How to Make a Duct Tape Messenger Bag - Part 1
The first of a four part series in which Sophie creates a medium sized duct tape messenger bag. Bags of this sort have been requested many times. They can be created in all sorts of sizes and used to carry everything from a phone to ice skates.
Begin by making the strap. Lay a 24-inch long piece of tape on your work surface.
Lay a second piece of tape, also 24" long, next to that piece. Be certain to overlap the two pieces by about 1/2".
Flip your two pieces of tape over so they are sticky side up. Take another piece of tape and lay it right down the center of the seam of the two pieces.
You will be left with a with one piece down the center and sticky on both edges.
Fold the sticky edges onto the piece of tape you just laid down.
Your completed strap should be approximately 46-48 inches. To do that you will need to extend your existing strap. Begin by laying another two strips of 24" tape on your board. Flip them over just like we did in Step 3. Place one end of your completed strap about three to four inches in from the end of your sticky side up tape.
Just as you did earlier lay another piece of tape down the center seam of the sticky side up tape. Be certain to tape over the end of your completed strap.
Fold over the edges just as we have done before.
For additional strength wrap a piece of tape around the juncture where the two straps meet.
Next we will create the fabric for our side pieces. Decide how large you want your bag to be. I have included all of the dimensions for the varous bag sizes in the document found under the stats tab above. Once you have determined the correct size of your side pieces lay two pieces of tape at that length on your work surface.
Flip those pieces over. Add one strip on top of the sticky side doing your best to cover the same and leaving apprixmately half an inch hanging onto your work surface. Do the same on the other side.
Fold the sticky edges onto the tape as we did with the strap.
Cut your fabric in half. It is best to use a ruler to ensure a clean cut.
Cut two pieces of tape to the width of your fabric. Cut each of those pieces of tape in half lengthwise. Lay that tape half-on/half-off on the end of the fabric piece. Fold it over both sides in order to create a clean edge.
Part one is complete. You should now have two pieces of fabric with all ends sealed and a long strap. Stay tuned for Part 2.
