Capture the Moment with Professional Protection
Imagine carrying your gear in a bag that feels as robust as it looks—a custom, leather masterpiece with a soft, supple hand and the unparalleled resilience of handmade craftsmanship. This paper pattern empowers you to build a camera bag that rivals high-end boutique brands.
Why Precision Patterning Matters
The difference between a "homemade" bag and a "handmade" legacy piece lies in the geometry. This pattern is engineered for structural integrity and provides dedicated space for closed-cell foam padding. Unlike standard batting, closed-cell foam provides high-density shock absorption without adding bulk, keeping your camera bodies and lenses isolated from impact. By integrating hook-and-loop-compatible lining, you create a modular environment where padded dividers can be custom-arranged for a streamlined, wiggle-free fit.
Two Sizes, One Pattern
Whether you are trekking through urban landscapes or packing for a high-stakes professional shoot, this pattern has you covered:
- The Full-Size Professional: Features four internal compartments and an integrated interior zipper pocket. Ideal for carrying multiple DSLRs, prime lenses, and peripheral accessories.
- The Travel Mini: A modified, slimmer profile featuring two internal compartments. Perfect for mirrorless setups and street photography where mobility is key.
Suggested Material Specs
To achieve a professional-grade result, we recommend the following:
- Exterior: 4–5 oz. vegetable-tanned or oil-tanned leather for a resilient outer shell.
- Lining: Hook-and-loop compatible fabric for adjustable dividers.
- Hardware: Solid brass or stainless steel buckles and D-rings to ensure worry-free weight bearing.
Expert Note: To ensure your pattern lasts for years of production, we recommend gluing the paper sheets to a heavy backing material like poster board or 1/16" chipboard before cutting. This creates a premium, traceable template that won't curl or fray at the edges, making future projects a breeze!
If you follow along with our video tutorial, you’ll learn some valuable sewing skills and techniques, including:
- How to sew a lining divider.
- How to combine fabric and leather.
- How to add structure and padding to a bag.
- How to skive leather
- How to create a reusable template from a paper pattern.
- How to install bag fasteners and hardware.
- How to set rivets.
- How to sew leather, webbing, fabric, and more.
Finished Camera Bag Dimensions:
Full Size: 10-½” W x 7-½” H x 7” D
Mini: 8-½” W x 6-½”H x 4-½” D
Note: Finished bag not included. Materials sold separately.
Recommended Materials:
- Dusty Chrome Tanned Buffalo Leather 4 to 5oz. Side & Panels #126384-SIDE1016
- Nylon 200D Black 60" Fabric #100013
- Loxx® Pull It Up Fastener Cloth-to-Cloth Set for Thick Assemblies (Nickel-Plated Brass) #121363
- Boat Blanket Black 72" Fabric #100113
- Lenzip® #5 Black Bridge Top Molded Tooth Zipper (Metal Single Pull Slider) #124431-8-NL
- Natural Vegetable Tanned Leather Panels 5 to 6 oz. #124869-1212
- Black Heavy Duty Cotton Webbing #124915-112-10
- Chicago Screws 1/4" Nickel Plated (10 pack) #124170
- Double-Cap Rivets Nickel Plated (100 pack) #126844-7-7S
- Closed Cell Foam Padding #124929-1224
- Hook & Loop Stick On Tape 3/4" Black (1 ft.) #123204
- Fixed Snap Hook 3/4" Antique Nickel #124127
- D-Rings 1" Nickel (4 pack) #123191
- Tri-Bar Strap Slide Nickel #126669-100-2
- Bag Feet Studs 3/8" Nickel Plated (4 Pack) #124161
- S-18 All-Purpose Adhesive 8 oz. #124193
- SewReady™ Seamstick 1/4” Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (50 yds.) #104167
- Bound™ Tex 90 Charcoal UV Bonded Polyester Thread 1 oz. (275 yds.) #127075
- Bound™ Tex 90 Black UV Bonded Polyester Thread 1 oz. (275 yds.) #126986
Recommended Tools:
- Rotary Cutter 60mm #126361
- Sailrite® Folding Utility Knife With Belt Latch #126525
- Sailrite® Leather Skiving Knife #126457
- Sailrite® Heavy Duty Round Strap End Punch 1” #126505
- Sailrite® Round Maul 3# #123968
- Sailrite® Rotary Hole Punch #123273
- Sailrite® #2 Hole Cutter 3/8” #125481
- Sailrite® Adjustable Leather Wing Divider #124919
- Loxx® Pull It Up Fastener Locking Key #121357
- Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6” x 24” #102400
- Aluminum Straight Edge 36” Ruler #122548
- Leather Weight 2 lbs. Brass #126411
- Sailrite® Scratch Awl #123270
- Sailrite® Leather Double-Sided Sanding Sticks #123965
- Sailrite® Deluxe Fabricator® Sewing Machine Package (110V) #400600
- Smooth Left Zipper Foot for Sailrite® Fabricator®, 111 & Big-N-Tall #400311
- Barry King #00 Grooved Edger #122992
- Small Fabric/Leather Clips (50 pack) #123121
- Sailrite® HandyPress® – Universal Hand Press Tool for Grommets, Snaps, Rivets & More #125401
- HandyPress® Double-Cap Rivet Die Set #3997-90
- Sailrite® Self Healing Double-Sided Cutting Mat 24" x 36" #123113
- Sailrite® Poly Cutting Board 12" x 12" #123964