If you would like sections inside the bag, you can easily create them to be sturdy. First, find some flexible, but sturdy cardboard. One of the best sources for this type of cardboard comes when you purchase a new shirt or from a gift box. Alternately, you can use the side of a cereal box.
- Measure the width and height of the bag and cut the cardboard to match.
- Fold material in half and lay on flat surface.
- Place the cardboard on the material.
- Cut around the edges, leaving approximately 1/2 inch on each side.
- Remove the cardboard and sew three sides with the material inside out (pattern facing in).
- Finish off (knot) the stitch and turn material right side out.
- Insert cardboard into open side.
- Fold the material along top edge in and finish that edge with a whipstitch. You can see a nice illustration of a whipstitch here.
Pockets are very easy to sew. Long before you sew the lining into your bag, you'll need to decide how many pockets you'd like to carry batteries, business cards and other items. Once you've decided on the number of pockets, cut them to the size you'll need. Hint: It is better to have a bigger pocket than you need, because a pocket that is too small simply won't be used. Follow these steps to make your pockets.
- Use an iron to fold under a 1/4 inch hem around all four sides of the pocket.
- Stitch around the pocket to create a neat, uniform edge.
- Sew the pocket onto the lining, leaving the top edge open, unless you have sewn a zipper into the pocket, in which case you will sew all four sides onto the lining. Be very careful here and think about which side of the lining will face you when you open the bag and where the top of the lining will be located. A pocket that faces open side down into your camera bag will do you little good.
Keep in mind the different places you'll be carrying your camera and how long you'll have it on your shoulder. If you will be carrying it while hiking, for example, you may want backpack style straps, which can also impact the overall design you choose for your camera bag. However, if you will only need the bag while carrying inside or to and from a particular location, a simple purse-like strap may serve your needs just fine.
Ultimately, the advantage of making your own camera bag lies in the many choices of design, material, straps, number of pockets and even size, and that you get to choose what works best for your photography style.