How to Create Duct Tape Fashions

Humble duct tape inspires creativity.

Duct tape is available in at least 20 basic colors and patterns including aqua, black, camouflage, neon fluorescent green, pink, red, tie-dye, paisley, polka dot, standard silver and yellow. From this wonder material crafty people make wallets, bouquets of roses, hammocks and, of course, clothing. Some of the fashion statements created with duct tape include wedding dresses and tuxedos, corsets, skirts and even shoes. If you are intrigued with the possibilities, set aside an hour or two for your own duct-tape fashion project.

Things You'll Need

• Duct tape (colors of your choice)
• Lightweight liner fabric
• Clothing pattern
• Heavy-duty scissors or utility knife
• Velcro or zipper
• Permanent marker(s)
• Glue
• Heavy gauge needle (optional)
• Fishing line (optional)

Instructions

Creating "Fabric" and Choosing Pattern

1. Lay out parallel strips of tape with the sticky side up, each overlapping the previous strip by at least 1/4 inch.

2. Cover the sticky side of your "fabric" with the thin cloth fabric of your choice. Choose one that will absorb sweat to make the wearer more comfortable long term.

3. Select a pattern from a sewing shop for the clothing item you would like to make. Choose something with clean, simple lines for your first project.

Pattern and Construction

1. Choose the orientation (vertical or horizontal) of the tape-fabric for your item and keep it consistent as you construct your fashions.

2. 

   Make this dress your own way with duct tape.

   Cut tape-fabric into pieces according to the pattern, as the enclosed instructions indicate. Some patterns will require you to temporarily fold your material while cutting it to the size of the pattern.

3. Join the seams by peeling off a bit of the inner cloth fabric from the sticky side of the tape-fabric pieces. Peel off up to 1/2 inch from the edges you will be joining. Stick the peeled edge to the adjoining section of tape-fabric.

4. Cover the joined/overlapped area with a strip of tape and fold excess tape over the side. Overlap/join the rest of the tape-fabric pieces, according to the directions and diagrams in your pattern. Shore up key structural sections such as the waist of a dress or skirt with more layers of tape for better durability and shape.

Gathers and Hems

1. Bunch the duct tape "fabric" as needed if your pattern includes any gathers.

2. Wrap each bunched end with another piece of tape to hold the gathers/pleats in place.

3. Remove a one-inch piece of lining fabric from the inner bottom edge of your garment. Fold over the bottom of your garment toward the inside to hem. Repeat this process with any other raw edges.

Closure and Embellishments

1. Use stick-on Velcro closures. If you prefer, lay a zipper in place and tape the cloth part on each side of the zipper to your garment's opening.

2. Add surface designs such as stripes and decorative seams using contrasting duct tape colors for more complex or sophisticated designs. If you prefer, use a permanent marker to draw designs and patterns onto your new duct tape outfit.

3. Glue (or sew on with fishing line) buttons or other small decorative items to complete your design. These will survive best on areas of the outfit that remain flat and don't see a lot of stress.

Tips & Warnings

• Use this shortcut option if time is of the essence. Put on an old t-shirt or stylish, but expendable, thrift shop piece of clothing. Cover with overlapping rows of duct tape. Leave the foundation material underneath for structure and sweat absorption or cut/pull off the layer of tape and line inside with cloth fabric as mentioned in Step 2 of the Creating "Fabric" and Choosing Pattern Section.

• Choose the vertical direction for your tape-fabric for the most slimming effect. Mix horizontal and vertical tape-fabric sections as a design element to add interest to the basic pattern.

• Assemble your tape-fabric from alternating colors of tape prior to cutting your pattern.

• Designs to add to your finished creation include polka dots, hearts, diamond shapes, moons or spirals cut from contrasting colored tape. Make a stencil out of cardboard, trace around the shape and cut from extra pieces of duct tape.

• Make a "spaghetti" strap for a dress or tank top by twisting one long strip of tape around itself, line with your lining fabric if you prefer.

• Tape residue may be left behind on your scissors, knife or table as you cut and stick your project together. To remove any tape residue from hard (non-porous and non-absorbent) surfaces, use an adhesive remover, heavy-duty penetrating cleaner or rubbing alcohol.

• First test any remover on a tiny area before using on a larger scale.

• Remove tape from hands by first saturating with baby oil or rubbing alcohol.

• Cutting with a knife or scissors and using adhesive remover requires your full attention and care. Use caution and don't allow young children to do this project without significant help and supervision.

Resources

• The Duct Tape Guys: Duct Tape Art Gallery
• Octane Creative: Duct Tape Fashion Accessories: Duct Tape Shoes