Hands up if your Washi Tape stash started with one or two rolls and somehow multiplied when you weren’t looking, just like the laundry. Mine too. If your Washi Tape collection has a life of its own, this is for you.
I’ve been on a mission to actually use up my collection rather than just admire it and along the way I’ve discovered so many more ways to use Washi Tape than I ever expected. Whether you’re a scrapbooker, card maker or you create junk journals, there’s something in this list for you.
I’ve also filmed a full video walking through every single one of these ideas. If you’re a visual learner, make sure you watch that too, it’s right here.
A Quick Note About My Stash
I store my Washi Tape by manufacturer and collection in a three-drawer unit though I’m genuinely considering switching to storing by colour so I reach for them more. I also recently found a little washi tape cutter that gives me a perfectly clean straight cut every time, and I’m obsessed with it. I’ll link both of those below.
My Current Favourite Washi Tape Tools & Storage
🌸 FREE Download PDF – Washi Tape BINGO! The fun-est (and BEST) way to use up your stash.
📦 This Three Drawer Storage Unit is the best WashTape Storage ever!
✂️ Use this Washi Tape Cutter for clean straight cuts every time.
For Your Scrapbook Layouts
1. Create a frame for your page This is one of the best ways to use up a lot of washi tape in one go. Run a wider tape down all four edges of your 12×12 cardstock, overlapping and wrapping it around the edge for a really polished finish. Trim the excess, then add a second sheet of cardstock on top trimmed down slightly. Add a stitched edge detail and you’ve got a beautiful custom frame.
2. Create a photo mat Similar idea; find a scrap piece of cardstock to use as your photo mat and apply Washi Tape around all four sides. Combining this with the frame idea on the same layout is my favourite trick. It uses up almost an entire roll and makes the whole layout feel really cohesive.
3. Fill in your layout background with stripes This is a great one for using up a lot of washi at once. Lay down a stripe on the far left edge of your page and another on the far right, then add another strip about three and a half inches in from one side. Fill the gaps with strips of patterned paper. Use a T-square ruler to keep everything straight, this technique is super flexible and you can adjust the widths to suit whatever Washi you have on hand.
4. Add extra detail to paper layers Building a cluster on your layout? Add a thin strip of washi tape down the edge of a plain white card piece to create a little anchoring detail. You can run it vertically or horizontally. Mix and match across all your paper layers for a really put-together look.
5. Make your own patterned paper Choose three or four coordinating washi designs in different widths and layer them across a piece of cardstock. You don’t need to cover the whole sheet leaving some of the cardstock showing through actually adds to the look. For best results, vary the widths of the tapes you use.
6. Neatly join two papers together Have you ever had patterned paper that was just a little too small for your project? Washi tape is perfect for joining two pieces together. It covers the seam beautifully and adds extra detail and dimension without adding any bulk. I use this one all the time.
DIY Embellishments
7. Use Washi Tape with your paper punches This is one of my absolute favourites. Apply washi tape to a scrap of cardstock and punch it out just like you normally would. Tab punches, circle punches, any shape punch, they all work. This is best with wider tape but standard width works too, you just need to line it up neatly.
8. Fussy cut the icons If you have Washi tape with cute little icons or illustrations printed on it (butterflies, florals, anything like that) try fussy cutting them out and using them as embellishments. The wider the tape and the larger the icons, the easier it is. Keep an eye out for these styles of tape because they give you very inexpensive embellishments.
9. Add Washi to wooden embellishments Run a strip of washi tape down the front of a wooden embellishment, press it on firmly, then fussy cut the edges to fit the shape. This works best on simple shapes. A layer of glossy accents over the top takes it to the next level.
10. Customise a paper clip Thread a thin washi tape through one end of a standard paper clip, fold it back onto itself, then cut a cute little banner shape in the end. Such a simple idea and such a cute result.
11. Customise a bulldog clip Run a strip of washi across the top of a bulldog clip. A little tip here: use light-coloured washi on silver clips and save your darker designs for the black ones. Make a batch of these in advance so they’re ready to go.
12. Make die-cut embellishments Layer strips of washi tape onto a cutting mat to create an area large enough to die cut. Take care to line up the design so it looks seamless when the die is cut. Layer two different sized floral dies on top of each other for a finished embellishment. The Washi patterning makes it look really special. Bonus tip: if your paper is stuck in the die, just drop it gently on your desk. It usually falls right out.
13. Make a string banner All you need is some thin string and your washi tape. Start in the centre of the string with a small strip of tape folded over onto itself, then work your way out with evenly spaced pieces. A really sweet finishing touch for any project.
14. Make paper flag banners Cut some paper strips and punch a little flag shape in the ends, then add a small strip of washi as a decorative detail. Super cute and a great way to use up small pieces.
15. DIY photo corners Cut your photo mat to size, then place a piece of washi diagonally across each corner. Start with the very edge of the tape sitting exactly in the corner of the mat, that alignment is what makes these look really polished.
Cards & Mixed Media
16. Create a card background Cut a piece of white cardstock to fit your card base and layer strips of washi tape across it, taking care with the placement so it looks like patterned paper. This works especially well with geometric prints. Trim the excess, then die cut into it. You’ll often get two cards worth of background out of one piece.
17. Create a textured background Apply washi tape to strips of cardstock, then cut those strips into smaller pieces and layer them onto your project, overlapping slightly. Ruffle up the edges a little to add extra texture. Really fun effect.
18. Mask off your mixed media Lay washi tape down as a mask when working with inks or paints and you’ll get a super crisp clean edge. Works beautifully with distress inks and an ink dauber. The tape is repositionable too, so you can move it around your page as you work.
19. Hold down masks and stencils Use pieces of washi to keep your masks and stencils in place while you work. Because it’s repositionable, you can easily adjust and move them without damaging your project.
20. Colour with alcohol markers or inks Did you know you can colour over washi tape with Copic markers or alcohol inks? This works best on tape that has a pale or white background. It’s a brilliant way to customise your stash to match a specific project.
Clever and Practical Uses
21. Create a paper pocket Start with a journaling card and a strip of cardstock folded in half to the width of the card. Use Washi Tape to seal the two open sides, the first strip is visible as a decorative detail, the second is tucked underneath so it’s hidden. Cut a small notch in the top before you seal it up (do this first and learn from my mistake!) so you can slide tags in and out easily.
22. Create a handle for flip-up elements If you have a layout with a flip-up section, add two matching pieces of washi tape to the edge of the flap to create a little handle. Practical and pretty.
23. Create an interactive flap Washi tape makes a great flexible hinge. Use it to create a little flap that covers hidden journaling on your project. The tape is strong enough to hold up to repeated use.
24. Use thin washi as journalling lines Not sure what to do with your super thin washi tape? Use a T-square ruler to lay it across a journaling block as lines to write on. Simple and really effective.
25. Add detail to tags and gift tags Find a coordinating washi tape and apply it to any tag, wrap it all the way around or trim the edges with scissors for a neater look. Perfect for Christmas gift tags and really elevates a plain tag quickly.
26. Secure your machine stitching Washi tape is excellent for securing any machine stitching on your paper crafts. A brilliant little trick if you do a lot of stitched layouts.
27. Hold dies in place before cutting Use washi tape to hold smaller dies in place on your die cutting machine before you run them through. This can save you from having to invest in a magnetic plate — especially useful for those fiddly little dies.
Storage & Organisation
28. Rescue washi tape that’s losing its stick If you notice your washi tape isn’t sticking as well as it used to, press it onto strips of cardstock and store it that way. It saves the tape, and you can share strips with crafty friends or use them for the textured background idea above.
29. Label your storage Washi tape is fantastic for labeling plastic boxes and bins. My favourite part? If you change your mind about how you’re organising things, it peels off and repositions without any fuss.
Best Places to Buy Washi Tape
Here are my favourite places to stock up:
🛒 #1 Stunning designs you won’t find on Amazon at prices you’ll love here. (Super budget friendly option)
🛒 #2 A huge range here, many with co-ordinating papers and embellishments ideal for Scrapbooking and Card Making. (The biggest selection is here)
🛒 #3 Some of the prettiest designs available here. If you want something different THIS is the shop to visit.
Yes, these are affiliate links, but there is no pressure to shop… sometimes it’s nice to just check out pretty things! If you do take action, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting what I do! 🩷
My Current Favourite Washi Tape Tools & Storage
- 📦 This Three Drawer Storage Unit is the best WashTape Storage ever!
- ✂️ Use this Washi Tape Cutter for clean straight cuts every time.
- 🌸 FREE Download PDF – Washi Tape BINGO! The fun-est way to use up your stash.
Ready to Start Using Up Your Stash?
You now have 30 reasons to pull out your washi tape collection and get creative. Start with whichever idea speaks to you and if you want to see all of these in action, make sure you watch the video above.
Which idea is your favourite? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear!
