What Is Washi Tape (and Why Do Crafters Hoard It)?
OK so if you’ve never fallen down the washi tape rabbit hole, let me explain. Washi tape is a decorative masking tape made from Japanese rice paper. It’s semi-transparent, repositionable, tears easily by hand, and comes in literally every pattern and color you can imagine. Florals. Foil. Galaxy prints. Tiny sushi rolls. I’ve seen it all.
My washi collection got out of control fast. What started as a few rolls from a craft store turned into an entire drawer. Then two drawers. Then I needed a whole new storage solution (more on that later). But honestly? No regrets. Washi tape is one of the most versatile things in my craft room, and I reach for it constantly.
The thing that makes washi different from regular tape is that it won’t damage your paper. You can peel it up and reposition it without tearing your project. That alone makes it a must-have in your scrapbook supplies stash. Plus it comes in every width from super skinny (3mm) to wide format (30mm+), so there’s a size for every application.
Washi Tape Ideas for Scrapbooking – Layout Techniques
This is where washi tape really shines. There are so many ways to use it on scrapbook pages, and once you start experimenting you’ll wonder how you ever scrapped without it.
Borders and Frames
The simplest trick? Run a strip of washi along the edge of a photo or journaling card. Instant border. I love using a thin metallic washi for this because it gives that framed look without any bulk. You can also layer two different widths together for a more custom feel.
Photo Matting
Instead of cutting cardstock mats for every photo, try using washi tape strips around the edges. Overlap them at the corners for a casual, handmade vibe. This works especially well when you’re going for a more relaxed layout style. It’s faster than cutting mats and honestly looks just as intentional.
Creating Backgrounds
Here’s one of my favorite techniques. Take a piece of plain cardstock and cover it entirely with strips of coordinating washi tape. Overlap them slightly so no white shows through. You end up with this gorgeous patterned background that’s completely unique. Trim it to size and use it as a base layer or a photo mat. Every single one turns out different.
Accent Strips and Details
Sometimes a layout just needs… something. A little extra visual interest. That’s when I grab washi. A short strip tucked behind a cluster of embellishments. A piece wrapped around a tag. A few torn strips scattered across the page for texture. It fills those awkward empty spots without overwhelming the design.
If you’re looking for more layout inspiration, we’ve got tons of scrapbook ideas to get you started.
Washi Tape in Card Making
I use washi tape on cards constantly. It’s perfect for quick cards because you can create something beautiful in minutes without pulling out a ton of supplies.
A few strips of coordinating washi across the front of a card, a stamped sentiment, done. You can also use it to create geometric patterns, stripes, or even a flag banner across the top. For birthday cards, I love tearing small pieces and layering them to look like confetti. Thank you cards get a strip of floral washi across the bottom and they look like you spent way more time on them than you did.
One of my go-to card techniques is the washi tape sunset. Layer strips of washi from dark at the bottom to light at the top across a card front, slightly overlapping each strip. It takes maybe five minutes and people always ask how I made it. You can do this with any color family – blues for an ocean look, greens for a forest, warm tones for a sunset.
The repositionable factor is huge for card making. If something looks off, just peel it up and try again. No wasted cardstock, no starting over. Check out our card making ideas page for more techniques you can pair with washi.
Washi Tape in Junk Journals and Art Journals
If you think washi tape is useful in scrapbooking, wait until you see what it does in journals. Honestly, washi and junk journals were made for each other.
In junk journals, washi tape serves double duty. It’s decorative AND functional. Use it to attach ephemera, create tabbed dividers, reinforce page edges, or hinge fold-out pages. I wrap it around the spine edges of pages to strengthen them and add color at the same time. It’s one of those supplies that solves problems while looking pretty. If you haven’t started one yet, our how to make a junk journal tutorial walks you through building your first one from scratch. Not sure what a junk journal is? Think handmade books filled with printables, ephemera, and creative pages. Washi tape is one of the most essential junk journal supplies because it does everything – decoration, structure, and repair. Try picking a theme and matching your washi collection to it, or use washi tape to decorate your journal cover for a custom look.
For art journaling, washi becomes a mixed-media element. Layer it under paint, stamp over it, collage with it. Because it’s slightly transparent, you get this cool layered effect when you overlap pieces or paint on top. Some art journalists use washi tape as a resist technique too, applying it before watercolor and then peeling it off to reveal the clean paper underneath. Need a starting point? Our art journal prompts page has tons of ideas you can try with washi tape borders and backgrounds.
Creative Washi Tape Techniques
Once you’re past the “stick strips on things” stage (no shame, we all start there), these techniques are where it gets really fun.
Tearing vs. Cutting
Torn washi has a soft, organic edge that looks amazing on layouts. The rice paper fibers create this wispy effect that you can’t get with scissors. I almost always tear my washi now unless I need a really clean geometric look. Cutting gives precision. Tearing gives character. Both are good, but tearing feels more “me.”
Layering Multiple Tapes
Don’t stick to one roll at a time. Layer a wider tape underneath and a narrower one on top. Mix patterns with solids. Put a translucent washi over a bold print. The semi-transparency is what makes washi tape layering work so well because you can see hints of each layer through the next one.
Using Washi as a Stencil
This one’s tricky but so satisfying. Apply strips of washi to your paper in a pattern, then ink or mist over the whole thing. Peel the washi off and you’ve got a crisp design with color only in the exposed areas. Think stripes, chevrons, or abstract shapes. The low-tack adhesive means the washi peels off cleanly without pulling up your paper.
Washi Tape Flags and Banners
Fold a small piece of washi tape over a piece of twine or thread, then cut a notch in the end. Instant banner. String a bunch of these across a layout or a card and it adds the cutest dimensional detail. You can also fold washi over the edge of a page for quick page tabs.
Wrapping Embellishments
Wrap washi tape around wooden clothespins, paper clips, or popsicle sticks to create custom embellishments that match your project. I keep a stash of washi-wrapped clothespins in my craft room for clipping photos to layouts, holding open junk journal pages, and honestly just because they look cute sitting in a jar on my desk.
Organizing Your Washi Tape Collection
So you’ve got 150 rolls scattered across three different containers and that one bag from the craft fair. No judgment – my collection got embarrassing fast. Here’s how to actually find what you need.
Display Storage
A lot of crafters love those acrylic washi tape dispensers or wall-mounted dowel racks because you can see every roll at a glance. I went with a tiered spice rack from the dollar store and it works perfectly. You can also use a paper towel holder for a quick and easy vertical display.
Drawer Organization
If you prefer your washi hidden away, shallow drawers with dividers work great. Sort by color family, pattern type, or width. I sort mine by color because when I’m scrapping, I’m usually matching a color scheme, not looking for a specific pattern.
Travel Storage
For crop nights or crafting on the go, a small bead organizer or pencil case keeps your favorite rolls contained. I pull my top 15-20 rolls for each project and toss them in a zippered pouch. Way easier than bringing the whole collection.
For more ways to keep your craft space functional, check out our craft room organization ideas.
Where to Find Great Washi Tape
The craft store basics are fine for getting started, but if you want really unique washi? Branch out.
- Subscription kits – Monthly scrapbooking kits like ours at Hip Kit Club include curated washi that coordinates with everything in the kit. It’s how I discover new brands I’d never find on my own.
- Graduation page borders – Use school-color washi tape to frame graduation scrapbook pages. Layer two colors for a varsity stripe effect.
- Etsy and small shops – Independent sellers on Etsy carry handmade and imported washi from Japan with patterns you won’t find at chain stores. Floral washi from Japanese makers is on another level.
- Stationery shops – Places that sell planners and journals usually have amazing washi selections. The skinny rolls (3-5mm) from stationery brands are perfect for fine detail work.
- Dollar stores and discount retailers – Seriously, don’t sleep on dollar store washi. The quality has gotten so much better and you can grab seasonal patterns for almost nothing.
When you’re shopping, look for tape that tears cleanly, sticks well without being permanent, and has good pigment. Cheap washi that’s basically transparent isn’t worth it because the pattern barely shows up on your projects.
Washi Tape Beyond Paper Crafts
Washi isn’t just for scrapbooking and card making. It works on all sorts of surfaces and I’ve used it for way more than I ever expected to.
- Planner decoration – Mark important dates, create color-coded categories, or just make your weekly spread look cuter. Washi peels off cleanly when the week is done.
- Gift wrapping – Skip the store-bought bows. Wrap a few strips of washi around plain kraft paper and it looks intentional and artsy. Add a torn washi flag as a gift tag.
- Home decor – Frame a doorway, create a wall gallery border, or decorate light switch plates. Removable and renter-friendly.
- Labeling – Use washi on storage containers, spice jars, or craft supply bins. Write on it with a fine-tip marker and peel it off when you reorganize.
- Kids’ crafts – Washi is perfect for little hands because there are no scissors needed. Kids can tear it and stick it to make cards, decorate notebooks, or create collages.
- Sealing envelopes – A strip of washi across the back of an envelope seals it shut and makes your mail look adorable. I do this for every birthday card and piece of happy mail I send.
Getting Started with Washi Tape
If you’re new to washi, don’t overthink it. Grab a few rolls that catch your eye, open up a layout or a card, and just start playing. Tear a piece. Stick it down. Layer another one on top. There’s no wrong way to use washi tape, and because it peels off, there’s literally zero risk. I’ve been crafting for years and I still just experiment with it. Some of my favorite techniques were happy accidents.
I’d start with 3-5 rolls in a color palette you love, plus one metallic or foil roll for accents. That’s enough to experiment without overwhelming yourself. And if you’re not sure where to start with scrapbooking in general, our how to scrapbook guide walks you through the basics.
Washi Tape FAQ
Is washi tape permanent?
Nope, and that’s honestly why crafters love it so much. You can peel it up and reposition without damaging paper, photos, or most surfaces. Over time and with pressure it does adhere more firmly, but it’s always gentler than regular tape or glue.
Can you write on washi tape?
Yes! Most washi tapes accept ink from fine-tip markers, ballpoint pens, and stamps. Some glossy or foil washi tapes are harder to write on, so test a small piece first. For journaling on layouts, I stick the washi down and then write right over it. Works great for adding labels and captions.
How is washi tape different from regular masking tape?
Think of it as masking tape’s prettier, more refined cousin. Washi is made from natural fibers (rice paper, bamboo, or hemp), so it’s thinner, more flexible, and slightly translucent. It also comes in decorative patterns and colors, tears more cleanly by hand, and leaves less residue. Regular masking tape is sturdier but not nearly as pretty.
Does washi tape work on photos?
It does, and because it’s acid-free and lignin-free it won’t damage your photos over time. You can apply it directly on top of a photo for a decorative border or use it to mount photos on layouts. If you want to be extra careful, place the washi on the cardstock around the photo rather than directly on the print.