Duct Tape Tote Bag

Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-1916 -- More Projects »
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Duct Tape Tote Bag
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Project designed by Todd Scott
Make a tote bag with that most versatile of do-it-yourself material—duct tape! Project demonstrated by guest Todd Scott.

Materials:
colored duct tape
cutting board and utility knife
scissors
stapler
pen

Steps:
Duct Tape "Fabric"
1. Find a flat work surface, such as a cutting board, floor or old table. Place a strip of tape with the sticky side down.

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Figure A
2. Place another piece of tape, sticky-side down, beside it, overlapping each other by 1/2 to 1 centimeters. Continue with additional strips of tape (Figure A).

3. Flip the sheet over so the sticky side faces up. If two adjoining strips separate when you are pulling up to flip the sheet, lower the sheet back down and place a strip of tape over the tear to attach them together.

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Figure B
4. Place a second layer of duct tape strips sticky side down, covering the sticky-side-up pieces (Figure B). This is your finished side.
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Figure C
Tote Bag
1. Cut out the body, side pieces and handles for the tote using the duct-tape fabric you just created (Figure C).

2. Fold the body piece over onto itself so that the finished sides face inside.

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Figure D
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Figure E
3. Staple side pieces to body piece, leaving the top open and a quarter-inch seam allowance (Figure D). You may need to cut notches out of the side pieces if creating a curve (Figure E).
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Figure F
4. Cover the staples with small pieces of duct tape (Figure F).

5. Turn your creation inside out.

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Figure G
6. Center the handles on the sides of the purse. Attach with staples (Figure G).
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Figure H
7. Cover the exposed staples with small pieces of duct tape (Figure H).
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Figure I
8. Decorate your tote bag creation or leave it plain (Figure I).

Options - Add strips of color, stickers or a cut-out appliqué. Following are two methods to create an appliqué. You can use one or several colors of duct tape.

Method One:


  1. Place a strip of tape on a flat work surface. Using a stencil or template (pre-bought or make your own), outline the design on the tape in pen.
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Figure J
  • Using a utility knife, cut out the pattern. If the outline marks show, wash the surface with a damp cloth (Figure J).

  • For larger designs, place multiple strips of tape on your work surface, overlapping the edges slightly.

    Method Two:


    1. Print or photocopy your desired design.

    2. Place strips of tape on a flat work surface.

    3. Place the design over the tape and trace with a pen, pressing firmly.

    4. Remove the paper—the trace should have left an impression in the tape.
  • Cut out the design with a utility knife (Figure K).
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    Figure K
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    Variation
  • Resources
    colored duct tape - Duck Brand by Henkel
    Henkel Corporation
    Website: www.duckproducts.com

    Guests
    Todd Scott
    Duct Tape Sculptor
    Henkel Consumer Adhesives Inc.
    Website: www.ducktapeclub.com
    Also in this Episode