Beach Ball Bag

Being a long time beach lover, I'm always on the hunt for great accessories that make packing everything to the beach easy and fun. So I set out to make an inexpensive, no-sew, waterproof bag that I, a) wouldn't have to worry about getting dirty, and 2) would be super simple to make.

The iconic & colorful inflatable beach ball, with it's volumetric shape, turned out to be the perfect bag body choice and the duct tape worked smartly as both a strap and connectors. I love how this one turned out and am excited to share it with you.

Let's go!

Step 1: Supplies

Materials:

• 24" inflatable beach ball (I got mine online)*
• colored duct tape that matches ball

Tools:

• ruler
• exacto knife
• cutting mat
• two circular objects to use as cutting templates (one approx. 3" diameter, one 1 7/8" diameter)

*I suggest buying a few balls, just in case you make any mistakes when cutting the top off. (I may know about this first hand...)

Step 2: Making the Bag Body

Leave your beach ball un-inflated, lay it flat on a cutting mat. Cut 5 1/2" off of the inflating end. Discard the cut off piece.

Helpful Hints:

• Try and make the cut as perpendicular to the length of the ball as possible. Using the cutting mat grid to line up the ball ends on the same line will help with this.
• Using a sharp blade will help keep the cut edge from being jagged.

Step 3: Inside Out

Open up the bag and turn it inside out, so that the duller side is now on the outside.

*This is just a personal preference. If you'd prefer to leave it shiny side out, please do so!

Step 4: Making the Strap: Part 1

Cut two 37" lengths of duct tape.

Step 5: Making the Strap: Part 2

Carefully stick the two lengths of tape together, back to back.

TIP: Follow the techniques shown in the photos above, and go slowly.

Step 6: Cutting the Connectors: Part 1

Using the larger of the two circular objects (approx. 3" diameter) and an exacto knife, cut out 4 duct tape half circles. You'll use these to secure the strap to the bag.

Step 7: Cutting the Connectors: Part 2

Now using the smaller object (approx. 1 7/8" diameter), cut out 6 whole circles and two half circles. The half circles are also to secure the strap to the bag. The whole circles will be used to reinforce the cut edge where the different sections are connected (welded), to keep the material from tearing apart.

Step 8: Securing the Welds

On the inside cut edge of the bag, stick a duct tape circle at each of the places where two color sections meet, six in total. (like pictured above)

Using an exacto knife, trim off the excess tape.

Step 9: Pick Your Color Combo!

Decide which color combo you want as the front facing side of your bag.

Step 10: Attaching the Strap: Part 1

Lay the ball out flat with your chosen color combo facing up. (like pictured)

Place one end of the strap in the left corner of the bag with a 1 - 1 1/4" overlap.

Angle the strap end so that its upper top left corner is away from the bag edge about 3/16".

Secure the strap in place using one of the large half circles.

Step 11: Attaching the Strap: Part 2

Turn the bag over and place one of the small half circles so that the round side is on the strap and the flat edge overlaps the bag about 1/4".

Then place one of the large half circles so that it mirrors the one on the other side.

Step 12: Attaching the Strap: Part 3

Before attaching the other side, make sure the orientation of the whole strap is the same as in the first image above. This will ensure that it sits properly against your torso when in use.

For the second end, attach it using the same techniques as you did the first. The only difference is that you will place the end slightly to the left, on the seam.

Step 13: Using Your New Bag

How simple was that?! No pattern making, no sewing = easy peasy.

Your new bag is now ready for toting a couple of towels, a frisbee, a tasty drink + snacks to the beach!

Caring for your new bag:

• Don't overload it - you might bust a seam!
• spot clean with a damp sponge
• avoid packing sharp objects that could cut or puncture the bag

Now go have some sun filled fun!

Comments

[parisusa]

Very cute idea & well done!

[PhilTee]

This is great! Sadly we've just come to the end of the summer holiday season here. However this is definitely one to make for next year! I think I'll probably use PU coated cotton or oilcloth to line the inside to give it some extra strength whilst still keeping it waterproof. Thanks for sharing this!

[Linda Tuck]

Aren't you clever

[Linda Tuck]

Aren't you clever!

[gravityisweak]

That really is a great idea! I would suggest lining the inside of the bag, especially the seams, with more duct tape just to strengthen it. Also like someone else mentioned, maybe giving the strap a longer length of attachment to the bag. It's a pretty cool idea using a beach item as a beach bag!

[Paige Russell]

If you plan on some heavy use of this bag, yes, lining it or reinforcing the seams would be a great idea. : )

[loompiggytutorials]

Awesomest bag ever! I would totally rock this at the beach!8)

[Paige Russell]

Yay! Thanks.

[sunshiine]

You outdid yourself with this design. I love all of your pictures! Thanks for sharing.

sunshiine

[Paige Russell]

Thanks so much sunshiine. : )

[david-14]

Really cleaver how you attached the strap to the bag with the tape! and amazing how much it can carry…Good one!

[Paige Russell]

Thanks david-14!

[doodledoos]

this is so awesome and such a great idea! I'm wondering if you could put two shorter straps and make it more of a hand-bag beach-bag! :) :p

[Paige Russell]

Thanks doodledoos! You could definitely put two straps on instead of one. I would just attache them one third of the width in on both sides. If you try it, please post a picture here. I'd love to see how it turns out!

[watchmeflyy]

This is a clever idea! ^^

[BLR_RAVI]

lovely project idea...nice detailed step by step explanation...only suggestion would be...increase the strap more on the bag so it become bit more strong