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

Step 2: Cut Fabric

Whatever size you decide to go with fold the fabric in half vertically.

• Cut two squares out of the bottom corners, about 1" high and 1 ¹/₂" wide. If you make a bigger bag, or want it to be wider at the base, increase these measurements.

Step 3: Tape

• Open the fabric, party side down.
• Start layering strips of duct tape over the wrong side (inside) of the fabric, slightly overlapping each strip.
• Continue until piece is covered.
• Trim away excess tape

Step 4: Cut Handle Opening

Now you're going to mark where the opening for your handle will be. In this instance, I made a 4"x1" opening, centered near the top. This is how:

• Fold the fabric in half, party sides together, to mark the center on the tape, 1 ¹/₂" down from the top.
• Draw a line 2" to each side of this mark, and 1"down on each side. Finish the box by drawing the bottom line.
• Mark a line horizontally across the center of the box.
• Make a mark ³/₄" in from each side on this line.
• Draw diagonal lines from the corners to these marks.
• Repeat on other end.

These are your new cutting lines.

_{If you ever have sewn, you may recognize how much these look like welt pockets or bound buttonholes.}

Step 5: Make Handle

Now we make the handle.

• Cut carefully along the new lines you've made.
• Fold back the flaps and secure with pieces of tape
• Repeat on other handle

Step 6: Finish Top Edge

You want to turn the top ¹/₂" of fabric to the inside and tape down. I did it this way:

• Lay a piece of tape to cover ¹/₂" of the top edge on the party side of the fabric.
• If you're using magnets as a latch, insert them under the tape in the center of the top edge
• Fold this edge over to the inside and tape down.
• Trim away the tape covering the handle opening.
• Repeat on other side, making sure magnets are in correct alignment.

Step 7: Staple Together

Now we make the "seams."

• Fold fabric in half, right sides together
• Staple the sides of the bag ¹/₂" in from the edge.
• Clip the corners at the top.
• Repeat on other side.

Step 8: Tape Over Edges

Now we'll seal the raw edges.

• Using a block or book inside, press the seam allowance open with your fingers.
• Cover the edges with tape and trim.
• Repeat on other side.

Step 9: Close Bottom Corners

Close the bottom of the bag at the corners by matching up the raw edges.

• Staple together ¹/₂" in from edge.
• Fold seam allowance toward the bottom of the bag and cover with tape.
• Trim and fold edges for a clean finish.
• Repeat on other side.

Step 10: Turn Tote Right Side Out

Well, that's pretty self-explanatory.

• Turn bag right side out.
• Test out your awesome magnets.
• Fill it with goodies.
• Send some to me.:)

Comments

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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!

[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!

[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!

[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!

[trepanier.carole.7]

I AM obviously clumsy! I just did not read it 'till the end! GREAT tutorial! I'm making one... at least!!!! Thank you!

[trepanier.carole.7]

I adore this idea! Maybe i'm a bit clumsy but... Where do the staples come in?
Thank you!!!

[tonyssn639]

Excellent idea and directions. Makes a dad feel like he can sew. Thanks for sharing!

[marydecorator]

Thanks for sharing. These are look really neat! I'm a big fan of duct tape and I'm sure to try it out soon. :) I read in another comment about sewing instead of stapling and you advised against it because it could jam up the machine. How about hand sewing then, do you think that could work?

[creative_aarya]

I have been to instructables numerous time before. But only today created an account just to let you know that I love this tutorial and I am sure I'll be trying it pretty soon.

I love the idea of duct tape as lining. If done neatly, this could be a convertible tote - for beach, for shopping or just as a stylish bag to carry your stuff around.

[scoochmaroo]

Well that is just so sweet. Thank you!

[sprekeges]

I love it! I kept mine duct tape side out and it's great! I'm giving it as a gift!