending on the scarf’s thickness. Typically I’ve found it to be about 2” to 3” wide and 3” to 4” tall.
Step Five
Now that everything is cut out, it’s time to start putting it all together. You’ll be doing a simple back stitch. This kind of stitch is super easy to do and is strong and flexible. Attach the brass ring to the lobster claw. Loop the leather or fabric through the brass ring, then take one scarf end and put it in the leather pocket. With bobby pins, fasten the leather together. You’re going to want to leave about 1⁄4” along the edges for sewing.
Step Six
Start sewing. Start at the bottom of the “U” and work your way up on side, across the top, down the other side and across the bottom. Take your time! If you rush through this, the stitches won’t be strong and neither will the strap ends that are holding your camera. If you want to be thorough, sew an “X” from corner to corner on your pocket. This will make everything a big more sturdy.
Step Seven
Repeat steps five and six!
Step Eight
Attach your camera strap. Some cameras may need an extra brass ring for the lobster claw to clasp to because the clasp itself may be too big to get through the openings on either end of the camera.
Kaela Bernardino can be reached at kaela.bernardino@spartans.ut.edu
Brianna Kwasnik can be reached at brianna.kwasnik@spartans.ut.edu