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!

[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!!

[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.

[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!!

[b1russell]

Oh, cool, Scooch!  A tote to put the No-Sew Duct Tape Zippered Pouch IN.  Why didn't I think of that?  Love it!

[_chink_]

When I first opened this instructable I was thinking it was going to be more of the same, not that I don't LOVE LOVE LOVE duct tape and everything you can do with it, this instructable had some ideas i hadn't seen before, not to mention a pretty cool final product. Can't wait to try it, i don't think I've seen the staples used with the duct tape before and would never have thought of it myself.

[amnesia92]

these ideas of yours are amazing, im going to try some out and so are some friends.

[bonnmom]

I wanted to make a tote out of the Capri Sun juice bags that I've seen. Do you think there is a way to use duct tape with that project instead of fabric? I don't sew at all. Thanks

[scoochmaroo]

I think that's a great idea! I definitely think it willw ork

[annaharris]

hallelujah. now I really CAN throw my sewing machine over the balcony and not regret it. you have solved everything that is bad about duct-tape purses and bags. thank you.

[scoochmaroo]

Glad I could help!
(i'll send you my address if you *really* need to never see your machine again!)

[crak-a-bottle]

wow thats really cool. ive seen loads of tote tutorials but most of them are sewing ones. and since i simply cant hand sew and me using a sewing machine is against health and safety laws, i normally cant do them however this is excellent! i <3 duct tape 4eva :P

[goldenskyz]

I just made this! Thank you very much, I am beginning to understand the true power of duct tape...whoa. Don't be afraid to get the full 1/2 inch when doing the corners, I was going for a more square edge by going a little shallow with the staples but I think I like the rounded edge better.