Whether you just need a bigger bag or you want a custom made bag to carry school supplies. Making your own messenger bag is a great way to express your style and easily transport thing to different places. Read the instructions to make a messenger bag. This bag will also make a great gift and if you made it for yourself it will become the coolest trend around.

Step 1: Step 1: Materials

Materials:

- You will, of course, need duct tape to make the bag. You can find duct tape in a variety of colors and patterns.

- Importantly, you will need a surface on which to build your bag and straight pins to keep the tape in place while you work. A large sheet of cardboard will be the cheapest and simplest solution.

- Finally, you will need a standard ruler (wood or metal), a measuring tape and cutting tools. The ruler will be sacrificed to reinforce the handle of the bag, so be sure it is one you will not need to use later.

Step 2: Step 2: Making the First Layer

Make the first layer. With the sticky side facing up, lay out seven 36” strips, parallel, try to get them absolutely straight, and overlapping (but as little as possible). If you want pin the ends taught as you lay each strip down.

Step 3: Step 3: Making the Second Layer

Make the second layer. With sticky side still facing up, lay six more 35” strips over the first layer with a 1” offset. Do not worry about pinning these. Be careful to lay them straight and go slowly, since it is difficult to get the tape back up if you make a mistake.

Step 4: Step 4: Making the Third Layer

Start the third layer. Cut 6 strips to 11.25” and place them using the same method as the previous layers. Place them perpendicular and covering the previous layers, at the “top” end.

Step 5: Step 5: Making the Sides

Make the sides. Cut four more 11.25” strips and place two on each side, parallel with the strips from the first two layers, such that the ends line up with the middle of the last strip from layer 3. Pin these strips in place as you go.

Step 6: Step 6: Attaching the Sides

Attach the sides. Cut 4 more 11” strips and layer them over the others, with a 1” offset so that the seam with the main section is covered.

Step 7: Step 7: Finishing the Third Layer

Finish the third layer. Cut ~19” strips to cover the middle section (the section with the side panels). These should be placed parallel to and beginning at the other strips from layer 3, covering the. Once you reach the edge of the sides, switch to 11.25” strip and cover the remainder of the layer.

Step 8: Step 8: Making the Fourth Layer

Make the fourth layer. This will be done similarly to the 3rd layer but with the strips facing sticky side down. Use 11.25” strips for the two narrower sections and then 19” strips for the wider center section where the sides attach.

Step 9: Step 9: Folding the Bag

Fold into a bag. Unpin this completed piece and fold it into a bag. The side panels form the narrow sides of the bag, with the section directly between them forming the back side of the bag. The section directly below forms the bottom and front of the bag (and should fold up to align the bottom edge with the top of the side panels). The remaining top section forms the top and front flap of the bag. The result should be a box-shaped bag with clean edges.

Step 10: Step 10: Closing the Seams

Close the seams. Use tape on the inside of the bag to close all the seams together and reinforce the corners and edges of the bag. Don’t forget to leave the top end open.

Step 11: Step 11: Making the Strap

Form the shoulder strap. Cut lengths at least 10” and mate the sticky sides, nesting one set inside another as before until an acceptably long strip is formed. Get a piece the length of the whole strap and place the strap so that the edge runs down the center of the new piece. Fold it over to close the seam of the mated strips and then repeat on the other side.