I have fallen in love with all the Japanese tape that I am seeing everywhere online. But I am a little thrifty when it comes to small decorative items that I think I can make myself. Yesterday my eye caught an old blouse my child had never worn, and a light bulb went on. Fabric tape! Using all my little fabric bits. And this is how it looked after the first attempt:
It’s so easy. Here is how you can make your own:
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Fabric scraps
- Brown Paper Tape found at office supply stores (I had 2 inch tape and cut it to 1 inch width after I was done)
- Sandpaper if your packaging tape has a shiny surface
- Glue (I used white school glue, because that’s what I had. Mod Podge probably works, too)
- Freezer or Wax Paper
- Rotary Cutter (or scissors)
- Ruler
- Cutting Mat, if you are using a rotary cutter
- Brown Paper Tape found at office supply stores (I had 2 inch tape and cut it to 1 inch width after I was done)
- Sandpaper if your packaging tape has a shiny surface
- Glue (I used white school glue, because that’s what I had. Mod Podge probably works, too)
- Freezer or Wax Paper
- Rotary Cutter (or scissors)
- Ruler
- Cutting Mat, if you are using a rotary cutter
Now, let’s assume you are using a cutting mat (if you don’t have one, a kitchen table and scissors will work just fine and then the kids can do it, too).
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place a piece of wax paper about roughly 20 inches on the cutting mat.
2. Get some strips of packaging tape same length and tape them onto the wax paper.
3. Cut some fabric strips a little wider than the tape. You’ll cut off the sides to give your tape a neater look.
3. Note: If you have packaging tape with a shiny surface, you will have to sand it down, so the glue can grip. (Otherwise, your fabric will peel right off and that would be sad.) Smooth out any air bubbles. This is how my tape looked before I cut it.
4. Wait until the glue is dry. (This is always the hard part.)
5. Cut your tape. When you peel the layers, be certain to peel only the freezer/wax paper.
VOILA!
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Use tape for:
packages (obviously)
letters
bookmarks
stickers (just take the scissors and cut some shapes)
gift tags
Have fun making lots of fabric paper tape.
What a brilliant idea! Fantastic tutorial… I'm ready to make rolls of tape!
Fantastic idea to use all those beautiful fabric scraps
I love this idea. I'm pushing my keyboard aside on my desk at this very moment. Perfect Friday night. Thanks. And welcome to blogging.
Katie
genius idea..and so many possibilities!
thank you so much for sharing
what a marvelous idea, I especially like the linen one! can't wait to try this out myself
so cute. love this idea. thanks!
really inventive! thankyou so much for sharing =D
looking forward to reading your blog.. it's looking awesome =) beautifully designed banner!
Chloe x
Very cool & easy. Thank you for teaching this.
With your permission, will link you to my Redux, CRAFT See One. Do One. Teach One channel.
LuciaCox
@coxlucia
such a great idea! can't wait to make some.
holy cow! that is the best, so making some this weekend. thanks for the tut.
Oh my stars. This is brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing.
This is brilliant! Thank you for sharing
I'm a bit like you:if I can make it, why buy ready made???
Have a nice weekend.
That's a great idea! I'll definitely be trying it out.
Sophie
I love the paper tape as is, but this just makes it ooodles better! Thanks so much for sharing this great idea!
lol at waiting for the glue to dry being the hard part!
I love it! This would be perfect- I can't wait to try it!
wow! I love you. and maya for sending me over here. I too am too cheap– er– thrifty to buy cute little things I think I could make, even if I never do. This looks totally doable.
Wonderful! I have a ton of 3×13 strips of fabric…. now I know what to do with them! Thanks for sharing.
What a great idea! wonder if it would work with the clear plastic packing tape I have? Hmmm have to try it!
fantastic and beautiful tutorial
I also love your blog header so much.
welcome to the world of blogs
love it, and it might also make a 'ready' accent for a handmade card that your have to do in a hurry.
Wouahhh that's a great idea!
fanastic idea
Brilliant!! Welcome to the crafty blogging community too!
Now I have the perfect idea of what to do with all my fabric scraps in my studio! Thank you so much!!
Fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing
Very clever girl
Brilliant! I love your use what you have attitude. The blue and white raveled one is my favorite. Thank you for the tutorial!
This is so cool! I bought a HUGE roll of that brown tape at the store because it was on clearance but it's been sitting in my studio for months now because I had no idea what to do with it. AND I've been wanting some of that Japanese tape but they don't sell it anywhere around here. Thanks so much.
oh this is just amazing!
This is a great idea! I will be putting all my little scraps of fabric to use! Thanks!
I love love this idea, am off to gather my materials and get started. So cool!
Guess what I'm doing tomorrow?? Thanks to Maya for sending me over here – I'll be back… Thank you for the great idea!
You are one smart cookie! Thanks for sharing your terrific idea.
Jody (over from maya*made)
How wonderful! I already have this stuff and now I can use them to make something new
Whoa… this is so cool! I just clicked over from Craft. This is such a great idea! I would love to link to this if you didn't mind.
hello! i found this tutorial on one pearl button and just had to come over here and see how you did it! you are a genius, seriously! i have soo many fabric scraps that i already threw away and i am soo sad i did, b/c i could have made these with them!!! nowo i will never throw another scrap away, thanks for the great idea!
this is awesome! i found this from Craft: and it's pretty damn GENIUS, i'm definitely doing this!
this is such a neat idea!
i agree with you, i've wanted to order some japanese tape badly but it's expensive to get a variety and ship it!
thanks for sharing.
omg, i was just about to give in a buy some japanese tape since i couldn't figure out an eco version… so glad there's another way to use up my thrifted fabric pieces!!!
Lovely… can't wait to try this myself!!! What a wonderful tutorial and idea! Welcome!!!!
how fabulous! What a lovely blog, will be back next time xx
this is so clever! thanks for sharing.
What a great idea for anyone, especially quilters who amass tons of small scraps. Thanks for sharing.
Über mayamade habe ich dieses inspirierende tutorial gefunden und in unserem Blog darauf aufmerksam gemacht. Ich hoffe, Du bist einverstanden, sonst gib mir bitte Bescheid. Danke auch für die anderen Artikel und die ungewöhnlichen Literaturtipps!
Herzliche Grüße, Sabine
Hi Sabine,
Habe mir euren Blog angesehen. Wow! Freue mich, dass dir mein Blog gefaellt!
Liebe Gruesse!
You are a genius!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Fun! And very cute!
wow! this is such and awesome idea. I will be making some. now off to find some tape…
Super Idee – Danke
LG, Brigitte
You are brilliant!!! This is such a fantastic idea. Thank you for sharing.
http://cinnamonpink.typepad.com/
great idea! thank you for sharing!
Brilliant, beautiful! Can't wait to give it a go!
This is an amazing idea! But I think it would also work with a double sided tape. It would save a lot of time! Thank you for this tutorial! It's great!
This is wonderful! Thanks for the tutorial!
Great idea! I need to try this one! Now how about using some double sided tape? Would that work out too, you think?
BRILLIANT! I absolutely love this idea and it looks so simple to do…I have fabric scraps falling out of the woodwork. Thanks so much for sharing!
awesome!!!!
I'm so impressed!
Thanks for the great crafty tip. keep them coming.
L : )
Great idea!!! I love it!
I was wondering… perhaps it's also possible to make fabric tape using a strong double sided tape, so you won't need wax paper nor glue anymore… you simply peel the upper side of the double sided tape and stick it to the fabric… I'll give it a try
Very smart!
That is a super tutorial! I will certainly give this a try! Thanks so much for being so clever!
love it! thanks for sharing!
this is fantastic idea! i need to go find an old shirt to cut up now.
great idea! thanx!
Oh noooo, this is too cute. Well done you! I write a blog about gift wrapping (http://www.thegiftedblog.com) and I can totally relate to being loathe to buy things I think I can make myself.
Thanks so much for sharing your project!
Great idea, I am totally trying this out!
This is incredible…love it and such an easy tutorial. Thank you so much!
This post has been removed by the author.
thank you so much for this lovely inspiration! i've shared it with my readers.
http://www.goinghometoroost.com/2010/05/how-to-make-your-own-paper-tape/
genious!
Everyone loves this post! And with good reason. Got linked here from Oh, Hello Friend. Now I know just what to do with the extra linen in my studio! Thanks for the tutorial!
Very clever!! Thanks for sharing!
So very very very brilliant! Thank you for sharing, can't wait to try this out!
Cheers!
great idea! so simple and perfect!
and so generous for sharing!
so cute and simple, I'm going to try it with my kids this weekend, thank you for the DIY
Great idea -I'm going to give it a try!
Lisa
Now this is an awesome idea! Such a touch of class and this would bring a smile to anyone who received this as part of their package.
so I too am seeing all this tape online. and IN LOVE with it. but….I too am frugal haha! Thanks for sharing! Will definitely be doing this!!!
I liked this so much, I just featured it on my blog!
http://ohsolovelie.blogspot.com/2010/06/fabric-tape.html
Brilliant. BRILLIANT!!
love this – so simple yet i would NEVER have thought of it. thanks!
Love this, absolutely brilliant. I shared your tutorial on my blog.
this is completely BRILLIANT! you are a genius! can't wait to do it myself!!!
thanks for the lovely tutorial.
thea.
xx
(spoonfulzine)
awesome! I'm making some!! thanks for posting this tutorial!
Candy
Came to visit via whip up…what a great idea! You gave me an ah-ha moment too… I'd been thinking of drawing designs on masking tape to make my version just hadn't figured out how I was going to lay it flat to be able to reuse as tape…wax paper of course!
ooh, I really like this, I featured it my blog here:
http://punkprojects.blogspot.com/2010/06/make-it-monday_14.html
Hi Katie,
Thanks for featuring me on your wonderful blog. Looks great!
Kathrin
OMG! I found this through a feature on Punk Projects! I LOVE IT! I'm going to make some! How fun, thanks for sharing!!
xo's
Cat
Great idea.I can use my fabric scrap for this project.
Saw this through Melissa's blog. SUCH a brilliant idea. Will be following your blog for more greatness!:)
i've been on the hunt for brown paper tape for weeks, and i can't find it anywhere! (except on amazon for $7 with $8 shipping…no thanks.) i tried it last night with masking tape, but the masking tape wouldn't peel off the wax paper…grrr. so i'm wondering where you bought your brown paper tape. thanks!
@annie: I bought mine at Staples and while I didn't like the quality that much, it did work really well.
Hope this helps and good luck in finding the tape.
Best, Kathrin
kathrin…my staples didn't have any last week, but i went again, and they did! thank you! i'm so excited about this….it's such a simple but brilliant idea.
OMG, as a quilter I have so many fabric scraps and quilters are always looking for new ways to use up those scraps….hate to throw anything away!
My granddaughters will love this tape on their brown paper lunch bags for school, and stickers.
I'm going to share this link with my quilting buddies!
warm quilt hugs, sue in CA
Great tutorial! I was wondering what to do with all of my fabric scraps! This will be fun to package etsy sales up with too!
Me encantó la idea muchas gracias por compartirla!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great idea! Tried it yesterday and it works! I have linked your tutorial to my latest post.
Greetings
simone
This is an awesome tutorial! Thank you for sharing! What a cool way to use scraps of fabric.
♥ Teresa ♥
So innovative…love it! I've been trying to figure out how to get this very look and with fabric too. much thanks!
coole idee! schön, Dich gefunden zu haben!;-)
greetings from Hamburg
Hi! I found your project through a link…so I hope you don't mind if I relink this in my blog
I'll definitely make it!
http://www.charmily.blogspot.com/
i have put it in a group with other cute decorating projects..Thank you so much for sharing this one!!
Very cool & easy and eco friendly
Cheers from rainy Paris
Hello, I made an adaptation of his idea on my blog, and link the orignial DIY, and linked your blog.
Kisses from Brazil!
Laura
http://www.laurina.net
I love this!!! I am going to have to try this out!!! I have a ton of ribbon and fabric that I could do this with. Thanks for sharing!
misty fuse might be the answer to the what glue to use question; another item that might be useful is the silicone sheet so your glue doesn't stick to your iron or ironing board.
What a fabulous idea! Christmas wrapping, here I come! In fact, I'll probably make some for little gifties. Thank you!
I hope it is okay that I just created a link to your tutorial at my blog — on the "HOW TO" page of my blog.
Thanks so much Morna. I'm honored to have a link on your site. I've been admiring your wonderful work since a while. Kathrin
Love this! Found you via Etsy's link today.
even though i'm obsessed with japanese tape, i love this idea! i also wonder if you can run fabric through one of those little sticker makers (by xyron?)
great tutorial! thanks!
This is such a great idea! I have seen a siimilar thing using masking tape and pattern paper, but I think the paper tape is a much better base for the fabric or the paper, they will bond together better. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful inspiration! I have also seen someone using double sided tape, like carpet tape, but I still like this idea better
I cannot get over how clever this is and look forward to exploring your other tutorials. Thanks so much!
this is sheer brilliance! thank you for sharing this great tutorial. i can't wait to do it!
thank you, thank you, thank you!
REgards from Tuscany.
Cata
OMgosh….I made my own tape using adhesive paper and thought I was so smart…now here you are, you did this ages ago! Oh poo
Hope you don't mind if I link over. I'm lovin on your whole site!
Super belle idée! Merci de nous l'avoir partagée!
Great tutorial, thank you!
I've just come ax the japanese cloth tape, instead of doing it the way you said, do you think it would work with double sided tape as well?
While working on a tutorial for DIY paper tape I decided to do a search and found yours so I included a link in my post. This is just gorgeous work! I am going to have to try fabric now. You can view the post here: http://www.aestheticnest.com/2011/09/craft-diy-printed-paper-tape-washi-tape.html#more Thanks!
great idea!:D
I'm going to go try this right now…..what a great way to use up scraps and customize a package!
Just wanted to let you know that I featured your project today on "You Sew Rock Me Fridays" on my blog Sew Rockin'. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://wp.me/p1VAkT-bU
Awesome job, I can't wait to see what else you come up with!
Jamie
Oh how cool!!!! I am a quilter and have an awesome supply of fabric – can’t wait to try this!!!!
What a brilliant idea! So simple but I would have never thought of it. Thanks very much – time to raid my scrap material basket!!
Lovely idea – will definitely try it!
what a cute idea! This would be the perfect project for a HOW TO … on Snap Guide. Check out the new app for DIY’ers here … http://snapguide.com/
I love this very original and brilliant idea. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
What a clever idea! Thank you for ALL your tutorials; you are inspiring.