How to Make a Duct Tape Billfold: DIY Instructions

If you have a taste for the unconventional, enjoy do-it-yourself (DIY), or simply love arts and crafts, whip out that roll of duct tape and turn it into something useful. Duct tape wallets are sturdy, durable, and a great conversation starter. In this article, we’ll teach you all the steps to make your own duct tape billfold, from making the body to adding pockets and ID windows .

Section 1 of 3:

Making the Body of the Wallet

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1
Tear off 4 pieces of duct tape that are 9 inches (23 cm) long each. Pull some duct tape off the roll and lay it against a ruler with the sticky side up. Cut or tear off four 9 inches (23 cm) strips and lay them sticky side up in front of you. ^{[1]
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- Try working on a piece of parchment paper or a plastic cutting board, which are resistant to the tape’s adhesive.
- It’s okay to tear the tape off the roll. You’ll clean up the edges later.
- Your wallet should reflect your personal style, so choose duct tape in a color or pattern you like! Use multiple colors to make it really stand out.
2
Attach each piece so that they overlap about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Place your first strip of tape flat on your work surface, keeping the sticky side up. Carefully attach your second piece to the first, going along the long edge, so that the second piece overlaps the first by 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Then, do the same for the third and fourth strips, respectively. ^{[2]
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- When you attach the pieces, they should form a larger sheet of duct tape.
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3
Repeat with another 4 pieces, sticky side down. Tear off four more 9 inches (23 cm) strips of duct tape. Starting about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the top of the larger sheet you just created, adhere the first strip with the sticky side down (meaning it’s back-to-back with the larger sheet). Repeat the process for the other 3 strips. ^{[3]
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- By starting 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the top, you’ll stagger the overlapping sections so the duct tape won’t be too thick to fold.
- If you prefer, choose a different color or pattern for the second 4 strips. Because the sheets will be back-to-back, one side will form the inside of your wallet, and the other will form the outside.
4
Fold the top and bottom edges, and trim the other sides. Fold the top and bottom edges over to create a smooth edge and ensure the sticky side of the duct tape is completely covered. Then, use a ruler and a utility knife to cut a clean edge on the left and right sides. Your wallet should be about 8.5 inches (22 cm) wide and 6 inches (15 cm) inches tall when you’re done. ^{[4]
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- Make your wallet no smaller than 6 by 8 inches (15 by 20 cm), or it will be too small to hold American dollar bills.
5
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise. Bring the folded edge at the bottom up to meet the folded edge at the top. The sides will be composed of the clean edges you just cut. Use your fingernail to make a crease along the bottom where you folded the duct tape. ^{[5]
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- Your crease should run in the same direction as the lines of the tape.
6
Tape both sides of the folded wallet closed. Cut pieces of tape that are the height of the sides of the pocket you've just made. Place a piece on each end, folding it over the cut edge and around the back. Smooth it out with your fingers. ^{[6]
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- The edges should be up against each other when you wrap the tape around them.
- This allows you to put money in the wallet without it falling out.
7
Fold your wallet in half widthwise. Folding it this way will make it small enough to fit in a pocket. Make sure the edges meet, then use your fingernail or the ruler to make a crease along the edge.
- If you only plan to carry cash in your wallet, you’re done! However, if you want to carry debit or credit cards, keep reading as we teach you how to add card pockets .

Section 2 of 3:

Adding Credit Card Pockets

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Tear off 2 strips of tape and adhere them back to back. Tear off two more strips of duct tape, each about the width of your wallet when folded (usually around 4 inches (10 cm)). Lay the first piece sticky side up and adhere the second piece to it, sticky side down, like you did earlier. There should be about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) of overhang. ^{[7]
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- Repeat this process for as many pockets as you want.
- Make sure the pocket is big enough to hold your credit cards.
2
Fold the sticky sides down, then tape the pocket into place. Fold the overhang over on each side of the pocket so that no sticky sides are visible. Open your wallet and lay it out flat with the inside facing up. Place your pocket {{convert|0.25|in|cm} from the top of the wallet, and use smaller pieces of duct tape to tape the sides and bottom of the pocket to the body of the wallet. You’ll insert your cards through the opening at the top. ^{[8]
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- The strips you use to tape the pocket in place should only be 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) or so wide and just long enough to cover the complete edge on each side, except the top.
- Try to keep the strips of tape out of the wallet’s middle crease, as the crease could cause the strips to pull up over time.
3
Layer your other pockets below the first one. If you’re adding multiple card pockets, place the second one on top of the first one, about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the first pocket’s top edge. Tape it in place the same way you did the first one, leaving the top open. Repeat the process with any other pockets.
- If you need to, trim your pockets as you go along so they're all the same size.
- Keep going down until you reach the bottom of the wallet. The last pocket should be about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the bottom so you have room to tape it in place.
- If you want pockets on the other side of the wallet, tape them in the same way. However, if you’d like a large pocket with an ID holder, don’t put card pockets on the other side. We’ll show you how to make an ID holder in the steps below!

Section 3 of 3:

Creating an ID Window

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1
Make a rectangle of duct tape slightly smaller than one side of your wallet. Use the same method of overlapping and layering you used to make the body of the wallet to make another rectangle of duct tape. It should be slightly smaller than half your wallet when it’s open, so trim it down if necessary.
- This is for an internal pocket with an opening facing the central crease of the wallet.
2
Cut a piece of clear plastic that's slightly bigger than an ID card. Get your ID card out so you can use it as a template. Hold it up to a piece of plastic and cut around it, leaving about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) on all sides. ^{[9]
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- You can use clear, hard plastic from takeout containers or other food containers. Just be sure to clean it well. Round the corners so they don't poke you!
3
Tape the pocket in place. Open your wallet and place the ID pocket on the side of your wallet that doesn’t have the card pockets. Position the plastic in the center of the pocket, then tape the top and bottom of the pocket down, making sure the tape overlaps the edge of the plastic. Then, tape the outer edge of the pocket the same way. Leave the inside edge open so you can insert your ID into the window. ^{[10]
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- Once everything is taped down and secured, you’re free to start using your wallet!
- If you want, decorate the outside of your wallet by cutting out shapes and patterns with colorful duct tape.

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Question

What can you make out of duct tape?

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Duct tape is super versatile. You can make things like bookmarks, picture frames, a beach bag, or even a belt! You can also braid it and make it into jewelry, like bracelets.

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How do you make a duct tape clutch bag?

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You can use similar steps that you would for making a wallet, but make it so it folds over lengthwise instead of widthwise. If you like, you could even add a braided duct tape loop to one corner to hang the clutch from your wrist.

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How do you make a duct tape wallet for girls?

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Use the same steps you would to make any duct tape wallet! Choose a pattern that you (or the girl you’re making it for) would like—you can get duct tape in all kinds of designs and colors, from classic silver to pink glitter to camo.

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Tips

Creating a skeleton of appropriately-sized index cards and taping around them will give the wallet additional structure.

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Try using non-stick scissors to make your cutting easier.

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Have some bank notes and credit cards handy as you're making your wallet so you can make sure everything is the right size.

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To decorate your wallet, you can write your initials on the outside or add lots of fun, sparkly stickers.
Use a craft knife and cutting mat to get a cleaner finish on your wallet.

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Warnings

Keep the wallet away from direct heat or sunlight. If it overheats, it may turn sticky, which can stain or damage what's in your wallet.

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Things You'll Need

Parchment paper (optional)
Roll of duct tape
Scissors
Ruler
Clear plastic (optional, for ID window)

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How to Make a Duct Tape Billfold: DIY Instructions

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Making the Body of the Wallet

Adding Credit Card Pockets

Creating an ID Window

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