There are actually quite a few projects you can make from duct tape, today I’ll show you how to make a simple wallet. Duct tape is silver and available at Wal Mart, hardware stores and home supply stores. There’s also something called Duck Tape, which is a brand of tape that comes in a variety of fun colors, available from craft supply stores. We actually used a combination of duct tape and Duck tape for our duct tape wallet. This would make an ideal Father’s Day gift!
What’s really fun about this particular tutorial, is that this wallet was constructed in its entirety by an 11 year old girl. She learned how to make these by following a You Tube video she found. In fact, SHE showed ME how to make it, I just happened to have my camera handy!
This project is now available in the Kindle library or via ebook download (see below).
The two kids pictured here are Dominic, my 11 year old son, and Cailin, our neighbor, and Dominic’s friend since preschool. Cailin has made several wallets, this one is a fairly basic bi-fold with a money pocket and four credit card pockets. She made a tri-fold one for her dad that has six credit card pockets and an ID slot. Way to go Cailin and thanks for your hand in this tutorial. :)
UPDATE: This post was first published in April of 2010. Cailin and Dominic are now in high school, and Cailin in still making wallets. In fact, the photo above is Cailin modeling for my book, Duct Tape Mania, which has over 40 duct tape projects! The photo below is a shot of a few of her cool wallets, one of which you’ll see in my book!
Thanks again to Cailin for her help with this post.
(This is a photo intensive tutorial, but the printable version link will give you the text instructions only.)
To download this complete tutorial for use on and offline:
Click here to get it in the Kindle library for $2.99 (Download it and read it on your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry with the Kindle app.).
Duct Tape Wallet
You will need
Duct tape of Duck tape, any colors
scissors
gift card or credit card to help measure
What you do
Cut 4 pieces of tape, about 10″ long, and lay them on the work surface, sticky side up.
Connect them all together by sticking the top of the second one, to the bottom of the first one, then connect the third to the second and the fourth to the third.
Cut another piece, the same length, and press it sticky side to sticky side, against the bottom strip of tape.
Continue with 3 more strips until you have a solid sheet made of tape. Use scissors to trim the ends.
Fold the sheet in half to resemble a wallet shape.
Fold it in half the other way to create a bi-fold wallet. If it’s too large for your liking, you can trim more off the ends now. Don’t trim too much, you will need room for credit card slots.
Cut a long strip of tape, about 18 inches long, and place it, sticky side up, on the work surface.
Cut another piece, the same length as the first, and tape it, sticky side down, onto the other piece (sticky to sticky).
Cut another 18″ length and tear it in half lengthwise. Set aside one half and use the other half to create a smooth top seam on your long strip of tape.
Use the second half strip to do the other side. Trim the ends.
Using a credit card or gift card as a measuring guide, Cut the length of tape into “credit card pockets”, leaving about 1/4″ on each side of the card.
Set the card aside and use the first one that you cut to use as a guide and cut three more, for a total of four.
Cut a piece of tape a little bit longer than the length of your wallet. Tear the strip in half and create smooth seams on both sides by taping one side, then flipping it over and folding the tape over to the other side.
With the tape sheet folded in half like a wallet, place the four credit card pockets in place.
Cut a piece of tape about 4″ long and tear it in half lengthwise. Press the tape up the center, covering the pockets. Fold the end of the tape over only one layer, you don’t want to tape your money pocket shut! Tuck it inside the wallet.
Use similar sized pieces to cover the outer edges of the pockets, folding over to secure.
Use scissors to trim the ends.
Put a strip of tape across the bottom to secure the pockets.
Important: You will want to make sure that the back part of the wallet is slightly higher than the front so that when it is folded shut, it will look right.
Make sure you have taped all your edges. If necessary, use scissors to snip any closed tape at the edges of the paper-money pocket.
That’s it! You just made a wallet completely out of duct tape (or Duck tape, whichever you chose to use)!
How to Make a Duct Tape Wallet
Supplies
- Duct tape of Duck tape any colors
- scissors
- gift card or credit card to help measure
Instructions
- Cut 4 pieces of tape, about 10" long, and lay them on the work surface, sticky side up.
- Connect them all together by sticking the top of the second one, to the bottom of the first one, then connect the third to the second and the fourth to the third.
- Cut another piece, the same length, and press it sticky side to sticky side, against the bottom strip of tape. Continue with 3 more strips until you have a solid sheet made of tape. Use scissors to trim the ends.
- Fold the sheet in half to resemble a wallet shape.
- Fold it in half the other way to create a bi-fold wallet. If it's too large for your liking, you can trim more off the ends now. Don't trim too much, you will need room for credit card slots.
- Cut a long strip of tape, about 18 inches long, and place it, sticky side up, on the work surface.
- Cut another piece, the same length as the first, and tape it, sticky side down, onto the other piece (sticky to sticky).
- Cut another 18" length and tear it in half lengthwise. Set aside one half and use the other half to create a smooth top seam on your long strip of tape.
- Use the second half strip to do the other side. Trim the ends.
- Using a credit card or gift card as a measuring guide, Cut the length of tape into "credit card pockets", leaving about 1/4" on each side of the card.
- Set the card aside and use the first one that you cut to use as a guide and cut three more, for a total of four.
- Cut a piece of tape a little bit longer than the length of your wallet. Tear the strip in half and create smooth seams on both sides by taping one side, then flipping it over and folding the tape over to the other side.
- With the tape sheet folded in half like a wallet, place the four credit card pockets in place.
- Cut a piece of tape about 4" long and tear it in half lengthwise. Press the tape up the center, covering the pockets. Fold the end of the tape over only one layer, you don't want to tape your money pocket shut! Tuck it inside the wallet.
- Use similar sized pieces to cover the outer edges of the pockets, folding over to secure.
- Use scissors to trim the ends.
- Put a strip of tape across the bottom to secure the pockets.
- Important: You will want to make sure that the back part of the wallet is slightly higher than the front so that when it is folded shut, it will look right.
- Make sure you have taped all your edges. If necessary, use scissors to snip any closed tape at the edges of the paper-money pocket.
- That's it! You just made a wallet completely out of duct tape (or Duck tape, whichever you chose to use)!
More you might like:
Pauline shows you how to recycle some plastic eggs from Easter to make these fun duct tape roses!
If you’d like to try a sewing project, my friend Suzy will show you how to make this DIY purse organizer!
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May says
Great tutorial. I’ve already made a duct tape flower, and now I’m adding this wallet to the list! Do you think you could have a tutorial on the duct tape wallet with 4 areas for cards, money, and an ID card? Thanks!
Amanda Formaro says
I’ll see what I can do May, thanks!
Lia says
I used the clear packing tape for one of the credit card slot to make a slot for my ID
Amanda Formaro says
Yes I’ve seen that, works great! :)
Samuel says
I like this craft
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Samuel :)
Samantha says
I really loved this page. I really loved just how you told me the
measurment” an showed me everything.
stacey says
thats cool i needed a gift for my dad and this is perfect cuz he doesnt have a wallet
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Stacey, glad you liked it!
Lena says
thank you! ( mines elec. blue and lepard )
princess patel says
it is a very creative idea i still dont get how to make one but who cares i love staring at it
pie says
this rocks making it for my friend
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Pie, have fun!
Andrea says
Love it! i am going to make it for my daddy for his birthday!
weird cutie says
I love this so much
Suzanne says
Love your tutorial Amanda! I am totally surprised how long these last. I made a woman’s version a while back and I still use it!
Nadiah.Z says
It’s so fun! I must make it for my my friend’s birthday… I will make it and sell it!! hahaha
Ductape Girl says
Mine turned out to look like a big belt…
SWAGGER says
SWAGGERIOUS!
A.Kswagger says
so cuuuuuuuuul anyway!
ILOVE IT .
U ARE AWESOME
A.Kswagger says
What about the cent pocket?
Amanda says
I’m sure you could add one if you wanted. This is a basic wallet, there are many variations available.
Jojo says
thats sound like so much fun now i kno what to to in my spare time
Maegan says
<3
Maegan says
What else can I make out of duct tape?
Amanda says
There are LOTS of things you can make. The Duck Tape website is a good place to start http://www.duckbrand.com/Solutions/arts-and-activities.aspx
Maegan says
So cool!! I can’t wait to try it:-)
Hannah Montana says
Great start to learn how to use duck tape! my daughter loves this!!! xoxoxox!
Amanda says
Fun! So glad you liked it :)
blurb says
this was soo easy and fun thank u for showing this i have looked every were for this craft :D
Amanda says
So glad it worked well for you!
Lindsay says
So awesome! Looks like the kids had fun with this one. :)
Ashley Alcala says
I am no popular at skool cuz of them i made most of hellokitty
LS says
This craft was so well explained. Just completed our first with my 7yr old daughter in neon pink. She had a fabulous time and i didnt get frustrated with the explanation. Look forward to other projects on your site. Thx! LS
Amanda says
Thanks so much for that feedback LS, I really appreciate it!
David L. says
I make these a little different and sell them for 5$. I put aluminium foil inbetween the tape to block RFid scanners; tested and proven to block them. Feel free to use this tip.
Amanda says
Oh! That’s one of those things that steal your credit cards isn’t it? Thanks for that tip!
Emma says
Luv duck tape im just saving my money for more!
Bob says
I’ve seen skirts made from duct tape too. The key to getting them on and off is velcro. Velcro works great with duct tape. I remember another cool idea where someone mage a jacket out of aluminum can tabs. Youtube has all the good videos on how to make things.
Thalia says
opps i ment AMAZING
Thalia says
OMG this is an amaa
zing websit and all the crafs are so deatail haw do you do it.
now that i have seen this website im getting all my craft tips from u and u only
Hannah says
Thanks for the awesome wallet. The steps were easy to follow :)
Amanda says
Glad you enjoyed it Hannah!
A.R. says
I love it! I’ve made two of them and they work great!
Mia says
OMG thanks sooooo much i made the cutest wallet ever
joey says
this takes up alot of duct tape and it is so hard to do thank you for the idea though
Joe says
My babysitter and I made one…it is awesome!
Duct Tape SuperHero says
On the step, Cut a piece of tape a little bit longer than the length of your wallet. Tear the strip in half. Which way do I tear, lengthwise or heightwise?
Duct Tape SuperHero says
Never mind, I took a closer look at the picture and I realized you tear it lengthwise. :-)
Mary says
I have purple duct tape that I was using for a project in my purple
office. I think I will try this color and make a wallet for a friend of mine.
Thanks for the tutorial!(I am in my 70’s.) (Sh-h-h-h-h!) Never too old for a fun project,and I love duct tape! I can fix almost any problem around my house with it..
mia says
duct tape wallets are really hard but fun i love duct tape it is really fun !
nina says
duct tape is awesome can you make more things out of duct tape :)…plz
nina says
very cool thanks for the help to making my dad something!!!!! :)
loura says
I love duck tape
loura says
I love duck tape I Althea duck tape QUEEN
lolo2222 says
I just made one its so easy thanks to the pictures. This website ROCKS!!!!
Amanda says
So glad it helped!
mariah says
neat idea gonna have to make one myself
funnyone74 says
This is so awesome can you make some more tutorals?
Can you make tutorals, like duck tape bows, pencils maybe, and roses.
Amanda says
Thanks! I will see what I can do :)
bandgeek says
this website’s instructions actually made sense. i looked at a ton of websites for instructions and this is the best one. thanks!!
admin says
Thank you!
Ani says
Awsome fun. When ever I am bored and have nothing to do, I look here;-) I’m by your side all the way!:-D
Gail says
Great instructions. Thanks for the step by step.
decklan says
duck tape wallets are sooooooooooooooooo cool i made one my self
TFO :0) says
This works great!! :) ***** <—5 stars!
me and my made it, they came out awesome!
admin says
Awesome!!
Lizzie says
This is really cool! Keep on going and maybe you’ll be a star…
Thanks for helping me with this project. I have to do a school project. This will be on my bibliography!
admin says
You’re welcome Lizzie, so glad it helped!
DOMINIQUE says
cool
DOMINIQUE says
Good stuff
spencer says
i learn a new way to make a duct tape wallet
spencer says
thanks
A Staley says
Very Nice Wallet, quite easy and good instructions. I can’t wait to do this with my cub scouts.
JENNA says
THIS IS THE BEST WEBSITE IVE BEEN ON YET TO MAKE THESE.I JUST DID THIS AND IT WAS SO SIMPLE AND EASY!IM ONLY 9yo.
admin says
Awesome! Thanks Jenna!
Ani says
I totally agree with Jenna.
Dixie says
you rock
Kimberly says
Hello! I love this project! So far I’ve been making many things out of DUCK tape. Not DUCT tape, I made some sandles.. it’s so fun! Thank you!
~ DUCK TAPE…. THAT STICKY STUFF?
IT’S LIKE CHIPS… YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH!!!
lolo2222 says
Lol totally agree
daniell says
wow ive always wanted to learn how to make one i just happened to type in on google saying how do you make a duck taped wallet and your website came up thankyou
leyah says
that iz awesome i just mad eone and it iz beutiful
Taylor says
Om my gosh this is the best website for learning how to make these! You made it so easy and simple with all the pics and details!!! Love it!! Thank you sooo much!!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Taylor! So glad this was helpful!
Hannh says
This is an amazing tutorial! I made one with some Hello Kitty duct tape I found, and it’s too cute :D I will definitely be making more.
Amanda Formaro says
How fun, so glad it helped!
timmy says
im 14. my buddy at school makes these and sells them for $5. i made one and its fun to do
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks for stopping by Timmy! The girl in this tutorial does the same thing, her friends buy them from her :)
Snazzy Awesomeness says
I’m going to make one for my Dad for Christmas! Sounds really easy and fun!!
Selina says
I made the wallet and I think that it is so cool! I am going to make
one for my dad for Christmas.
Amanda Formaro says
That’s awesome Selina!
sarah bennett says
omg this is super easy!!!!! i just made one for my brother and he loves it. something i did was print a pic of the internet and put it on the front with clear tape
Amanda Formaro says
What an awesome idea!
Sk8er says
I have done something like this before but woth really cool colors like neon orange and cheetah and stufff it was really cool good job on the wallet Cailin!!
Austin says
loved doing this… i just made one and its my first time. it looks akward but its still my first time. the directions were very helpful and the pictures with them made it seem like you were right there telling me them. im just 13 and this is really easy. good luck to all those who try
Amanda Formaro says
That’s awesome Austin! Thanks for stopping by!
Lexi says
:DI have been making duct tape crafts (mostly wallets) and selling them at my skool,:D even though im just a kid! keep on the good work!
Silence Is GOLDEN
Duct Tape Is SILVER!
Lexi says
Omg. I Have Been Making Duct Tape Crafts For Some Time Now, And I Really Enjoy It! Even Though Im Just A Kid :) keep making duct tape crafts!
Silence Is GOLDEN
But Duct Tape is SILVER!
juan anonella says
lolo tgis wallet is amazing! i will make it fir school cahrity! its increadible love this idea! haha
random21225 says
this is sooo cool i loved workin on this project very easy
Monkey says
I made this myself and it is soooo fun and easy with the great instruction and pics!
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome! Thanks so much for the feedback!
Estelle says
So cool! :)
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Estelle!
Summer says
Dats cool.
Cynthie says
I must try this! It looks like so much fun, The instructions were very helpful. I myself am a total craftier always looking for exciting things to do, and sense I'm a kid its perfect! now… Wheres the duck tape..
Amanda says
Anon – so glad the instructions were helpful! :)
Anonymous says
Thank you so much for this project! I recently just discovered how awesome duct tape is, so I'm making many projects. I couldn't find a site with good instructions for making a duct tape wallet until I came to yours! The directions are easy to follow and the pictures are clear. Thank you very much!
MYPINKRAINBOW says
GREAT PROJECT
Michelle says
So clever and from someone so young too! She should make a video for YouTube.
Kristi Flanagan says
Too funny! My son was just asking me how to make one of these! Then you come along! Thank you for planting your creative seeds at Plant a Punkin Seed Party!
Come plant again on Friday!
Kristi
Punkin Seed Productions
Jessica Hills says
This is WAY COOL! Thanks so much for sharing it with us on Favorite Things Friday! I just posted a giveaway on my blog so be sure to stop by before next Friday to be entered!
Bob the hobo :3 says
Ok i love this!!!!! do u know how to make more duck tape stuff?????!?!?!?!!?!?
Allison @ House of Hepworths says
Awesome! My son is going to love this tutorial!!! I'm going to show him and put him to work on his own wallet.
Thanks for Hookin' your project up at my weekly Link party!!!
Maria says
thanks for the detailed instructions, this is such a great idea.
Amanda says
Thanks for all of your great comments everyone!!
Lori says
O.K. I've seen it all now!!!!LOL I'm from the south and we do everything with duct (duck) tape. This is too cool….
Thanks for joining Get your Craft on Thursday. Please join me again for another great party.
kaitlynn stevens says
i love ur websites
Alison says
I'm beginning to think you can make ANYTHING with duct tape. Seriously!! I love it.
Alison
http://oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/
Jenn @ Delicious Ambiguity says
Thanks for inspiring me this week on my Tot Tuesdays link up party! I used to do this when I was younger. I hope you’ll stop by again this week.
I’m hosting Yummy Mummy Week May 9th-16th and I’ve got a great group of ladies sharing their tips on fitness, fashion, parenting and relationships as well as a giveaway everyday. And I’d love for you to share a story and some photos of how your life and body have changed since becoming a mom. The Link up party starts on Mother’s Day and runs the whole week.
Have a great week and Happy (Early) Mother’s Day!
KJ says
Cute idea!! One of the blogs I follow this week had duct tape bows…I guess you REALLY can use duct tape for everything! haha
Laura says
I loved making these!
I'm having a blog party tomorrow and I'd love it if you linked up!
http://www.iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
jennwa says
We may have to make one for my husband for Father's Day.
Fun idea.
Discovering Montessori says
Very Resourceful. I just became a follower.
Fawnda says
Great job! it looks like fun to make and I be the teens love it! :)
Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden says
That's just amazing. I guess duct tape really can do anything!
Thanks for sharing at My Backyard Eden!
creativejewishmom.com says
Thanks so much for sharing this on Craft schooling Sunday, finally a great craft project that even big boys might enjoy!
Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says
Fun! I made duct tape wallets one year for all the guys in the family for Christmas. My dad still uses his (about 7 years later!)
Room to Inspire says
This is a very creative project! And just think of all the different colors there are now in duct tape. Thanks for linking up to Be Inspired today!
Chelsea
Kitty Talk says
Do you believe I actually have NO duck tape in my house!!! Or I would make one tonight after my kids went to bed. haha
[email protected] says
That would make such a cute project for kids for their dads for Father's Day! Thanks for linking up!!
Liz @ LivingMySweetLife says
this is so cute! My almost 3 yo loves playing with wallets and I have been wanting to try and make one!
The Exchange says
LOL! I love it! We may have to make one this weekend! Thanks so much, so fun!
Stephanie Lynn says
Super cool! Thanks for the amazing tutorial! Always fabulous creativity here! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing at the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it! Hope you have a great week! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Amy Bowman says
Duct tape wallets are so cool, my daughter has made a small fortune making and selling them to friends at school. She has begged me to do a post, so you are motivation to do one! She also makes purses and bookbags, even made a cute vest. She is really into it, and we are going broke on duct tape!!
Thanks for linking up to "AP Tuesdays!"
Could you do me a favor and link yours under crafts? It is on the same link page, just scroll down a bit. The post explains why… Thanks!!
Al says
duck tape never looked so good
Jen says
We might just have to make this for my husband. I'm always teasing him telling him how he uses duck tape for everything. I actually made a no sew bag held together by staples and duck tape. You'd never know it!
Deeba PAB says
Creative and fun!!
Megan says
I love all the colors that the tape comes in. A perfect project!
alex says
how do u make the tri-fold wallet.In the sentence above in the 3rd paragraph.
Amanda Formaro says
I’m afraid I don’t have a tutorial up for that one yet!
Lilith says
Amanda I wonder if it would be possible using printing paper or a box which one do you think?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Lilith, I am not sure I understand your question?
briana says
it is very easy. just fold it again after your first fold.
Sue Sparks says
This would be good for my husband…He's the duct tape King!
Rena says
How fun! I'd love to see your other crafts for duct tape!
Maria says
How fun! Love this idea!
Lauren says
I know!!!!! I made one for myself and I love it!!! Amanda is so creative!!!!!!!1
Kim @ seven thirty three says
This is so funny! I'll have to make one for my uncle… he is the duct tape king!
Make sure you stop by on Thursday and link up with What are little boys made of?
Kim
Dianna says
I have seen duct tape crafts before, I believe it was someone on David Letterman show. The wallet is a cool idea for kids, mine will love it.