How to Make Duct Tape Woven Bracelets

Duct tape is an excellent material to use for making bracelets. It is flexible, durable and waterproof. Instead of just the typical monochrome duct tape bracelets, why not make a pretty woven one? All you need is four different colors of duct tape and about 15 minutes of your time. Recruiting a friend to help you will also make the project considerably easier. Most can be bribed with the promise of a bracelet of their own.

Things You'll Need

• Four rolls of duct tape Scissors Ruler or tape measure

Instructions

1. Pull out 10 inches of duct tape from each of the three rolls and cut them straight across with the scissors. Carefully fold each piece of tape in half lengthwise so the two sticky sides meet exactly and you are left with only the smooth tape exposed. You now have your three duct tape "ribbons."

2. Lay the three ribbons on a hard, flat surface horizontally, with an eighth of an inch gap between each ribbon, making sure the ends are parallel to one another. Then cut a fourth piece of duct tape that is 2 inches by 2 inches. Lay this piece vertically over the lefthand ends off all of the ribbons, sticky side down. Fold the tape over so that it keeps all three ribbons securely attached to it. Then ask a friend to hold this end of the bracelet "frame" so that you can begin weaving.

3. Make one more duct tape ribbon using whichever color you'd like. Cut this one to be a little longer. A good size would be 15 inches. Starting at the end your friend is holding, begin weaving this ribbon over and then under each of the other three ribbons, moving from left to right. When you get to the end of your first stitch, push the ribbon you're weaving with back towards your friend to make it tight. Then proceed with the second stitch, moving the ribbon from right to left this time. (If you went "over" to finish a stitch, go "under" to start the next one.)

4. Repeat the weaving pattern in step 3 until you reach the desired length for your bracelet. Finish by taping the two ends together with a second piece of 2-by-2 inch duct tape.

Tips & Warnings

• You may think this project will be difficult to do, but duct tape is surprisingly flexible. If your bracelet ends up too long, simply trim the ends and then wrap a new 2-inch piece of duct tape around them. If it is too short, create new ribbons and tape them to the old ones. Once you start weaving, the seams should not show. Once you've finished your first bracelet, it will be easier for you to eyeball the measurements so that you don't end up wasting tape. You can also make a woven duct tape necklace using exactly the same instructions. Consider making a matching set or mixing it up for some color variety. Make thinner ribbons by folding the tape in half a second time.

Resources

• More duct tape crafts