Make a Duct Tape Mini Skirt

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The endless possibilities of transforming duct tape into other objects has also found a niche in creating clothes. The funky, space-clothing texture of duct tape lends itself well to creating clothing that is ideal for fashionably unique outfits, ideal for events like parties and dances. A duct tape mini skirt is fairly straightforward to make, as outlined here.

Steps

  1. Take your measurements. Measure your hips at the widest point, then measure the length from your waist down to where you want the skirt to reach. Add 2 inches (5 cm) to both measurements so that you have room for trimming and alterations.
  2. Make duct tape "fabric" for the front panel. Divide your hip measurement in half, and then cut a strip duct tape a little longer than that measurement. Lay it flat on the floor (or any other large flat surface), sticky-side up, and cut another strip. Lay that second strip sticky-side up so that the long edge overlaps the long edge of the first piece, just a little. Then, add more strips in the same fashion until the panel is a little bit longer than your skirt length. Cut another strip of duct tape the same length. This time, instead of laying it overlapping one of the other strips, lay it sticky-side down so that it matches the top edge. Put one end of the new piece of tape down and slowly smooth the rest out across the skirt. Don't worry if the ends don't meet up on either side. Just continue this until you've covered the entire sheet.
  3. Make duct tape fabric for the the back panel. This one should be at least several inches wider so it can wrap around the back. The more ample your backside, the wider the fabric should be.
  4. Trim the sides. Cut off any extra sticky parts or overlapping pieces on the sides. Try to keep the line as straight as possible.
  5. Attach the two panels. At one end, tape the short sides together firmly, making sure they won't come apart.
  6. Make an opening. Near to where you attached the two panels, make a long cut about 6 inches that allows you to slip out of the skirt easily. Using a heavy tapestry needle and thread, sew at least one button on one side of the opening. Make button loops out of duct tape (see the photo for reference), and secure them to the other side of the opening with another layer of tape. This will be the closure for your skirt.
  7. Finish up the edges. Fold another layer of duct tape around the edges of the skirt so that any rough edges will be smoothed over. It's now ready to wear.
  8. Close up the skirt. Wrap the skirt around your hips and overlap in the front. The opening should appear to the opposite side of the front as well. Seal the skirt shut with more duct tape. Adjust as necessary.
  9. Finished.

Video

Tips

  • Duct tape comes in all types of colors and patterns. Don't limit yourself to only using grey.
  • If you put butter on the scissors before cutting tape, it's a lot easier.
  • Don't be discouraged if your first attempt is a failure. Duct tape is a hard material to work with. Start with a smaller project, like a bracelet, then graduate to the mini skirt.
  • Take your time. Careful and deliberate work will result in fewer air bubbles between strips of tape.
  • Tie up loose hair, tidy up your work area, and thoroughly moisturize your hands before beginning. Minimize the irritation of the tape's stickiness by limiting the availability of stick-able objects.
  • Try using fun patterns like leopard and floral prints.
  • Duct tape can be very irritating to the skin so it is a good idea to wear shorts, tights, leggings or jeans under the skirt. (As tacky as it sounds, a duct tape skirt looks great over light jeans.)
  • You should use black it goes with everything.

Warnings

  • Duct tape isn't very breathable, so it's a bad idea to wear it on a very hot day because you'll sweat a lot.
  • If, at any point during this project, the duct tape gets stuck to your skin (especially a part with hair on it) it will come off very painfully. Try to avoid touching it with anything but your hands.

Things You'll Need

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