MarieKW

Hexagons, heptagons, and octagons are all super easy.

Just start your first round with as many stitches as you want sides.

On the second round, put two single crochet stitches in each stitch.

On the third round, start by doing two stitches in the same stitch; then one stitch in the next stitch. Follow this pattern all the way around.

On the fourth round, do two stitches in the first stitch of the first group of two stitches on the previous round.
Then do one stitch in each stitch of the previous round until you get to the next group of two stitches. Do two stitches in the first stitch of the group and repeat all the way around.

You have to make sure to line up your groups of two stitches on every round. Always put a group of two stitches in the first stitch of each group of two stitches on the previous round. The groups of two stitches are what will make the "corners" of your rug shape.

With the hexagon, it may start to curl. To counteract this, on each round use three stitches instead of two at two of the corners. Make sure you rotate which corners you put the groups of three stitches, otherwise you'll end up with
two long sides and four short sides for your hexagon.

On a blanket you could keep the back side pretty by stitching through the middle of each crochet stitch (splitting the background yarn with your embroidery needle) instead of around the back of each stitch. Then your embroidery yarn will barely show at all on the back.

I did basically the same thing a couple years ago when I made myself a cell-phone case and a case for an mp3 player without using a "pattern". Just crocheted and kept checking the size by sliding the phone in.

I'd recommend making your bag "a little too tight" so that when it stretches with use, it will still be a nice fit and won't let the camera, cell phone, or whatever flop around.

You can get even more creative here... one thing I have done is use a super-fuzzy yarn for the bag, crochet ears and sew them on the top fold, then embroider on some facial features on the flap and have a camera case "critter!"