Luxe DIY

Gathered Stripes Knitting Pattern

2013-04-23T19:05:46Z

This textured stripe pattern alternates segments of garter stitch with segments of gathered stockinette stitch. It's a nice way to add some visual interest without a lot of complexity. This is shown in a smooth cotton yarn which results in an almost lacy garter stitch, but the effect would be very different in a lofty wool.

Sewing Decorative Charms

2013-04-07T21:09:11Z

Wandering through the aisles of a craft store can lead to all sorts of inspiration. Some objects are designed for one type of craft project seem destined to be used in another area. Sewing decorative charms like the bag of mother-of-pearl chips I found located with the mosaic/glass working stuff is be a beautiful way to create a new texture on a leather bag. But how do you attach something like this (with no holes or facets) to fabric?

Classic Knotted Belt

2013-03-14T18:20:41Z

This classic belt has a nautical influence and is a great wardrobe staple. Make your own so it's the perfect size to fit you.

Camera Strap - Cut and Sew

2013-03-09T21:10:02Z

Having a custom camera strap made from the colors and fabrics that match your personal style is a great addition to your wardrobe and it keeps your camera at close reach.

**Disclaimer** This camera strap is made from leather. Leather is strong and durable. However, if your camera lenses are very heavy or the camera may have stress exerted on it during wear (moving it around quickly, excessive downward force placed on the strap by jumping or dropping the camera, etc) you should stick with commercially made camera straps with nylon connection points. Nylon has a much higher tensile strength than leather and should be used if there will be a lot of force placed upon the camera. This strap is designed to be worn in casual situations (like walking around taking photos in a low stress environment). Your camera equipment is expensive and the authors at HowDidYouMakeThis? cannot be held responsible or liable for damages if your strap breaks. Use your best judgement!

Here is the tutorial on how to pattern your own custom camera stap or you can buy this pattern for $1USD.

Patterning a Camera Strap

2013-03-06T21:25:36Z

If you want to carry your camera in a way that keeps it handy and easy to use a good quality camera strap is needed. However, so many of them are unattractive and the nice ones are so expensive! Why not make one for yourself? The following pattern is for working with leather (or vinyl) and fabric.

**Disclaimer** This camera strap is made from leather. Leather is strong and durable. However, if your camera lenses are very heavy or the camera may have stress exerted on it during wear (moving it around quickly, excessive downward force placed on the strap by jumping or dropping the camera, etc) you should stick with commercially made camera straps with nylon connection points. Nylon has a much higher tensile strength than leather and should be used if there will be a lot of force placed upon the camera. This strap is designed to be worn in casual situations (like walking around taking photos in a low stress environment). Your camera equipment is expensive and the authors at HowDidYouMakeThis?|Luxe DIY cannot be held responsible or liable for damages if your strap breaks. Use your best judgement!

Ruched Knitting Necklace

2013-03-04T19:56:00Z

A while ago I invested in a great set of bamboo knitting needles in lots and lots of sizes. Included in the set was some size US 0 / 2mm needles. They're basically glorified toothpicks, so I couldn't wait to use them. This project would work just as well with US 1 / 2.25mm needles.

If you're buying tiny needles like 0 or 1, I would recommend looking for steel needles, my bamboo needles bend just enough to make me nervous about breaking them.

Codex Book Binding

2013-02-27T15:50:31Z

Binding your own books is a great way to make a custom size/shape/paper type book to carry with you as a journal or sketch book or a way to build a custom scrapbook for a specific event. Codex book binding is an easy way to make a very polished hard cover book completely customized to meet your needs.

Below the cut you will find a full photo tutorial and video tutorials!

Here is the full process in one video:

Diagonal Float Braid

2013-02-21T18:12:01Z

We recently received an email from a reader named Mina with a picture of a braid, asking if we could identify it. I took on the challenge, and in spite of my best efforts I couldn't come up with an origin for it. Braids are often a created for functionality, so most have a special value or meaning to someone, somewhere. Even though my research didn't work out, I did figure out how to make it.

Cutting Wood With A Mitre Box Saw

2013-02-18T17:17:00Z

If you make enough things you'll eventually need to cut a piece of wood. Projects like mounting photos on wood blocks, making bag handles from dowels, and framing all make use of wood, but if you're like me you probably don't have easy access to a well stocked wood shop. That's where a mitre box and tenon saw can come in handy - they're a small, inexpensive way to cut wood at perfect 90 and 45 degree angles.

Beads and Crystals Ring

2013-02-10T20:47:17Z

This delicate beaded ring is made using the same stitch as the peyote rings, bracelets, and beads that we've posted before. This project is all about how changing up the beads used can make a huge impact on the look of the finished ring.