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How To Make Your Own Washi Tape

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There are so many great washi tape ideas out there but it isn’t always easy to cute patters. So how about a tutorial for how to make your own washi tape? I used patterned napkins and tissue paper to make it!
DIY Washi Tape rolls
 Since this month’s Pinspired and Rewired contest theme is washi tape and I’ve wanted to try to make my own washi tape for quite a while now after seeing it in several different places like here at Nifty Thrifty Things.  I figured there was no time like the present to try it out but this isn’t truly washi tape…its more like decorator tape since I didn’t use washi paper.
washi tape supplies
Making the washi tape is very basic and requires just a few supplies:
Scissors
Double Sided Tape
Waxed Paper
Tissue Paper or Napkins
Cardboard Tube
Several years ago the company my husband worked for was throwing away some rolls of double sided tape and he scooped them up.  So, far I haven’t even gone through a single roll and that is what I used for this project.  But if you aren’t so lucky as to have a stash of double sided tape, it is available everywhere from stores like Target and Walmart to Michaels and even at office supply stores.  You can even buy it with a backing on one side and that would eliminate the need for the waxed paper.
strips of double sided tape on wax paper
Put strips of doubled sided tape on the waxed paper and then cut them out.
put strips on tissue paper
Next, place strips of tape on the tissue paper or napkins with the sticky side down.  I found some cute tissue paper at Target but I was expecting a bigger selection.  As I was searching around from some more designs, I spotted some adorable napkins and knew they would look cute too.  I also found some tissue paper in the dollar section.
strip of tissue paper washi tape
Then, cut any excess paper off the tape.
DIY Washi Tape rolls
Cut the cardboard tube to the width of your washi tape and wrap the tape around it.
Secure it with a twist tie.
black and white washi tape on a roll

When you want to use a piece, peel off the waxed paper backing.

Washi Tape varieties on rolls

The DIY washi tape turned out so cute that I can’t wait to make some more!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Audrea says

    Washi tape is expensive! It’s $2.59 for the skinny roll. I just spent 30$ on washi tape!! Man, this post is great for me! Doin this in the future an I can make tape I like an need!! Thanku for sharing!

    Reply

  3. Bobbie says

    Love, love, love this idea. I just bought some double stick rug tape–it’s thin and very sticky and 1 1/2 inches wide. Might try a little tissue paper on this, I collect cute tissue paper, so I have a good stack. Thanks for the tip about using a paper towel roll holder and the wax paper. You are a keeper!

    Reply

    • Tonia says

      Thanks, Bobbie! Happy to have you along for the ride and best of luck with the washi tape. I would love to hear how the rug tape works out!

      Reply

  4. Laurie says

    What a clever idea! I love washi tape but thought the cost was a bit high for my budget, now I can make my own! Woohooo! Now, how do we do fabric sticker sheets?

    Reply

  6. Holly says

    OMG! I have been wanting to jump into the Washi tape thing, but seriously have not found any patterns that speak to me, or prompt me to actually spend the money! You clever girl, I would have never thought of this! Love IT!

    Reply

  8. Barbara says

    I’ve seen tutorials before on tape to mimic washi tape, but they all used normal paper. I love that you use tissue paper and thinner papers to actually mimic the see-through properties of washi tape. Definitely will have to try this (:

    Reply

  14. Potosamia says

    Thanks for sharing! This is so easy and looks so cute. I did my own creation yesterday using thread instead of tissue paper. It looks really cool! I even tried writing letters with the thread and with some patience the result is amazing. Thank you again 🙂

    Reply

  16. Janell says

    How cute! I don’t think I will be able to use plain tape ever again! I know it’s been quite sometime since this tutorial BUT…I buy my double sided tape at the dollar store & the 99¢store in southern California. You may not get as much tape but it’s cheap so I don’t bother figuring it out. 🙂 Thanks so much for the tutorial!

    Reply

  19. danamom says

    you can also make printed “washi” tape by using paper tape from the medical aisle and stamping it with your favorite patterns from your rubber stamps. just roll it out onto wax paper and stamp away! Then trim away wax paper and roll as you said.;)

    Reply

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