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!
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.
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.
Put strips of doubled sided tape on the waxed paper and then cut them out.
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.
Then, cut any excess paper off the tape.
Cut the cardboard tube to the width of your washi tape and wrap the tape around it.
Secure it with a twist tie.
Secure it with a twist tie.
When you want to use a piece, peel off the waxed paper backing.
The DIY washi tape turned out so cute that I can’t wait to make some more!
Leslie Nabors says
I know it’s been a while, but I love the yellow and gray tissue paper (I think that’s what it is) didn’t know if you possibly remembered where it might have come from. I know it’s a long shot but definitely worth it to me in case you do.
Tonia says
Hi Leslie,
It really is pretty but unfortunately I don’t remember where I bought it. I tried doing a search online and I don’t see that print available.
Thank you for stopping by,
~Tonia
Donna Reed says
This is one of the simplest ideas I’ve ever seen. Thank you for your tutorial on making washitape
Sandra Coble says
This is an easy way to make Washi tape. Thanks for the info. Wish people would not copy other peoples stuff so we could get the whole idea. Oh well, there are those that do and those that don’t. Anyway, thanks again.
Jane says
Can I copy your images to the directions on to my website, please!
Tonia says
No sorry but I cannot give permission for my copyrighted images to be shared on other websites.
Jane says
That’s ok. Thank anyway!
Kiki says
This is the best idea ever! I hate to buy a whole roll of washi as I use so little of it at a time. Thanks for sharing!
Kaila says
Awesome tutorial!! Would you mind sharing, if you happen to know, what the brand of the double sided tape you have is? I cannot wait to try this! 🙂
Lorene Troyer says
Thank you for an interesting, easy-to-understand tutorial on how to make washi tape. It seems like the possibilities are endless. I’ve heard of using fabric or paper but hadn’t heard of using tissue paper.
Ria says
I dont have doible sided tape and cant by it. Is it okay if I stick foil on one side and glue the tissue paper?
CraftyCrafter says
I would just make a roll of paper, and then stick it down when you need it. the glue may dry if you don’t use it for a while
Erin @ The Hardcover Lover says
Awe! This is such a cool idea, although I would probably mess up making my own washi tape.
I have bought a few rolls of glittery washi, but I haven’t really used it yet, except for in my planner. I’m hoping to add a little bit of flair to my Christmas cards this year with it.
Laura Jevtich says
Thank you so much for this blog post. It is So MUCH easier to understand. I hope you made a bunch of wash tape! Have fun!
Susan says
Thank you! I found some really old (fashioned) paper rolls (tape sized) in my stash and wondered what to do with it besides glue-sticking it. I think your idea is perfect.
Monica says
I’ve been wondering how I could get hold of something like Washi tape it seems such a good idea, but I am in England and haven’t come across this product, there is some thing similar in very limited designs and colours. 4 of each. So thank you so very much for showing us this technique. I am doing designs with some nice fine fabric at the moment so I will definitely be using some of the left over scraps for your brilliant idea.
Jvaa says
They sell it in the Works, and I think they have some in Poundland too. I just bought a pack of 3 rolls for £1 at the Works, so try those sorts of places, bookstores too maybe.
my messy world says
cool – I’ll have to try this 🙂
Cynthia Horacek says
I loved this tutorial; I tried it, but the wax paper wouldn’t peel off of my double-sided tape! I used Scotch brand double sided; nothing special there! I tried tissue paper and fabric, and each time, no matter what, my wax paper just tore and wouldn’t peel off. Any tips? Thanks.
Tonia says
Maybe my doubled sided tape was less sticky since my husband’s work was throwing it away? I would suggest using something stronger than wax paper such as freezer paper or parchment paper. Best of luck!
Susan says
You probably had permanent and not repositionable tape.
jodie says
you can purchase double sided tape with the peel off backing already applied.
Maya says
This is wonderful idea.
Thank you.
But, can you tell me where i cam by design like thin on your picture? Not completely same.
In our country we have just one color paper 🙁
Crewzette says
Thank You for Sharing how-to make our own Washi Tape! I have a step-daughter who became disable last year. When her Birthday came around this year, I found out she wanted to start creating and making her own greeting cards. I have been supplying her with easy card-making supplies. Last night I purchased a Washi Tape Dispenser online for her. Hopefully she will be able to make her own Washi Tape when I print out the instructions for her. Her husband works, cooks, goes to the grocery store and takes very good care of his wife! I would enjoy receiving your ideas and suggestions! I will be glad to share your ideas/suggestions with my step-daughter which I know she would enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, 2015!
Crewzette
Janet Lauretta Boxall says
I’ve been wondering how I could get hold of something like Washi tape it seems such a good idea, but I am in England and haven’t come across this product, there is some thing similar in very limited designs and colours.4 of each. So thank you so very much for showing us this technique. I am doing designs with some nice fine fabric at the moment so I will definitely be using some of the left over scraps for your brilliant idea. my best regards Janet.
Margie says
Thank you for instructions on making my own “washi tape”. I love the idea but had trouble finding what I wanted.
Tonia says
You are very welcome! Enjoy!
Maziah Barek says
so what about the wax paper do we stick it on the paper tissue??
Tonia says
Hi Maziah,
You use double sided tape to make the washi tape. One side of the double sided tape will have waxed paper on it and the other side will have tissue paper.
1) Put strips of double sided tape on the waxed paper and then cut them out.
2) Next, place the strips of tape on the tissue paper or napkins with the sticky side down.
3) Then, cut any excess paper off the tape.
I hope that helps! ~Tonia
Maziah Barek says
ABSOLUTELY IT HELPED ME A LOT THANKS SO MCUH LOVE YA <3
michelle says
This is very cute but to call it homemade washi tape seems a bit off base. Washi tape is made out of nontoxic adhesive, is reusable and not made out of plastic Tape.
Dana says
Just wanted to let you know I posted a link to your blog on a website I blog for, Crafthackers.com. I thought your tutorial was interesting and helpful, I just recently discovered this Washi tape trend.
Magdalene says
Thank you so much to this! I’ve wanted to make my own washi tape for a long time but this is the first tutorial I’ve found that you can do with supplies that normal people actually have. Can’t wait to try this!
Michelle Vidal says
Ah!!! Eu adorei!!!
Muito obrigada por compartilhar!!!
<3
Tonia says
Você é muito bem-vindo! Agradecimentos para parar perto! ~Tonia