What Is Washi Tape Used for?

Washi tape has become a favorite in the crafting world, but what is washi tape used for? This colorful, lightweight tape is simple to use and endlessly versatile. It's just as handy for decorating a notebook as it is for wrapping a thoughtful gift or organizing a busy space. Many people start with a roll or two and quickly find themselves using it in all sorts of creative ways.

In the sections ahead, we'll share some of our favorite washi tape ideas to help you see just how fun and practical washi tape can be.

11 Ways You Can Use Washi Tape

So, what is washi tape for? Here are some ideas from our experience and from what we've seen in the crafting world. Each has its own charm and practical value:

1. Decorating Journals & Notebooks

Washi tape brings journals and notebooks to life in seconds. You can use it to frame pages, divide sections, or highlight quotes you want to remember. Layering strips in coordinating colors creates a collage-style border that feels custom-made.

We've tested plenty of tapes, and thinner patterns fold beautifully without bulking up your notebook. Many people love using washi to create monthly themes or to set apart special entries. It turns an ordinary notebook into something that feels uniquely yours, and it makes writing each day a little more enjoyable.

2. Page Markers, Tabs & Bookmarks

If you're always flipping through notebooks or planners, washi tape tabs are a lifesaver. Just fold a strip over the edge of a page and you've got a quick, colorful marker. For something sturdier, stick washi onto cardstock, cut out a shape, and you've made a bookmark that's both functional and fun.

This trick is faster than digging for sticky notes, and it looks more polished, too. It's simple, effective, and gives your notebooks or planners a fresh, personalized touch every time you use them.

3. Scrapbooking/Memory Keeping

Scrapbooking shines when you add personal touches, and washi tape is perfect for that. It's gentle on delicate items like photos, postcards, or ticket stubs, so you can secure them without worrying about damage. We've seen customers use it to frame Polaroids, highlight journaling blocks, or add borders to keepsake pages.

When paired with other scrapbooking supplies such as stickers, patterned paper, and embellishments, washi tape helps tie everything together into a cohesive layout. After years in the industry, we know memory keeping feels more special when your pages reflect your style, and washi tape makes that easy.

4. Wrapping Gifts & Decorating Envelopes

A simple gift can feel extraordinary with the right finishing touch. Washi tape works beautifully as a design element on wrapping paper or gift bags.

You can layer strips across a plain box, create geometric designs, or seal an envelope with a decorative tab. It's budget-friendly but looks upscale, and from what we've observed, people often save the decorated wrapping because it feels too pretty to toss.

Try combining a few coordinating rolls to create your own custom wrapping theme. It's an effortless way to make any present feel thoughtful and personal without needing elaborate tools or ribbons.

5. Labels & Organizing Things

Keeping things organized doesn't mean sacrificing style. Washi tape makes quick, removable labels for jars, boxes, cables, or folders. We often suggest using solid or lightly patterned rolls because pens and markers show up clearly on them. The best part is that you can peel them off and replace them anytime without sticky residue left behind.

Many of our customers use washi tape in craft rooms, kitchens, or home offices for this reason. It's practical and efficient, but also adds a little pop of color to shelves or drawers. Organization feels less like a chore when it looks this good.

6. Masking & Clean Edges for Painting or Watercolour Work

Artists love washi tape for its reliability and gentleness on paper. If you want crisp edges on watercolor paintings or to keep paint from bleeding onto areas you're protecting, washi tape is an easy solution. We've found it holds firmly while you work, but lifts cleanly once your paint dries.

Unlike stronger masking tapes, it won't tear delicate sketchbook paper. It also helps you create borders, grids, or blocked areas to add structure to your designs. This simple tool gives your art a professional look, even if you're just experimenting at home.

7. Creating Handmade Cards

Handmade cards feel even more special when decorated with washi tape. Use strips to form borders, create patterns, or design fun shapes like hearts and stars. We've seen crafters layer metallic and matte rolls together for a striking contrast that rivals store-bought cards. Washi also works beautifully alongside stamps, stencils, or hand lettering, giving each card a polished finish.

From birthdays to holidays, you'll always have a way to make unique greetings that reflect your personal style. After years in the industry, we can say that nothing delights friends and family more than receiving a card made with love and care.

8. DIY Wall Art and Home Décor

Washi tape isn't just for paper projects. It can be used to create temporary wall art, framed designs, or accents on everyday décor. Try outlining a simple geometric pattern directly on your wall for a bold statement, or decorate photo frames and mirrors with colorful borders. Because it's removable, you can change designs whenever you feel like refreshing your space.

We've tested this in our own studio and love how quickly it transforms a room. It's an affordable, renter-friendly way to add creativity to your environment without permanent changes or expensive materials.

9. Decorating Tech Accessories

Phones, laptops, and chargers often look identical, but washi tape solves that. Add a strip to the edge of a laptop keyboard, decorate your phone case, or line the side of a charger. This little touch not only personalizes your tech but also helps prevent mix-ups when you're in shared spaces.

The beauty is that you can switch designs whenever you're ready for a change, since washi removes cleanly. It's a simple way to add creativity to something you use every day, blending style with function in a way that always feels fresh.

10. Customizing Party Décor

Washi tape is perfect for party prep when you want decorations that feel personal and festive. Use it to wrap around straws, decorate plastic cups, or add color to plain paper napkin rings. We've also seen people design miniature flags on toothpicks by folding washi tape over and cutting it into triangles.

These little details make a big difference in creating a coordinated theme without much effort. Because our washi and pet tape come in limited designs that change every season and bold colors, you can tailor your party décor to birthdays, holidays, or special occasions and change it up as often as you like.

 

11. Personalizing Calendars and Planners

Calendars and planners become much more engaging when you use washi tape to track important dates. Try using one pattern for birthdays, another for deadlines, and a bold color for vacations. It's a quick way to see your month at a glance. This visual organization method makes it easier to stay on top of busy schedules while also keeping your planner looking stylish.

Many of our customers tell us they enjoy swapping tape designs seasonally, which keeps planning fresh and fun. It's a functional use that blends creativity with daily organization beautifully.

Conclusion

Washi tape brings together creativity and practicality in ways that surprise many crafters. It can decorate journals and planners, add flair to scrapbooks, make gift wrapping special, keep things organized, elevate artwork, and even transform everyday items like cards, tech accessories, and home décor.

The beauty lies in how easy it is to use while still making projects look polished and personal. If you're ready to try it for yourself, explore our curated collection of washi tapes and stickers at Shop Rongrong and find the designs that inspire your next project.