DIY Duct Tape Tote

Duct tape is a multi-purpose, heavy duty tape that has grown in use and popularity over the years. It is not only used in auto and home repair, but in artwork and fashion items like hats, bags and even prom gowns. Duct tape is a versatile material and easy to use for the most basic crafter. A waterproof material, duct tape is now available in a variety of colors and patterns to create stylish costumes, clothing and tote bags.

• 1

  Make a sheet of duct tape measuring 20 inches wide by 30 inches long by layering strips of duct tape sticky side down on your cutting board. Slightly overlap each strip to connect them.

• 2

  Peel the duct tape sheet away from the cutting board and flip it over so it is now sticky side up. Repeat the same process of layering and sticking to the sticky side of the duct tape sheet to create the material for your tote.

• 3

  Fold the sheet of duct tape in half so you have a rectangle measuring 20 inches wide by 15 inches tall. Trim to the correct measurements if necessary.

• 4

  Make the straps for your tote by sticking together the sticky sides of two strips of duct tape for each strap. Drape them over your shoulder, and cut them to the length you would like. Leave an extra two inches on both ends since they will be stapled inside the tote bag.

• 5

  Give the straps a more finished look by cutting two lengths of duct tape the same length as your straps and wrapping the sides of the strap. The two pieces should meet in the middle of the flat area of the strap.

• 6

  Fold over 2 inches on the raw edge of the bag creating a hem on the top where you will staple your straps. Mark where you want to position the straps on the inside of the tote bag, and staple the straps to the upper edge of the tote through the straps and the folded over hem of your duct tape sheet. Do not staple through the front of the bag.

• 7

  Cover the staples on the inside hem of the bag with a strip of duct tape. Layer a second strip to adhere the hem to the inside of the bag.

• 8

  Mark a seam line half an inch in from the side edges of your tote. Staple the sides of the tote together up this seam line. Use a long piece of duct tape to cover these staples and the raw edge on the inside of the tote.

• 9

  Stand the tote up, put your hands inside and push the edges out to flatten the bottom on the table. The side edges of the bag will point out like triangles. Make a gusset in your tote by marking a line perpendicular to the seam 4 inches in from the point of the triangle at the bottom of the bag. A gusset helps your bag a flat bottom to stand up.

• 10

  Staple along the line you drew for the gussets on both sides of the tote.

• 11

  Cover the staples with duct tape. Be sure to cover both sides of the gusset and trim the excess tape. Fold the points of the gusset to the center of the bottom of the bag.

• 12

  Turn the bag right-side out and it's ready to use.