How to: Create a camera filter case from vintage fabric

This project uses basic hand sewing skills. My own hand sewing skills are…well, “basic” is overstating it, but even I managed this. I found the vintage fabric in an antique store, and the patterns on it are in blocks the same size as my camera filters, so it worked nicely.

This filter case folds or rolls shut and can be made to accommodate as many filters as you like.

Materials:

• Vintage fabric
• Matching thread
• Needle
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Fabric squeeze paint
• Fabric pencil

Use fabric that’s soft and lacks any printed designs or metallic fibers on the inside. This will keep the fabric from scratching your camera filters.

1. Measure the diameter of one of your camera filters. Add one inch. Multiply this number by the number of filters you’d like to store and any extra compartments you’d like for supplies such as cleaning cloths. The result will be the length to which you should cut your fabric.

2. Multiply the diameter of the filter by two, then add two inches for hems and a center space. (If the fabric needs hemming, add another inch to two inches.) This will be the width of your fabric.

3. Cut the fabric using the measurements from steps 1 and 2.

4. Place the fabric face down on a flat surface. Place two camera filters where the compartments will be, as shown in the photo above, and pull the fabric over them to make sure the fit is right.

5. Hem the fabric along its long edges and ends, if necessary.

6. Pin each compartment “wall” to the back of the case, using filters to help space the compartments out. Use a ruler if needed. Remember to leave enough space between pin lines so each filter can slide easily in and out of its compartment.

7. Sew along each line of pins.

8. Use the fabric paint to write the filter names on the compartments so you can tell which one to slide out without reaching in every time. Practice with the paint first; it’s hard to write neatly. Let dry.

8. Place the filters in the case and shut it by rolling or folding it along its length. If you’re tucking it inside a camera bag (or cargo pants pocket), that’s it! The soft fabric should protect your filters without sliding open. If you need a bit more security, sew one end of a ribbon to one end of the case and, after folding the case shut, wrap the ribbon around it and slide or loosely knot the end of the ribbon back through itself.