Crocheted Camera Strap Sleeve - Pattern

I promised you two patterns soon, and this is not one of them.  Sorry.  It is, still, a pattern, but not one of the two I promised. You will have to keep waiting for those.  My friend Laura asked me to knit her a camera strap.  I didn't, I crocheted her one instead.  It's super easy, and with the chunky (washable!) yarn, it is so squishy and nice.  I want one around my neck. It is basically a knit tube that you just slide over your existing strap.  You can embellish it however you like.  I made this flower but you add some buttons, another flower, or just leave it plain. 

So, here it is.  This pattern has not been tested, so please let me know if it needs some tweaking!

Crocheted Camera Strap Sleeve

SIZE

One-Size

MATERIALS

Berroco Vintage Chunky (Bulky / 12 ply, 50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon, 130 yards / 100 grams )

Crochet Hook US H/5 mm

Tapestry needle

PATTERN NOTES
dc = double crochet

sc = single crochet

DIRECTIONS

Row 1: Chain 15

Row 2: Sc in second chain from hook and sc across -14 sts
Row 3: Ch 1, (2 sc in next sc) twice, sc 10 across, (2 sc in next sc) twice - 18 sts

At this point you are going to join to crochet in the round and continue this way until the piece measures 26 inches (or the length of your camera strap.)

Round 1: Sc in the third sc from the opposite end of the piece (creates a tab, used later for a button) - 16 sts

Round 2 and beyond: alternate between sc row sections and dc row sections of varying lengths for 26 inches total, always alternating at the "back" of the camera strap (hold the strap so that the flap at the beginning is at the middle front to determine where the back would be).

Decreasing round: Once you have reached 26 inches you will need to taper the end to hold the strap snug.  To do this do two rounds of crocheting 2 stitches together at either side of the strap: 

Round 1: From the center back sc 3, sc2tog, sc 6, sc2tog, sc 3 - 14 sts 

Round 2: Sc around

Round 3: Sc 2, sc2tog, sc 4, sc2 tog, sc2.  

Break ends, pull through and weave in end.

Finishing: go back to the beginning and sew on a button under the button flap.  You will slide the sleeve over your strap from this end and use the button to secure it (the tapering at the other end will do the trick there.)

Embellish your strap as you wish with a flower, buttons, etc.

You can find the pattern page on Ravelry and upload your own projects there!