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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. You can use plain gray duct tape or mix it up with fun colors and patterns! Create the body of the wallet first, then add pockets for all your odds and ends.
Steps
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Cut a single piece of duct tape to 9 inches (23 cm). Pull some of the duct tape off the roll and lay it against a ruler with the sticky side up. Cut the strip off at 9 inches (23 cm) using sharp scissors. Try working on a piece of parchment paper or a plastic cutting board, which are resistant to the adhesive. [1] X Research source- Lay the strip sticky-side up in front of you.
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Place a second piece of duct tape on top of the first one lengthwise. Cut another piece of duct tape to the same length. Turn it so the sticky side is down, and then lay it halfway up the first piece.
- You're overlapping the 2 pieces along the long edge, meaning you should still have half a strip of the sticky side exposed. Half a strip along the top will be stuck to the parchment paper below.
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Fold the sticky part of the first strip up over the second piece. The sticky part is at the bottom of your strip. Fold it up along the edge created by the second strip, then seal it in place by smoothing it out with your fingers. [2] X Research source
- This will create one of the edges of the wallet.
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Peel the duct tape up and add another strip. After you peel it up, flip it over so the sticky side is up. Cut another piece of duct tape that's the same length and lay it over the sticky part. Half of the strip will hang off, sticking to the surface below.
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Continue flipping the duct tape and adding strips to extend the length. Repeat the process of peeling the duct tape up, flipping it over, and adding a new strip of duct tape overlapping the sticky part. This will add length to the wallet a little bit at a time. [3] X Research source
- Keep going until you have about 8.5 inches (22 cm) in length.
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Fold the final piece of tape over the end to make a clean edge. When you reach a length of about 8.5 inches (22 cm), fold the sticky edge back over the rest of the wallet. That will make that edge solid for the wallet. [4] X Research source
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Trim the edges of the duct tape. Cut along the sides of the duct tape to even out the edge. Use a ruler to help guide you and make a straight edge. Don't cut too much off, as that will make your wallet too small. [5] X Research source
- For a shorter wallet that will more snugly fit skinny American dollar bills, make your rectangle no smaller than 6 by 8 inches (15 by 20 cm).
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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. [6] X Research source
- Your crease should run in the same direction as the lines of the tape.
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Tape the edges 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. [7] X Research source
- The edges should be up against each other when you wrap the tape around them.
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Fold your wallet in half the other direction. 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. [8] X Research source
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Make singular strips of duct tape without sticky sides. Measure out 2 strips of duct tape that are about the length of your wallet when folded. Place 1 piece with the sticky side up on your surface. Set the other piece on top, sticky side down with just 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) or so of overhang. [9] X Research source
- You're using almost the same process as you did to make the main part of the wallet, except you're not letting the second piece of tape hang over the edge as much.
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Peel the tape up and fold the sticky sides down on either end. Pull the tape off the surface. You should have a long, sticky overhang on each side. Fold those over on top of the rest of the duct tape, making single strip with no sticky edges. [10] X Research source
- You should now have a strip with no sticky sides that's small enough to fit on 1 of the interior sides of your wallet.
- Create 1 strip for each pocket you want. These pockets will hold cards.
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Tape 1 pocket in place. Open your wallet and lay it out flat with the inside facing up. Place your first pocket 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the top of the wallet on 1 side. Cut out pieces of duct tape just wide enough and long enough to tape the sides and bottom of the pocket to the wallet. [11] X Research source
- 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 middle crease, as the crease could cause the strips to pull up over time.
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Layer your other pockets below the first one. Place the second pocket on top of the first one but about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the top edge of the first pocket. Tape it in place with small strips of duct tape on the sides and bottom of the pocket, leaving the top exposed. [12] X Research source
- 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.
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Add pockets on the other side if you want. You can add pockets to the other side on the inside if you'd like. Do it the same way by making strips of duct tape and taping them in place in layers. However, if you'd like a large pocket with an ID holder, don't put card pockets on the other side. [13] X Research source
- Alternatively, you can make a larger pocket with an ID holder instead.
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Make a rectangle of duct tape slightly smaller than one side of your wallet. Use the flip-and-fold method (like you did to construct the body) to make a slightly oversized rectangle, then trim it down to size on the edges. [14] X Research source It should be about the same size as half your wallet when it's open, though slightly smaller so you can tape in place.
- This is for an internal pocket with an opening facing the central crease of the wallet.
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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, leaving about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) on all sides. [15] X Research source
- 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!
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Set the pocket in place. With the wallet body unfolded in front of you, place the pocket over the half of the wallet that doesn't have the card pockets. Set the piece of plastic in the center of the pocket, which will become your ID window. [16] X Research source
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Tape the side pocket in place. Cut strips of tape to fit the top and bottom of the pocket. Place the strips over both the edge of the plastic and the edge of the pocket, taping them into place against the wallet. You'll leave the inside edge open to make the pocket. [17] X Research source
- You don't need to seal the outer edge yet because you'll do that next.
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5Add a strip of duct tape along either end to seal everything into place. Cut a strip of tape that is the height of your wallet. Place 1 piece over the edge on one end, using your fingers to smooth it into place. This will seal off the pocket you just made and make sure all the strips on the card pockets stay in place. [18] X Research source
- On the side with the card pockets, you may need to trim the width of the tape so it doesn't block the openings along the top of each pocket.
- You might want to use a different color here or decorative duct tape.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do you make a duct tape wallet for girls?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerUse 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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QuestionHow do you make a duct tape clutch bag?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYou 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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QuestionWhat can you make out of duct tape?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerDuct 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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Tips
- Have some bank notes and credit cards handy as you're making your wallet so you can make sure everything is the right size. [19] X Research sourceThanks
- Creating a skeleton of appropriately-sized index cards and taping around them will give the wallet additional structure.Thanks
- Try using non-stick scissors to make your cutting easier.Thanks
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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.Thanks
- Measure carefully. If anything is too small, it might not fit all of your money or cards and you'll have to start all over. To be safe, make the dimensions slightly bigger than you think it needs to be.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Roll of duct tape
- Scissors
- Ruler
References
- ↑ https://boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/projects/35660/make-a-duct-tape-wallet/
- ↑ https://www.education.com/activity/article/The_Duct_Tape_Wallet/
- ↑ https://www.education.com/activity/article/The_Duct_Tape_Wallet/
- ↑ https://www.education.com/activity/article/The_Duct_Tape_Wallet/
- ↑ https://boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/projects/35660/make-a-duct-tape-wallet/
- ↑ https://boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/projects/35660/make-a-duct-tape-wallet/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfX74J_QTg4&feature=youtu.be&t=923
- ↑ https://www.education.com/activity/article/The_Duct_Tape_Wallet/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDPM-lktozg&feature=youtu.be&t=266
- ↑ https://www.education.com/activity/article/The_Duct_Tape_Wallet/
- ↑ https://boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/projects/35660/make-a-duct-tape-wallet/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDPM-lktozg&feature=youtu.be&t=340
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDPM-lktozg&feature=youtu.be&t=340
- ↑ https://www.education.com/activity/article/The_Duct_Tape_Wallet/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDPM-lktozg&feature=youtu.be&t=409
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDPM-lktozg&feature=youtu.be&t=407
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDPM-lktozg&feature=youtu.be&t=407
- ↑ https://boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/projects/35660/make-a-duct-tape-wallet/
- ↑ https://frugalfun4boys.com/how-to-make-a-duct-tape-wallet/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make a duct tape wallet, start by cutting a strip of duct tape that's 9 inches long and placing it sticky-side up in front of you. Cut a second strip of duct tape that's the same length, then place it sticky-side down halfway up the first one. Next, fold the exposed sticky portion of the first strip over the second strip to create a smooth edge, and flip the duct tape over so the sticky portion of the second strip is now exposed. Add another strip of duct tape sticky-side down halfway up the first 2 strips, and continue flipping the duct tape and adding new strips until the piece of duct tape is about 8 inches long. At that point, trim off the ends of the strips so the edges are even, and fold the rectangular piece of duct tape in half. Tape the edges closed, then fold the duct tape in half the opposite way. To add a pocket, start by cutting 2 strips of duct tape and pressing them together so the sticky sides aren't exposed. Then, tape the sides and bottom of the strip to the inside of your wallet, and slide cards or cash into the opening at the top. To learn how to make a pocket with a window ID in your duct tape wallet, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "It's a good idea to make one pocket slightly smaller so that cards will fit in it without falling out but the instructions worked!" ..." more
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"It's a good idea to make one pocket slightly smaller so that cards will fit in it without falling out but the instructions worked!"
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"For me, the advice on keeping adhesive off of the scissor blades was most helpful. I had built a wallet several years ago using (I think) the same method, but used crappy scissors and didn't clean them. It took forever to complete, and was a pain in the rear."
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"I like how wikiHow has everything I want to know, because I am a creative person. Even the play dough worked for me, and I'm going to try the chalk paint next and the puffy paint. I like to paint and draw."
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"I love that the wallet turned out better than the one I made before from YouTube. My other one only had three pockets and this one has six."
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"I'm planning to make these with my Sunday school class. Your tutorials really helped me understand the process. You guys rock!"
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