Duct Tape Checkbook Cover

By Noreen Doll.

A duct tape checkbook cover is easy to make, especially if you use your old checkbook cover for a pattern.

Most of the checkbook covers you get (for free) are made of plastic and don’t last very well.

So I decided to make one for myself using duct tape, which is very durable.

Since it isn’t any more difficult to enclose aluminum foil in the duct tape sheets you make for a project, I thought I would add that security feature.

Here’s the Security Credit Card Holder I made with the same feature.

Materials.

Duct Tape

Aluminum Foil

Scissors

Ruler

Pen

Plastic Mat to Work on so Tape Doesn’t Stick Where it Shouldn’t

How to Make a Duct Tape Checkbook Cover with a Security Feature.

I measured my old checkbook cover and found the finished size when it’s open to be 6 3/8 inches wide by 6 3/4 inches high.

This is what I made.

As you add each new piece of duct tape, be sure to rub or burnish it all over so it will adhere well.

1. To make the main part, cut a piece of aluminum foil 7 1/2 inches wide by 12 inches long and lay it on the plastic mat.

2. Cut a strip of duct tape a little less than 7 1/2 inches long and stick it across the top edge of the aluminum foil.

3. Cut a second strip of duct tape the same length and place it on the aluminum foil, slightly overlapping the first strip.

4. Continue overlapping strips of duct tape until you have 4 strips.

Measure to be sure the finished piece is at least 6 3/4 inches high. If not, add another strip of duct tape.

5. Turn it over and put duct tape on the reverse side the way you did on the first side.

6. Cut this main piece to 6 3/8 inches wide by 6 3/4 inches high.

Make the Pockets.

Use the same color or a contrasting or coordinating color for the pockets.

1. Cut a strip of duct tape about 7 inches long and lay it sticky side up.

2. Cut a 2nd strip of duct tape 7 inches long and lay it sticky side down on the first piece, covering about the bottom half of the strip.

3. Fold the sticky side of the first strip down over the top of the second strip to make an even edge.

4. Turn the pocket over.

Cut a 3rd strip of duct tape 7 inches long and lay it over the bottom half (the sticky part) overlapping by about 1/4 inch.

5. Turn the pocket over,

and fold the sticky edge up over the pocket.

You should have folded edges on both the top and bottom edges of the pocket, and it should be about 2 3/4 inches high.

6. Cut the pocket to 6 3/8 inches wide. It should be the same width as the main piece.

7. Make a second pocket just like the first one.

How to Finish the Pockets for the Checkbook Cover.

Make the Bottom Pocket.

1. Draw the flap for the bottom pocket leaving 3/8 inch edge on the sides and top.

2.  Cut the flap out, stopping at the “Cut to Here” marks on both sides.

3. Attach the bottom of the pocket to the bottom of the checkbook cover.

Cut a 7 inch long strip of duct tape and tear it in half lengthwise.

4. Use 1 strip across the bottom of the back of the cover.

Turn it over and fold the tape up over the bottom of the pocket.

5. Cut the other strip in half making 2 pieces 3 1/2 inches long, and use the 2 pieces to attach the sides of the pocket to the checkbook cover – being careful not to tape the flap sides.

6. Finish cutting the flap almost to the bottom of the cover on both sides.

Leave the top part of the pocket open.

Make the top pocket.

1. Draw the tab on the top pocket.

2. Fold the pocket exactly in half and cut about 1/2 inch on the bottom of the tab.

3. Open the pocket and finish cutting around the tab. Be sure to stop 3/8 inch from the top on each side of the tab, as you don’t want to cut it off.

4. To attach the pocket, cut a strip of duct tape 7 inches long, and then tear it in half lengthwise – so it is 1 inch wide by 7 inches long.

Lay one of the strips along the top of the pocket, putting the long edge next to the top edges of the cut on the tab.

Lay the pocket on the cover, and fold the rest of the duct tape strip to the other side of the cover – attaching the pocket to the cover across the top.

Trim off excess tape on the side edges.

5. Cut the other 1 inch x 7 inch strip of duct tape in half to make 2 pieces that are 3 1/2 inches long.

Use these strips to attach the sides of the pocket to the checkbook cover.

Leave the bottom part of the pocket open.

Insert the back of your checkbook in the bottom pocket, using the flap under the top check to prevent writing going through to the second check.

Insert the cover of your checkbook register into the top pocket and use the tab to hold your place among the pages.