Advice For Making Clothes From Duct Tape

Duct tape can be made like any other clothes, but more easily as you don't need to sew anything. You make the fabric first, then cut it into the shape you need (use old clothes as a pattern if you don't have any other ideas), then tape it back together (instead of sewing). The picture shows the sequence for making the fabric (using green masking tape but it's the same for duct tape). Lay one long strip down face up (tape the ends down if you have to so it doesn't curl) on something smooth (hardwood, table, countertop). Then tape a strip halfway covering the face up strip. Do the same for the other half. Then flip it over and keep going, each time extending and then flipping until you have a large piece of fabric to cut your pattern out of. Usually it's best to start a little larger as duct tape fabric isn't as bendy as other fabrics but you can't go wrong as you can always cut some away, or tape more on.

I did this to make my Wolverine costume (http://rob.emery.net/costumes/wolverine%20c.jpg). It has silver duct tape on the inside layer, but black duct tape on the outside layer for better strength (Gorilla brand is the BEST!).

If you're not keen on designing or using a pattern, you can also just duct tape yourself in old clothing. Wrap around and around until everything is covered (you'll probably need help). Then cut through the tape and clothing along the back somewhere so you can get out. Then you can either strip the clothing out and cover the sticky side with more duct tape, or leave the clothing in. Close the seams you cut open with more duct tape and you're done. It'll be very tight unless you wear a second set of clothing under the first one (but best use old clothing there too in case you cut through it.

I've also made a costume using duct tape over bristol board for a smoother look in my Iron Man costume (http://rob.emery.net/costumes/iron%20man%20c.jpg). It's not for the duct tape purist but it make costume making pretty easy too.

By

WUVIE

How fun! When I was younger, this would have been
right up my alley.

Good to know people still know how to have fun
and be creative.

:-) Karen Marie

P.S. Link below won't work because there is a
period at the end of the link. Just remove the
period and it will work, or follow this link:

http://www.ducktapeclub.com/ducktivities/fashion.asp