Washi Tape Ideas: 25 Creative Ways to Use Washi Tape
What Is Washi Tape?
Washi tape is a decorative adhesive tape made from traditional Japanese rice paper (washi means "Japanese paper"). Unlike regular masking tape or clear tape, washi tape is semi-transparent, repositionable, and comes in thousands of colors, patterns, and widths. It tears cleanly by hand, won't damage paper or photos, and peels off without leaving sticky residue.
Originally used in Japanese paper crafts and journaling, washi tape has become one of the most popular crafting supplies worldwide — and for good reason. It's inexpensive, endlessly versatile, and requires zero special tools or skills. Whether you're decorating a scrapbook layout, wrapping a gift, or organizing your planner, washi tape adds color and personality in seconds.
Washi Tape in Scrapbooking
Scrapbookers love washi tape because it adds pattern and color without the bulk of patterned paper layers. Here are the best ways to use it on your layouts:
1. Photo Borders and Frames
Apply strips of washi tape along one or more edges of a photo to create an instant decorative border. Use a single tape for a clean look or layer two complementary tapes for a more textured frame. This is especially effective with photos that don't have strong natural borders.
2. Page Borders and Dividers
Run a strip of washi tape across the top, bottom, or middle of your layout to create visual sections. Diagonal strips add energy, while horizontal strips create calm, orderly layouts. Try tearing the tape instead of cutting it for a softer, organic edge.
3. Title Accents
Place washi tape behind letter stickers or Thickers to create a banner or highlight strip for your layout title. The tape acts as a unifying background that ties individual letters together into a cohesive title block.
4. Embellishment Anchors
Use short strips of washi tape to "anchor" die cuts, ephemera, or photos to the page. This mimics the look of masking tape holding elements down, adding a casual, layered aesthetic to your embellishment clusters.
5. Background Patterns
Cover an entire cardstock panel with parallel strips of washi tape (butted edge-to-edge or with small gaps) to create a custom patterned paper. Mix tapes from the same color family for a coordinated striped background that's completely unique to your layout.
Washi Tape in Card Making
Washi tape is a card maker's secret weapon for fast, beautiful results — especially when you're short on time or supplies.
6. Stripe Cards
Apply 4-6 horizontal strips of coordinating washi tape across a card panel. Trim the edges flush. Mount on a card base. Done — a beautiful handmade card in under 5 minutes with zero stamping, die cutting, or inking required.
7. Flag and Banner Cards
Fold short pieces of washi tape over a strand of twine or thread, then trim the ends into V-shapes to create tiny pennant flags. Adhere the twine strand across a card front for an instant celebration banner. Perfect for birthday and congratulations cards.
8. Candle Birthday Cards
Cut washi tape strips into short vertical pieces (about 1-2 inches) and arrange them side by side on a card to represent birthday candles. Add small yellow or orange paper flames above each one. Simple, charming, and works with any tape pattern.
9. Washi Tape Flowers
Tear or cut small pieces of washi tape and arrange them in petal formations around a center dot (use an enamel dot or punched circle). Layer different tapes for multi-colored blooms. These work as card focal points or as accents on scrapbook layouts.
10. Edge Wrapping
Wrap washi tape around the edge of a card panel so it shows on both front and back. This creates a polished, finished edge that looks intentional and frames your design. Works especially well on layered cards with multiple panels.
Washi Tape in Planners and Journals
The planner community helped launch the washi tape craze, and these ideas remain some of the most practical uses:
11. Tab Markers
Fold a piece of washi tape over the edge of a planner or journal page to create a repositionable tab. Use different colors for different categories (work, personal, health) for instant visual organization.
12. Weekly Spreads
Use washi tape strips to divide planner pages into daily sections, highlight important dates, or mark headers. The tape is repositionable, so you can adjust your layout as your week evolves.
13. Habit Trackers
Create a habit tracker grid by using thin washi tape for the grid lines and wider decorative tape as the header. Fill in completed days with coordinating tape strips or stickers.
14. Journal Prompts
Tape a strip of washi tape at the top of a journal page and write your prompt or date directly on it. The tape creates a built-in header that visually separates entries.
Washi Tape for Gift Wrapping
15. Custom Gift Wrap Accents
Dress up plain brown kraft paper or solid-color wrapping paper with washi tape stripes, crosshatch patterns, or borders. A few strips of washi tape transform basic paper into custom-looking gift wrap.
16. Gift Tag Decoration
Apply washi tape to blank gift tags before writing names. Wrap it around the edges, create a diagonal stripe, or layer strips at the top. Pair with a stamped sentiment for professional-looking tags.
17. Envelope Seals
Seal envelopes and gift card holders with a strip of washi tape instead of plain adhesive. It adds a decorative touch and signals that the contents were wrapped with care.
Washi Tape for Home and Organization
18. Label Storage Containers
Apply a strip of washi tape to storage bins, jars, or folders and write on it with a permanent marker. When the contents change, peel off the tape and apply a new label. This works perfectly for craft supply organization — label your scrapbook supply bins without permanent commitment.
19. Decorate Plain Items
Cover the handles of scissors, wrap around pencils and pens, decorate binder spines, or accent phone cases. Washi tape personalizes everyday items without permanent modification.
20. Wall Art and Gallery Frames
Use washi tape directly on walls to create frames around photos, posters, or kids' artwork. Because it's repositionable and residue-free, it won't damage painted walls or rental apartments. Create geometric patterns, faux frames, or gallery wall layouts that can be changed seasonally.
Creative and Seasonal Ideas
21. Advent Calendar Doors
Seal 25 small envelopes, pockets, or boxes with numbered washi tape strips. Each day of December, a family member peels open a tape seal to reveal the treat or activity inside.
22. Easter Egg Decorating
Wrap strips of washi tape around hard-boiled or hollow eggs for a quick, no-mess decorating technique. Kids can do this without dyes, paint, or supervision. The eggs look beautiful and the tape peels right off.
23. Party Decorations
Create bunting, decorate cups and straws, accent tablecloths, and wrap utensils with coordinating washi tape for instant themed party decor. Choose tapes that match your party colors.
24. Bookmarks
Fold a piece of washi tape over the top of a paper clip or popsicle stick to create a quick, decorative bookmark. These make great small gifts and party favors.
25. Photo Display Strips
Tape photos directly to a wall, mirror, or bulletin board using washi tape corners or strips. Create a rotating photo gallery that's easy to update — just peel off old photos and tape up new ones. This is a great way to display Instagram prints, Polaroids, or wallet-sized snapshots.
Tips for Working with Washi Tape
- Tear, don't always cut — Torn edges create a softer, more organic look. Cut edges look cleaner and more precise. Use both techniques intentionally based on your project style.
- Layer translucent tapes — Because washi tape is semi-transparent, layering two tapes creates a new color/pattern combination. Experiment with overlapping different designs.
- Use a tape dispenser — If you use washi tape frequently, a dedicated tape dispenser keeps rolls organized and makes one-handed tearing easy. Magnetic dispensers hold multiple rolls in a tidy row.
- Store rolls upright — Store washi tape rolls standing upright (like a stack of coins on their side) so you can see the edge pattern and quickly find the tape you need. Clear acrylic organizers work well.
- Test on a scrap first — While washi tape is generally repositionable, some tapes adhere more strongly than others. Test on a scrap of your actual paper before committing to your finished project.
- Combine widths — Mix narrow (5mm-8mm) and wide (15mm-30mm) tapes on the same project. Narrow tapes work as accent lines while wide tapes create bold backgrounds and borders.
Washi Tape FAQ
Is washi tape permanent?
Washi tape is designed to be repositionable and removable. On most surfaces (paper, walls, glass, plastic), it peels off cleanly without residue. However, on porous or delicate surfaces like watercolor paper or aged paper, it may pull fibers when removed. For permanent projects like scrapbook layouts, press the tape down firmly and burnish it to ensure lasting adhesion.
How is washi tape different from regular masking tape?
Both are made from paper, but washi tape uses thinner Japanese rice paper, comes in decorative patterns, and has a gentler adhesive. Regular masking tape is thicker, typically beige or blue, and designed for painting and utility tasks. Washi tape is a crafting supply; masking tape is a hardware supply.
Can I write on washi tape?
Yes — most washi tape accepts writing from permanent markers, gel pens, and fine-tip pens. Ballpoint pens and pencils work less reliably because the smooth surface can resist their ink or graphite. For best results, use a Sharpie fine point or a gel pen and let the ink dry for a few seconds before touching.
How many rolls of washi tape do I need?
Start with 5-10 rolls in coordinating colors and patterns. That gives you enough variety for most projects without overwhelming your storage. As you discover which widths and styles you use most, you'll naturally grow your collection. Monthly kits from Hip Kit Club often include coordinated embellishments that pair perfectly with washi tape accents.
Where can I buy washi tape?
Washi tape is widely available at craft stores, online retailers, and specialty Japanese stationery shops. For scrapbookers, look for tapes that coordinate with your paper and embellishment kits — matching your tape to your existing supplies creates more cohesive projects.
Related Articles:
Find coordinated embellishments including washi tape accents in our monthly kits. Subscribe to Hip Kit Club and get curated scrapbooking supplies delivered monthly, starting at $12.95/mo. See all kit options →
Explore our guides: Beginner's Guide · Layout Ideas · Supplies Guide