Something has been driving me crazy, and this week I decided that I could fix it. When I take photos I never know what to do with my lens cap. I put it in my pocket, or the camera bag, or just put it on the table… with the end result being that I never put the lens cap BACK on my camera.
A few days ago I got the idea to make a little pouch to attach to my camera strap to hold my lens cap when I am shooting.
I made 2- I like both, you can make whichever one works best for you.
Lens Cap Cozy One measures about 3.5″ x 3.5″ and closes using a magnetic snap. The snap works great but was a bit hard to sew around, it turned out to be a bit small for my largest lens cap because of the snap.
Lens Cap Cozy Two is a bit larger at about 3.5″ x 4″ and closes using an elastic. It’s larger size makes it easier to use with the lens cap to my biggest lenses, and the elastic is a snap to put in.
The cozy just clips on my camera strap. It’s small enough that it stays out of the way when I shoot.
Here’s how I made it:
First I’ll share how to make the one that closes with the magnetic snap, then I’ll let you know what to change to make the one that closes with elastic.
You need:
4 pieces of fabric 4″ x 4″ (cut them 4″ x 4.5″ for the elastic version)
piece of ribbon
hook
magnetic snap
if making the elastic closure you need 1/4″ elastic instead of the magnetic snap.
All seams are 1/4″
Feed the hook through the piece of ribbon. Sew with hook facing in, into the seam of the cozy. You will sew 2 pieces right sides together around 3 sides, leaving the top open.
Stitch the 2 pieces for the lining together the same way.
Attach magnetic snap to the top of the lining pieces. Use a piece of plastic canvas under the snap to reinforce it. Attach the snap approx. 1/2″ down from the top of the lining.
Turn lining piece right side out.
Slip lining piece into cozy outer piece, right sides together. Stitch along top seam, leaving an opening to turn the cozy right side out.
Turn right side out and press. Hand stitch opening closed.
To make the elastic cozy:
Cut your pieces to 4″ wide by 4.5″ tall, instead of 4″ x 4″.
Stitch the outer piece together the same way as shown above.
When stitching the lining, leave an opening in the side seam of the lining at the same measurement that you placed the ribbon on the outside piece- for example, if your ribbon was placed on the outer piece 1/2″ down, then leave an opening (1/2″ wide) 1/2″ down from the top of the lining.
Attach front and lining pieces together the same as above.
After you turn the cozy right side out, stitch along the top edge of the cozy.
Stitch again, just below the opening you left in the lining piece. These 2 stitching lines will form the casing for the elastic.
Feed elastic through the casing you just made.
Pull elastic so that it is tight but you can still slip a lens cap inside. Stitch elastic ends closed, and feed back into cozy.
Hand stitch opening closed.
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Gina says
March 1, 2012 at 3:53 AMWhat an awsome idea! Love it, will you be selling these? Hope so, there is no way I would be able to make this. Sewing is not my thing, hubby and kids get scarred as soon as I grab a needle so that should give you an idea. Hugs Gina
Tracee says
March 1, 2012 at 5:19 AMFabulous idea, I will definitely have to make one of those.
Dorian says
March 1, 2012 at 8:10 AMWhat a great idea, thanks!
traci says
March 1, 2012 at 8:25 AMBeing someone who has permanently lost their lens cap twice, I think this is brilliant. Thanks for the great idea.
Cara Jane says
March 1, 2012 at 8:50 AMgreat idea, that will save loads of time looking for my lens cap!
Burgundy Buttons says
March 1, 2012 at 8:51 AMOMG- I love it! Greg would be so grateful not having to pick it up every time I lay it down!
I tell him I am an Artiste’ and can’t be bothered! (said snobbily and with a french accent).
Barbara @ Nähtante Quilts says
March 1, 2012 at 10:24 AMI’m constantly facing the same problem with my camera cap. Aand if I’m not fast enough, by boys pick it up and put it into their toy box – lost cap until next spring cleaning. 😉
A great idea, thanks a million for sharing!
Annie says
March 1, 2012 at 11:45 AMThis is a great idea! I think I would make one with a velco closure. My cap is attached to my lens by an elastic strap. That strap is now stretched out. This would be a great replacement. Thanks for sharing the idea!
FashionArtProjects.com says
March 1, 2012 at 1:03 PMgenius idea! We just featured you on our Facebook Page!
Laura says
March 1, 2012 at 3:18 PMSo Cute and what a great idea. I need to make a “manly” one for my hubby. He is the photographer in the fam.
girlie girl says
March 1, 2012 at 4:15 PMLove the fabrics! Where did you get the camera print fabric???
Chris {frecklemama} says
March 1, 2012 at 11:19 PMExcellent project! Where did you get the sweet little silver hook hardware?
weaselwatchr says
March 1, 2012 at 11:29 PMI would so buy the one with the camera on it. HINT HINT
mudnessa says
March 3, 2012 at 10:44 PMJust made two of these with elastic tops for me and my mom. We are going on a vacation where we both take A LOT of pics. Thank you for sharing and you have solved the constant “oh crap where is my lens cap” we both always say.
Jen Conlon says
March 8, 2012 at 5:43 PMGreat tutorial! You’ve been featured on the Quality Sewing Tutorials blog.
We hand select only the best free tutorials and patterns for the home sewist.
Grab a brag button!
Beth Akins says
March 30, 2012 at 6:34 AMI’m a beginner at sewing, but I think I’ll try this! I’m always misplacing my lens cap! Thanks!
Nancy Myers says
September 19, 2012 at 11:35 PMI think I will make one for my daughter for a Christmas present. Thank you.