Best Washi Tapes for Paper Crafters (And Where to Buy Them)

Are you looking for the best washi tapes for arts and crafts? If so, then this blog post is just for you! 

Washi tape has been trending in the last few years, and it's still going strong. We will cover what makes a good washi tape, how to use them, and where to get them from. By reading this blog, we hope that we can help you discover the beauty of washi tape sets or renew your love for these handy little tapes!

Shop for Altenew Washi Tapes

What Is Washi Tape?

Washi tapes are Japanese masking tapes used for journal pages, craft projects, handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and more. Washi is actually the term for Japanese paper that is made out of rice. This gives washi tapes its distinctly smooth and thin features. These cost-efficient tapes can be easily torn and stuck to any surface. It is easily removable and repositionable because it is low tack and does not leave any residue.

The history behind the invention of washi tape is fascinating! In 2006 an email was sent from a group of women in Japan who wanted to visit Kamoi Kakoshi’s warehouse before using any masking tapes they manufacture there. When no reply came back after two weeks, the same group decided to take matters into their own hands by sending another book filled with beautiful pages designed with the company’s masking tapes. This caught the attention of Kamoi Kakoshi, compelling them to give in to the women’s requests and create more colorful and creative washi tape sets. And the rest, as they say, is history!

Enjoy the Ride Washi Tape Set

Read more about the history and manufacturing of washi tape rolls, as well as some fun facts here!

What Do You Do With Washi Tape?

The simple answer here is A LOT. There’s a ton of handmade projects and DIY crafts that you can create using beautiful washi tapes! The best thing about these tiny tapes is they are super easy to use and versatile. Journaling lovers are not the only ones making the most out of these washi tapes anymore. Card makers, scrapbookers, DIY crafters, and even mixed media enthusiasts love how cute washi tape rolls can add color, decoration, and life into their handmade creations. 

Watercolor Nebula Wide Washi Tape

So, what do you do with washi tape? Here are a few ideas to get you started!

1. Use it for quick and easy background for handmade cards and scrapbook layouts.
2. Use it to add color and flair to die-cuts.
3. Use it to highlight elements and decorate your bullet journal page.
4. Use it to jazz up your favorite water bottle or mug.
5. Use it to turn a simple notebook cover into an eye-catching one.
6. Use it to breathe a new life into everyday things like pen holders, trinket dishes, storage boxes, and other containers.
7. Use it to add some pizzazz to your laptop, tablet PC, and phone case.
8. Use it to decorate a part of your wall.
9. Use it to refurbish your old furniture (desk, drawers, closets, chairs, etc.)

Nowadays, unique and beautiful washi tapes aren’t hard to find. If you’re wondering where to buy washi tape, check out your favorite arts and crafts stores or browse our collection here.

5 Highly Recommended Washi Tape Sets for Paper Crafters

As a paper crafter, you are always looking for the best paper crafting supplies to use in your handmade projects. There are so many different types of washi tape rolls out there, and it can be hard to find which ones will work well with your crafts. 

We’ll show you some of the best washi tapes for crafts and where you can buy them online! We’ve chosen 5 types of washi that will help elevate your DIY crafts instantly!

Lapis Lazuli Slim Washi Tape Set

Slim Washi Tapes

The best thing about slim washi tapes is just that - they’re slim! In most handmade projects, you want something slim and thin enough to fit a corner or a tiny spot in your creation. With slim washi tapes, you won’t have difficulty cutting the tape into your desired width or length. Wait, there’s more! Our thin washi tape sets include four different shades from the same color family! Each tape measures 0.25" in width. These tapes are perfect for adding color, creating a frame, or adding a subtle border to any of your DIY projects.

Wide Washi Tapes

Wide washi tape rolls have become increasingly popular these past few years. These vary from two to three inches wide to almost 12 inches wide! The main purpose of wide washi tapes is to cover various surfaces in an instant. These are especially ideal for quick backgrounds on handmade cards and scrapbook pages. You can also use these wider tapes if you want to jazz up your laptop cover, drawers, closet door, or DIY gifts.

Gold Washi Tapes

You can never go wrong with gold! It’s simple, classy, and elegant. Gold can add a bit of shine and shimmer, especially if you’re going too monochromatic. It’s also the best way to add subtle accents here and there. A sentiment or word die-cut in gold is always a winner! You can use gold washi tape as a border, a background, an accent, or a focal point.

Wild Flora Wide Washi Tape

Floral Washi Tapes

If solid colors bore you, go for florals! Flowers, like gold, are classic designs that you want to have in your arsenal. Altenew’s floral washi tapes are bestsellers! The designs range from elegant handpainted flowers to colorful modern designs. The best thing about florals is you can fussy cut them if you only want to use one or two designs.

Rainbow Washi Tapes

Is it hard for you to choose just one washi tape color? Why not go for rainbow washi tapes?! Don’t limit yourself to just one color! Having a rainbow-colored washi tape will help you add a pop of color to any handmade creation - whether it’s a card, scrapbook page, or bullet journal!

Instant Rainbow Washi Tape

If you’re looking for the best washi tapes for your paper crafting projects, look no further! Altenew’s wide washi tapes are high quality and come in a wide range of beautiful designs, colors, patterns, and sizes. These are easy to tear (even without scissors!), repositionable, and don’t leave any residue! Take your handmade creations to the next level with the most beautiful washi tape sets available in the market today!