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Learn to magically wrap your taped fingers around a mug handle
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If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the viral Tape Mug Magic Trick, where someone somehow wraps their taped fingers around a mug handle. How do they do it? It’s magic! Well, okay—maybe not. It’s an illusion, and we’re here to show you exactly how to do it!
How do you do the TikTok tape mug magic trick?
- Wrap a piece of tape around your finger and thumb.
- Hold your hand so your thumb is facing toward you.
- Slide your thumb out of the tape as subtly as possible.
- Wrap your thumb around the mug handle.
- Slide your thumb back into the tape without letting the audience see.
Steps
Section 2 of 3:
How to Do the Tape Mug Magic Trick
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1Hold your thumb and index finger in a circle as you wrap the tape. That way, the tape won’t be too tight, and it will be easier to remove your thumb. Make sure the tape looks like it’s wrapped tightly—that will create a better illusion.
- Some people slip a small plastic ring around the tip of their thumb before doing the trick. That way, the tape will be attached to the ring instead of their skin, making it easier to get out of the tape.
- You can also coat the back of your thumb in something like lip balm or lotion so it will slip easily out of the tape.
- If you have one, you can use a fake thumbtip to make the illusion look even more real. [1] X Research source
- This TikTok tutorial from @_shokalka_ features a good demonstration of how to do the trick.
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2Hold your thumb so it’s hidden by your hand. Hold the mug in your untaped hand, with the handle of the mug facing inward. Hold your taped hand so your finger and thumb are pointing at the mug handle. Be sure your thumb is facing toward your body—the audience won’t be able to see it behind the rest of your hand. [2] X Research source
- Keep your middle, ring, and pinky fingers closed so they’ll hide your thumb.
- It may help to rotate your hand inward so your thumb is slightly beneath your index finger.
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3Slide your thumb out of the tape and into the mug handle. In one smooth motion, slip your thumb out of the tape and wrap your index finger and thumb around the mug handle. Tuck your thumb back into the tape with as little movement as possible so the audience won’t be able to see. [3] X Research source
- Try not to move your wrist or bend your thumb as you do this, or the audience will be able to see.
- Add a bit of flair by tapping the mug handle against your taped fingers a few times before you perform the trick.
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4Hold up your hand and show the audience your fingers. With your thumb firmly back inside the tape, hold up your index finger and thumb to show that the mug handle has “gone through” the tape. Voila!
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5Change up the trick by using other objects instead of a mug. Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can use any narrow object for this illusion, including:
- A pencil or pen
- Narrow roll of tape
- Bangle bracelet or metal ring [4] X Research source
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