A strip of decorative tape can turn a plain card, notebook page or gift tag into something much more personal. If you have spotted washi tape but are not quite sure what to do with it, this guide is a good place to start.

We will explain what washi tape is, how different finishes compare and how to use it for card making, scrapbooking, journalling and gift wrapping. You can explore the designs in our washi tape collection as you go.

What is washi tape used for?

Washi tape is used to decorate handmade cards, journals, planners, scrapbook pages, gift wrapping and gift tags. Its self-adhesive backing makes it easy to add borders, patterns and accents without separate glue. Choose printed designs for a theme, foil for metallic details, glitter for sparkle or holographic tape for a colour-changing effect.

What is washi tape?

Washi tape is a decorative, self-adhesive craft tape commonly used on paper projects. Our washi tapes are described as low-tack and repositionable, which makes them useful when you want to adjust the placement of a border or decorative strip.

Instead of adding glue to a separate embellishment, you can apply the tape directly to your project. Depending on the design, it can add colour, pattern, a metallic finish or glitter.

Tape performance depends on both the product and the surface. Always test a small piece before using it on delicate paper, painted surfaces or anything valuable. Repositionable does not mean guaranteed damage-free on every material.

Washi tape types: which finish should you choose?

Printed and patterned tape

Patterned tape adds an instant decorative theme. Choose a design that works with your project, whether that is a birthday card, a journal page or a Christmas gift tag. It is especially useful when you want decoration without drawing or printing a pattern yourself.

Glitter washi tape

Glitter tape adds sparkle to borders, accents and paper decorations. Check each listing for the finish and roll size rather than assuming all glitter tapes are alike.

Our Iridescent White Glitter Washi Tape has a non-shed finish and measures 15mm wide by 5m long. Try it as a shimmering border on a celebration card or a finishing touch on Christmas gift tags.

Foil washi tape

Foil tape gives you a metallic effect. A simple foil strip can frame a greeting, divide sections of a journal page or coordinate with ribbon on a wrapped gift.

Our popular Gold Foil Washi Tape and Silver Foil Washi Tape are useful starting points for metallic craft details. Both measure 15mm wide by 10m long. Try gold for a warm accent on Christmas cards and gift tags, or silver for a crisp metallic border on celebration cards and journal pages.

For another coordinated metallic accent, try our Rose Gold Foil Washi Tape, measuring 15mm by 10m. Keeping the rest of your design simple lets the foil finish stand out.

Holographic washi tape

Holographic finishes catch the light with a colour-changing effect. They are a good choice when you want a small detail to become a focal point.

Our Holographic Stars Silver Foil Washi Tape combines star motifs with a colour-changing finish on a 15mm by 10m roll. Use a short strip on a card or around a journal heading.

These categories can overlap: a patterned tape may also have foil details or glitter. Look at the individual design and finish rather than choosing by the word “washi” alone.

Five easy ways to use washi tape

1. Make a simple handmade card

Choose two or three coordinating tapes and place horizontal strips across the front of a blank card. Leave room for a handwritten greeting. Cut the ends neatly for a crisp look, or try torn ends for a more relaxed style.

Our Happy Birthday Washi Tape with Holographic Silver Foil Letters adds a birthday message as part of the design. Its 10mm width is useful for a narrower decorative strip.

2. Add structure to a journal or planner

Use short strips to separate sections, underline headings or mark a special date. Start with a single tape and repeat it across the page so the layout feels coordinated rather than crowded. Check whether your pen writes clearly on the finish before using tape as a label.

3. Decorate a scrapbook layout

Add tape to background paper to create a frame, a border or a layered accent beside a photograph. For irreplaceable photographs or long-term archival projects, use suitable photo-mounting materials and check the tape’s specifications rather than treating decorative tape as an archival adhesive.

4. Personalise gift wrapping

Decorate plain wrapping paper with repeated strips, or add a matching accent to a gift tag. Foil tape works well when you want a metallic detail without an elaborate wrapping design.

Use washi tape as decoration rather than relying on it alone to hold a heavy parcel closed. Secure the wrapping first, then add your decorative tape.

5. Try seasonal paper crafts

For Christmas card making, arrange strips in decreasing lengths to suggest a Christmas tree, then add a small paper star. Or decorate plain tags with a festive border and leave the centre clear for the recipient’s name.

Our Gingerbread Man & Friends Christmas Washi Tape features festive characters and a foil finish on a 15mm by 10m roll. It is a cheerful option for Christmas cards, gift tags and scrapbook pages.

How to choose the right tape for your project

Start with the effect you want. Choose patterned tape for a theme, foil for a metallic accent, glitter for sparkle or holographic designs for a colour-changing detail.

Check the width. A narrower strip suits small details and compact layouts, while a wider tape makes a more prominent border. Compare the width with your card, tag or journal page before buying.

Check the roll length. The tapes featured here include both 5m and 10m rolls. If you are making a batch of cards or tags, estimate the tape needed for each item and allow a little extra for trimming.

Keep the colour palette manageable. Two coordinating colours and one accent finish are an easy starting point. Leave some plain space so the patterns have room to stand out.

Tips for applying and removing washi tape

Apply tape to a clean, dry surface and smooth it gently into place. The featured tapes can be torn by hand, but scissors are useful when you want precise edges or need to position a particular motif.

Test first if you intend to reposition the tape. Peel it back slowly and stop if the paper starts to lift. Avoid assuming it will behave the same way on rough card, delicate paper, wallpaper or painted furniture.

Frequently asked questions

Is washi tape the same as ordinary masking tape?

Washi tape is sold for decorative craft use, with colours, patterns and special finishes. Do not assume it has the same performance as a masking tape made for painting or other practical jobs.

Do I need glue to use it?

The tapes featured in this guide are self-adhesive, so you do not need separate glue to apply them. Other elements of your project, such as card toppers or photographs, may need their own suitable adhesive.

Can I remove it and reposition it?

Our featured tapes are described as low-tack and repositionable. Results still depend on the surface and conditions, so test first, especially on delicate materials.

Can I write on washi tape?

Test your chosen pen on a spare piece. Foil, glitter and other decorative finishes may not provide the writing surface you need. For a clear label, write on plain paper and use the tape as a border.

Is every washi tape recyclable or biodegradable?

Do not assume so. Adhesives, glitter, foil and other finishes can affect disposal options. Check product-specific information and your local recycling guidance rather than relying on the name alone.

Start with one simple project

You do not need a large collection to enjoy washi tape. Choose one patterned roll and one coordinating accent, then try a handmade card, a journal heading or a gift tag. Small details are a good way to discover which finishes you enjoy using.

Browse Syntego’s washi tape collection for glitter, foil, holographic and themed designs for your next paper craft project.