How to Make a Strap for a Purse With Duct Tape

Duct tape is available in a number of different colors.

In a pinch, you can make duct tape into just about anything you want. After Duck-brand tape began sponsoring a scholarship competition featuring duct tape dresses, it really entered the public's consciousness just how many uses duct tape can have. Because it's fiber-reinforced, duct tape can be used to temporarily or even permanently replace your purse strap. And, given the range of different colors it comes in, you can, in many cases, even match your purse.

Things You'll Need

• Razor blade
• Color-keyed duct tape

Instructions

1. Unroll a length of duct tape that's the length you want to use for your purse strap, and add approximately three inches.

2. Lay the tape with its sticky side up, and then cut it off the roll with the razor blade. Avoid ripping the tape off the roll; this will cause the end of the tape to fray.

3. Decide how wide you want the strap to be, and how strong it must be in order to support the weight of your purse. The thicker the strap is, the more weight it will support.

4. Hold the ends of the tape with your fingers, and then fold the end closest to you over the middle of the tape by 1/4 inch. Work carefully to avoid allowing the tape to stick to itself before you have it positioned correctly.

5. Fold the side of the tape farthest from you over the piece you just folded so that the edge of the tape is approximately 1/4 inch from the folded edge. This will give you a strap that's approximately 5/8 inch wide. It should feel relatively comfortable both in your hand and over your shoulder, while at the same time providing plenty of strength to support your purse.

6. Wrap each end of the strap over the metal hook on each end of your purse so that 1-1/2 inches of the strap doubles back over itself.

7. Cut two lengths of duct tape to a length of three inches, and then wrap it around the doubled-back strap and the purse strap. This will hold the purse strap in place without allowing it to come loose.

Tips & Warnings

• For added strength, fold a second length of duct tape over the first. This will double the strength of your purse strap.

References

• "Stick It!: 99 DIY Duct Tape Projects"; T.L. Bonaddio; 2009