Washi Tapes vs PET Tapes: What’s the Difference for Crafters?

Washi Tapes vs PET Tapes: What’s the Difference for Crafters?

If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of journaling, scrapbooking or planner decorating, you’ve probably come across two popular types of decorative tapes: washi tapes and PET tapes. At first glance, they might seem quite similar – pretty patterns, endless uses and beautiful to collect and use. But when it comes to crafting, there are some key differences that can really affect how you use them.

Here’s a closer look at what sets washi tapes and PET tapes apart, and how each one can bring something unique to your creative projects.

Washi Tapes: The Soft, Paper-Like Favourite

Material: Washi tape is made from traditional Japanese paper. It’s thin, slightly translucent and usually has a matte finish.

Texture & Feel: It tears easily by hand and feels soft, almost like rice paper. You can write on most washi tapes using pen or pencil.

How it’s used:
Washi tape is perfect for layering, borders and subtle decoration. It blends beautifully into journal spreads and gives a gentle, handmade look. You can stick it down, reposition it and even layer it without adding bulk.

Crafting ideas with washi:

  • Create borders or frames around journal entries

  • Add soft accents behind photos in scrapbooks

  • Layer strips for a patchwork look

  • Tear pieces to use as faux vintage labels or collaged bits

 

PET Tapes: The Glossy, Sticker-Like Star

Material: PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic film. PET tapes are clear, smooth and more durable than washi.

Texture & Feel: They’re glossy, often completely transparent around the printed design, and feel slick to the touch. They can often require scissors for a clean cut, though some crafters enjoy fussy-cutting the elements.

How it’s used:
PET tape is often printed with intricate illustrations – think florals, characters or vintage-style objects – and acts more like a roll of stickers than a typical tape. Many PET tapes allow you to easily cut out individual images before sticking them down.

Crafting ideas with PET:

  • Fussy-cut and use the elements like stickers in your spreads

  • Create detailed focal points in collages or memory pages

  • Layer with washi for texture and contrast

  • Use to decorate clear surfaces like acrylic bookmarks or storage boxes

Which One Should You Use?

It really comes down to the look and feel you want for your project. If you're aiming for soft, subtle layering or you love that classic journal feel, washi is your best friend. If you're after vibrant, detailed illustrations that pop off the page, PET tape offers a sticker-like effect with more durability.

Many crafters (myself included!) use both in combination – layering a floral PET design over a neutral washi background, for example, can add richness and depth to your pages without overwhelming them.

Final Thoughts

Washi and PET tapes each have their strengths and quirks, and part of the fun is figuring out how they work with your personal style. Whether you're curating a romantic journal spread, building an artful scrapbook layout or just adding some charm to your planner, there's room for both in your stash.

So the next time you're choosing a roll (or five), think about the finish, texture and effect you’re after – and don’t be afraid to mix and match.

Have a favourite way to use PET or washi tape? I’d love to hear how you use them in your crafting!

View Washi Tapes  |  View PET Tapes

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