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The Art of Cutting Washi Tape - Tips, Tools & Inspiring Projects | 2023

The Art of Cutting Washi Tape - Tips, Tools & Inspiring Projects | 2023

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The Importance of Washi Cutter Tools for Crafting

Washi tape has become an increasingly popular craft supply over the last few years. This decorative Japanese masking tape comes in a huge variety of patterns and colors, making it versatile for paper crafts, scrapbooking, journaling, planner decorating, and more. To make the most of washi tape and elevate your craft projects, a good washi cutter tool is essential.

What is a Washi Cutter?

A washi cutter is a specialty paper craft tool designed specifically for cutting washi tape. It consists of a small handheld device with a sharp edge for cleanly cutting the tape. Most washi cutters have a covered blade for safety and come in clever compact designs for portability.

Washi cutters allow you to customize washi tape to any size or shape you need. You can cut thin strips, small pieces, and detailed shapes with precision. This opens up many more possibilities for integrating washi tape into your crafts compared to simply tearing pieces by hand.

Why Use a Washi Cutter?

Here are some of the key benefits of using a dedicated washi cutter tool:

  • Cut any size or shape - Get creative with tiny fragments, skinny strips, wavy lines, geometric shapes, and more.
  • Avoid frayed edges - Unlike tearing by hand, washi cutters give you clean, neat edges.
  • Work with precision - Carefully cut out intricate designs and patterns.
  • Controlled cuts - Unlike scissors, washi cutter blades are designed just for fragile tapes.
  • Portability - Compact cutter designs easily fit in craft bags and desk drawers.
  • Safety - Cutter covers reduce the risk of injuries from exposed blades.

With full control over the size and shape of your washi tape pieces, you can take your crafts to the next level. Washi cutters open up many new ideas and techniques.

Tips for Using a Washi Cutter

Here are some tips to get the most from your washi cutter:

  • Use a cutting mat or scrap paper below - This prevents damaging your work surface.
  • Hold the cutter firmly and vertically - This gives you better leverage and control for cleaner cuts.
  • Keep blades sharp - Replace dull blades for easy cutting through multiple layers.
  • Cut stacked tape - Layer 2-3 strips for batches of pieces in one cut.
  • Try corrugated blades - The added texture helps cut through thicker tapes.
  • Store properly - Close blades and keep in a secure place when not in use.

Choosing the Best Washi Cutter

With washi tape's rising popularity, there are now many washi cutter options on the market. Here are the main factors to consider when shopping for the right washi cutter for your needs:

  • Blade type - Single or double-sided, straight or corrugated blades.
  • Safety features - Covered blades and/or finger guards.
  • Handle design - Look for comfort and a secure, non-slip grip.
  • Size - Compact for portability or larger for leverage.
  • Added tools - Some feature corner rounders or rulers.
  • Capacity - Number of tapes it can cut through at once.
  • Brand reputation - Read reviews from experienced crafters.

While basic washi cutters are inexpensive, it's worth investing in a quality tool with sharp blades and a comfortable handle. This makes cutting easier and expands the possibilities for your washi tape projects.

Creative Ways to Use Washi Tape Cutters

Once you get a dedicated washi cutter in your papercrafting toolbox, you'll find all kinds of creative ways to incorporate cut washi tape into your projects. Here are some fun techniques to try:

Die-Cut Washi Shapes

Cut custom washi tape shapes using your die-cut machine. Run thin stacks of washi tape through the machine to produce shapes like circles, stars, hearts, and more. Apply these dimensional die cuts to cards, scrapbook pages, journals, and other paper crafts.

Washi Borders and Edges

Cut skinny strips of washi tape to create colorful borders and edges on photos, cards, gift wrap, planner spreads, and scrapbook pages. Layer multiple skinny strips for a bolder custom border. Finish off hand lettering, watercolor works, and other projects with neat washi borders.

Mini Washi Tape Checks

Add colorful mini checks to layouts and planners with thin rows of alternating washi tapes. Cut each row to the same width and layer them close together or offset them to form a checkered pattern.

Washi Tape Labels and Tabs

Cut small geometric shapes, rectangles, or other designs from patterned washi tape to create custom labels, tags, and tabs. Adhere them to storage containers, notebooks, files, gift packages, and planner pages to organize and decorate.

Stenciled and Inlaid Washi

Cut out stencils from cardstock, then use them to apply washi tape through the cutouts onto your project. You can also cut shapes from one tape and inlay them into patterns cut from another tape.

Layered Washi Collages

Cut various washi tape segments and layer them to form abstract collages for cards, journals, scrapbooks, and mixed media art. Try alternating sizes, patterns, and leaving gaps between pieces.

Inspiring Washi Tape Projects

Once you unlock the precision cutting possibilities of washi cutters, you can take your washi tape crafts to exciting new levels. Here are just a few inspiring washi tape project ideas to spark your creativity:

Washi Tape Wall Art

Cover canvases, wood panels, and other surfaces with cut washi tape pieces to create bold mosaic wall art. Abstract designs, geometric patterns, landscapes, and more are possible.

Washi Gift Wrap

Personalize gifts with beautiful hand-cut washi tape gift wraps. Cut thin alternating stripes, layered shapes, and custom labels or tags.

Washi Planner Pages

Add functional flair to your planner pages by decorating them with cut washi tape borders, tabs, checklists, flags, and more.

Washi Garlands and Mobiles

Cut slender washi tape strips and link them together to create colorful paper garlands. Hang as wall decor or portable mobiles.

Patterned Washi Notebooks

Cover plain notebooks, notepads, and journals with your own custom washi tape designs. Cut geometric patterns, creative borders, layered collages, and more.

Washi Paper Earrings

Craft wearable washi tape art by cutting statement earring shapes and attaching metal findings. Make them complement your outfits.

The options are endless when you master cutting washi tape with precision. Let your creativity run free, and a washi cutter tool will help execute your vision. Experiment, practice new techniques, and transform simple tapes into stunning works of washi art.

FAQs

What can you cut with a washi tape cutter?

Washi cutters are designed specifically for cutting washi tape. Their sharp, fine blades allow you to make clean, precise cuts through the thin and delicate material of washi tape.

What is the safest washi tape cutter?

Look for washi cutters with finger guards or covered blade designs. This protects your fingers from the sharp cutting edge. Clover and We R Memory Keepers make washi cutters with protected blades for added safety.

Can I use a normal paper cutter for washi tape?

You can try using a basic paper cutter, but the thickness and grip may not be ideal for the thin and slippery washi tape. Specialty washi cutters have thinner blades and grips designed for control on fragile tapes.

How do you cut straight lines in washi tape?

Use an acrylic ruler as a guide, holding it down firmly. Run the washi cutter blade along the edge of the ruler to slice straight lines through the tape. Work on a self-healing mat for best results.

What are some washi tape cutting techniques?

Try layering multiple tapes before cutting strips or shapes. Cut stencils from cardstock to apply washi shapes. Use dies and machines for geometric washi cuts. Cut skinny strips for borders. Make confetti by cutting small pieces.

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