Washi
Washi: read the 46 gsm examples and handling notes. Folding, cutting and glue tips. Find craft uses, sheet sizes and weight equivalents.
Traditional washi uses inner-bark fibres such as kozo, mitsumata and gampi. The fibres are cooked, cleaned and beaten, then suspended in water and formed on a screen; modern washi can also be machine-made.
- Typical weight
- 46 gsm
- US lb · calculated at the named basis
- 31.1 lb text equivalent (25 × 38 in, 500 sheets)
Weights to look for
One useful example is Awagami Kozo Natural Select at 46 gsm, made from 80% kozo and 20% alpha cellulose. Washi is a family of papers, not a single weight.
Folding, creasing, cutting and gluing
- Fold
- Long fibres make many washi sheets supple and strong. A smooth sheet can fold well; a soft unsized sheet may need more support to keep a standing form.
- Crease
- Press with a clean smooth tool. Visible fibres and surface texture can soften the appearance of a crease.
- Cut
- Use sharp scissors for a clean outline. Tearing gives a fibrous edge for a collage but will not make an accurate origami square.
- Glue
- Absorbent washi takes up wet glue quickly. Use a thin even layer or small hidden patches to avoid tide marks.
What to make
Try a smooth lightweight washi for a simple heart or crane after practising on kami. Decorative sheets also suit collage and translucent panels.
Common sheet and pack sizes
Kozo Natural Select is sold in 43 × 52 cm sheets. Origami washi is also supplied as pre-cut squares; trim away deckled edges when accuracy matters.