Make a Film Roll Bandolier to Make Sure You Never Run Out of Shots

Bandoliers are pocketed belts made for holding ammunition. They’re often seen in action and war movies, slung over the chests of tough guys holding big guns. If you’d like to ensure that you never run out of photographic ammo (AKA film) when you’re out and about, you can make yourself a nifty DIY film ammo strap. Photojojo says that these are inspired by old school camera straps that come with elastic film loops, but we definitely think you should go the extra mile and turn them into full-blown bandoliers.

What you’ll need is some fabric and elastic, a key ring to serve as a connector, and some sewing tools and skills. While it’s designed to be attached to your belt or to the strap mount on your camera, adding some extra length to it can turn it into a belt/bandolier. Head on over to Photojojo for the low-down on how to put this thing together!

How to Make a Film Ammo Strap [Photojojo]

Why it’s cool:

The Film Ammo Strap is a simple, colorful way to hold your extra rolls of film without having to carry around your camera bag or incapacitating your pockets.

The color black is the herald of many camera straps; sleek, slimming, imposing…but a little boring!

Just like the photos you take, your style is a reflection of you. Crack your style maven whip and have your rolls of film looking their best.

Ingredients:

About a quarter yard of fabric
Two inch wide knit elastic
A one inch key ring
A sewing machine or two hands and a sewing needle
Thread to match or compliment your fabric
Fabric glue, velcro, or other effective adhesive*
Scissors and a measuring tape
An iron

*NOTE:The glue is for Step 5, but you can use it as a sewing
alternative, too!

STEP 1: Measure Once, Cut Twice…Or Something Like That

Measure and cut 16 inches of elastic, enough to hold four rolls of film.

Measure and cut a strip of fabric five inches longer than your elastic.

Step 2: Hold On Tight: Making the Elastic Loops

Fold the elastic in half and measure about two inches from the fold. Stitch or glue a line across.

Repeat this every two inches along the elastic so your film’s friends can fit too! This is where your film will be held when we’re done.

TIP: If you’re using fabric glue instead of sewing, substitute that here.

Step 3: Finishing the Fabric Edge

Your cover fabric may be susceptible to fraying, so we’re going to make a clean, finished edge.

Along the entire length, fold in half an inch on either side (it should be just wide enough to cover the elastic after folding), and then pin or iron it to keep it flat. Sew along the entire length or glue it down.

TIP: Sewing machines are awesome and will make your life easier! Don’t stress if you don’t have one; analog photography is about the process and your analog materials don’t have to be any different.

Step 4: Attach the Fabric and Elastic

Now we’re going to attach the cover fabric and elastic.

First, thread the fabric through the key ring and then fold it in half so that the ring is at the fold. Measure about one and a half inches from the key ring and stitch or glue a line across.

Sandwich the elastic between the fabric so that the loop end of the elastic lines up where you just stitched across. The fabric and elastic should line up at the end opposite the key ring; sew or glue them together at this end with a few stitches.

TIP: If you’re using a sewing machine, the end might be too thick and will have to be stitched by hand.

Step 5: Stuck Like Glue

To keep the fabric and elastic from slipping apart, add some glue between the layers.

Step 6: Rock the look:

Let it dry, and you’re done!

Now, you can add the Film Ammo Strip to your camera repertoire to keep those extra rolls handy.

You’re an Overachiever and We Love It.

Go outside the lines: stitch your elastic loops into a circle to make a film cluster.
Adjust the elastic loops to fit 120 film.
Analogue is so 20 years ago. If you opt for digital, make slots for memory cards.
Color code your straps to match film type or your style.
Your friends will want one, too! Monogram your strap so it’s not mismatched.

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