Duct Tape No-Sew Tote

Make this unique duct-tape and fabric tote with absolutely no sewing - no kidding!  This project, inspired by the awesome book Simply Sublime Bags by Jodi Kahn, takes less than an hour to whip up, and will garner oohs and ahhs from all who see it!   

With a few simple supplies (get your stapler loaded!), a little time, and absolutely no prior experience needed, you can make your own gorgeous custom tote bag today!

Step 1: Materials

You'll need:

• Fabric - something a bit sturdy works better. I used a donation scrap of what I think was upholstery fabric. I made the bag as big as the scrap would allow, which turned out to be 10"x18"
• Duct tape - get a color you like to coordinate with your fabric. This was my first go, so I just used what was around. The next one will get something fancy!
• Scissors to cut your fabric
• Stapler + staples (oh yes)
• *Optional (but awesome) - two tiny strong magnets

Comments

[crzychique]

I made a larger version totebag approximately 2x the size and the results turned out pretty good considering it was my first instructable project.

[scoochmaroo]

Sweet!!! I love it!

[alix-cool]

I love this! I tried it, it was so handy cos i dont have a sewing machine- thanks for the idea!!

[scoochmaroo]

Awesome!

[piccolo1979]

Finally had a bit of time on my hands & gave this one a go. I must say I am very happy with the way it turned out. The big red & black bag was made last night along with it’s matching zipper pouch(used your no sew zipper pouch ‘ible for it). Then today I got really inspired & made the matching card holder from another one of your no sew duct tape ‘ibles(1st attempt was too small, so I turned it into a contact lens case holder). I also made the skull bag today. Love your instructibles! :)

[scoochmaroo]

So Awesome!!! Great work!

[masynmachien]

Hi, thanks for this great Ible!
I made one for my good friend Kleenie's birthday. I added some duct tape roses (she's very fond of red roses). I wrapped the roses on some M3 nuts mounted on a bolt, removed the bolt and cut a flat bottom end to each rose. Then I attached each rose to the back of a snap fastener half with the bolt. I put in a washer in between an carefully added a drop of superglue to lock the thread and add strength to the attachment.

[scoochmaroo]

Wow. Awesome work!

[isandy]

This is what I made for tote bag and zipper pouch with scrap fabric. Will do the wallet card next weekend. Thank you for this instruction. By the way, I mentioned your instruction on this http://tiniminimu.blogspot.com/2011/07/duct-tape-no-sew-tote-bag-zipper-pouch.html

[scoochmaroo]

Gorgeous!!! Really well done. I'm glad you had success with it!

[curlyFSU]

Thanks for such a fun project. Here is my first attempt and I think I will try to make it in different sizes for my mom and sister.

[DeandrasCrafts]

Thank you scooch! I love this instructable and will be making so many more of these! I've been giving them out to my friends and they cannot believe what it's made of.

[sdpiphi]

I loved this pattern, especially since I don't really sew. The fabric I used was just jersey knit scrap, but I loved the duct tape I had, so I just didn't turn it inside out at the end. This was an awesome idea; thanks for sharing.

[MYT CR8TiV]

Could you sew the seams up with a sewing machine instead of using a stapler ? I kinda wanna try making one but a very large one that would hold groceries and I want it to be able to withstand the weight of the items that are going to be placed into it. Love this idea though. Thanxs for sharing !!

[scoochmaroo]

You definitely don't want to sew over duct tape - it will jam up your sewing machine something awful. But skip the duct tape step, and you're good to go!

[acejoker_01]

First day on this site. Lets see how I do. lol These are so awesome !!

[Ahelmil]

If, like me you use the really cheap duct tape, which shrinks a little after application. Cut your strips of tape long, and set them aside to shrink back to normal before applying to the fabric. Gives a less wrinkled look. Or go for the wrinkles - it's quite arty!

Ps great design, on about my 5th variation.

[fugazi1967]

WOW I found this site today & am already addicted. I have just bought a fat quarter of fabric from ebay just so I can make this bag!!!!

[scoochmaroo]

Fantastic! Welcome :D

[jessyho862013]

that is so cool i love it

[bitsy113]

OMG, I'm so inspired!! AWSOME PROJECT!! I can't wait to show my daughter she's been bugging me to buy her some colored or patterned duct tape, now I have a reason to get some. We both like projects, hopefully we can try it this weekend!! I have one of those "as seen on tv" kangaroo pouches to keep all my stuff in when I switch purses, it should fit perfectly in one of these!! Thanks so much for the cool ibble!!

[jennie92248]

WOW! I have never thought of making that! I will have to try it sometime. =)

[porcupinemamma]

Fab-U-Lous ! ! would also love toknow how to make the duct tape roses

[isandy]

This rocks! Will try to make one this week. Thanks to share the instruction here! Will read the zipped version too!

[md4v3]

This is sooo cute. Imma try to make this one. Thanks!!!

[tking-3]

This is really awesome!! I think I will make a few for different days of the week :) Thanks so much for sharing.

[GIHODGE]

Tried this for the first time last night. Used an old pin stripe twin sheet and made a huge beach bag. Took it to work today and everyone wants one now. thanks for the awesom instructions! I think I will make smaller ones for a Relay For Life Fundraiser.

[scoochmaroo]

Fantastic! It would be awesome if you could share some pictures too.

[terriann]

I can imagine modifying the dimensions and shape of this and making an awesome trash can for a bedroom. The duct tape can be wiped down but the fabric is much more lovely than a rubber bin!

[Alberta Leong]

I really like this eco tote bag idea. will try crafting one soon! :)

[WickedSpindle]

I love the term "party" side for the right side of the fabric. So adorable.

[cheese10]

This is a GREAT idea! One question: Is there any way you can think of to add a pocket or two on the inside? Just curious. Thanks!

[scoochmaroo]

aww, yeah. I was thinking the same thing.
Stay tuned for more duct tape instructables, with pockets coming soon!

spoiler alert
the next one uses a zipper! subscribe to me to stay on the cutting edge!

[southbaysue]

awesomeness!!

How do I subscribe to you?

I'm going to make one of those today and post a pic...my very first ible!

sue

[scoochmaroo]

Sweet!
You can subscribe by clicking the button next to my picture where the rating stars are. Can't wait to see your pics!

[southbaysue]

i'm sorry, but i can't see the rating stars...i see your pic, and a hand with '114' where i hover and see some stats, but no stars!

this is strange...usually i'm asking for help because i AM seeing stars...hmmmm

[acexkeikai]

Yes please do one with a zipper. I think it's also a GREAT mother's day's gift... I didn't know what to get for my mother now I know THANKS!

[scoochmaroo]

Check it out!
http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-Duct-Tape-Zipper-Pouch/

[acexkeikai]

thank you very much :)

[donteatsoap7]

Thank you, so much. I could not think of a gift for my friend for Christmas. Now I have the best idea!!