What Is Washi Tape, and How Do You Actually Use It?

Washi tape is a decorative paper tape — soft, semi-transparent, and easy to tear by hand — that journalers use to add colour, borders and layers to a page. That's the whole thing in one sentence. But if you've seen those beautifully layered spreads online and wondered how a roll of tape gets you there, the useful part is what to actually do with it.

So this is a friendly, no-skill guide: what washi is, what makes it different from ordinary tape, and a handful of simple ways to use it that look intentional even on your very first try.

What makes washi tape different from regular tape?

The name comes from washi, a traditional Japanese paper. That paper base is the key to everything washi does well:

• It's semi-transparent and matte, so it blends into a page instead of sitting on top like shiny plastic.
• It tears cleanly by hand — no scissors needed for a soft, natural edge.
• You can write on it with most pens, which sticky tape and glossy films won't allow.
• It's low-tack and repositionable, so you can lift and reposition it while you plan a layout without tearing the page.
• It layers beautifully, piece over piece, without the spread turning stiff.

That combination — soft, writable, forgiving — is why washi became the beginner-friendly heart of journaling. It's very hard to "get wrong."

If you want the fuller comparison with its glossy plastic cousin, we cover that in PET Tape vs Washi Tape — but for decorating a journal, washi is the gentle place to start.

A quick note on rolls vs samples

Before you buy, one thing worth knowing so you get the right amount. Washi comes as full rolls and as samples — a short length wound on a loop, ideal for trying a design or collecting lots of patterns without committing to a whole roll.

At Avyanna Decore most designs are available as a Sample Loop for exactly that reason, and you'll find full rolls gathered in our washi tape roll collection. Beginners usually love samples: you can build a varied little stash cheaply and discover what you actually reach for.

How to use washi tape: eight simple ideas

None of these need any drawing skill. Start with one or two and you'll quickly find your own way.

1. Borders and page edges

Run a strip down the side or around the edge of a page to frame it. Instantly tidier, and because washi is writable, you can still add dates or notes on top.

2. Soft colour backgrounds

Lay a few strips side by side to block in a background colour or pattern, then write, sticker or stamp over it. A wide design like our Breakfast Washi Tape (original hand-drawn illustrations) does a lot of work in a single strip.

3. Dividers and sections

A short piece of washi makes a clean divider between entries, tasks or days — the easiest way to bring order to a busy page.

4. Tabs and bookmarks

Fold a strip over the edge of a page to make a sturdy little tab. Great for planners and dividing months or sections.

5. Attaching things without glue

Because it's low-tack, washi is perfect for taping in tickets, photos, and bits of ephemera — memory-keeping without a glue stick, and removable if you change your mind.

6. Labels and captions you can write on

Some washi is made for exactly this. A label washi tape gives you a ready frame to date, title or caption a page by hand.

7. Layering for depth

Overlap semi-transparent tapes so the colours mingle where they cross. A tape like Cloud Washi Tape layers softly and is lovely for this — it's how a flat page starts to feel considered.

8. Little moments of meaning

Washi doesn't have to be purely decorative. Our Healer Washi Tape carries gentle affirmations across its designs, so the tape you tear off actually says something — a quiet prompt in the middle of a spread.

A five-minute first spread

If you want a tiny project to try tonight:

1. Run one strip of washi down the left edge of a blank page as a border.
2. Lay two short strips across the top corner, slightly overlapping, for a splash of colour.
3. Write today's date on the border in pen.
4. Add one sticker and a single line about your day.

That's a finished, intentional-looking page — and you used nothing but tape, a pen and one sticker. This is usually the moment washi stops being confusing and starts being fun.

A few beginner tips

• Buy variety, not volume. Two or three samples in colours you love beats one giant roll you tire of. Sample Loops make this easy.
• Tear, don't always cut. The hand-torn edge is part of washi's charm — lean into it.
• Less is more at first. One or two tapes per page reads cleaner than five while you're finding your style.
• Mix textures later. Once you're comfortable, pair matte washi with a glossy accent or a sticker for contrast — but there's no rush.

Where to go next

• New to all of this? Start with How to Start Journaling in India.
• Wondering about the shiny plastic tapes? Read PET Tape vs Washi Tape.
• Ready to browse? Our washi tape collection and the wider tape collection are full of designs to start with.

Frequently asked questions

What is washi tape used for?

Washi tape is used to decorate and organise pages — borders, colour backgrounds, dividers, tabs and labels — and to attach photos, tickets and ephemera without glue. Because it's paper-based and writable, it's especially popular in journals, planners and scrapbooks.

Is washi tape the same as regular tape?

No. Regular tape is a clear, glossy plastic made to hold things permanently. Washi is a semi-transparent paper tape that's matte, low-tack, repositionable and writable — designed for decoration and layering rather than heavy-duty sticking.

Can you write on washi tape?

Yes. Because washi is paper-based, most pens write on it cleanly. That's one of its biggest advantages for journaling — you can add dates, titles or notes directly on top of the tape.

Does washi tape damage pages or peel off?

Washi is low-tack and repositionable, so it usually lifts off paper without tearing it, which makes it forgiving while you plan a layout. It can lose some stickiness after repositioning several times, so press it down firmly once you're happy with the placement.

How do I use washi tape as a beginner?

Start simple: run one strip as a page border, lay a couple of strips for a colour background, and write over the top in pen. Add a sticker if you like. One or two tapes per page looks cleaner than many while you're finding your style.

The takeaway

Washi tape is the friendliest tool in journaling — soft paper, torn by hand, forgiving of mistakes, and impossible to truly mess up. Start with a couple of samples, try a border and a background, and let the rest come naturally.

When you're ready to pick your first few, our washi tape collection is a warm place to browse — no skill required, just colours you love.