✂️ Embroidery Tape: What Kind Should You Use?

If you’re working on an embroidery project with a zipper or placing fabric on the underside of the hoop, you’ve probably seen the instruction: “Tape it down.” And then comes the big question…

What kind of tape actually works best?

The truth: every embroiderer has a favorite, and there’s no single “right” answer. Below is a clean, easy-to-skim guide based on real recommendations from makers — plus a few helpful taping tips.

🧵 Helpful Taping Tips

• Use multiple pieces of tape for a secure hold.

• Make sure pieces are long enough to keep fabric or zippers from shifting.

• Place tape so it’s not in the stitching path.

• Reuse tape pieces when possible — many types hold up for several rounds.

🎀 Popular Tape Options for Embroidery

Washi Tape

• Paper‑crafter’s favorite

• Easy to remove

• Gentle on fabric

Transport / Medical / Surgical / Micropore Tape

• Holds tight without damaging fabric

• Easy to remove

• Doesn’t gum up the needle

• Tears neatly

• Often reusable

Blue or Green Painter’s Tape

• No sticky residue

• Reusable a few times

• Great for quick placement

Transparent / Scotch Tape

• Reusable

• Some varieties are double‑sided

• Good for lightweight holds

Water‑Soluble Double‑Sided Tape

• Invisible hold

• Washes away completely

• No need to remove before stitching

Paper Medical Tape

• Tears easily

• Gentle and reliable

Masking Tape

• Easy to remove

• Good for temporary holds

Double‑Sided Basting Tape

• Washes away

• Strong hold for tricky placements

Pink Embroidery Tape

• Designed for embroidery

• Strong but removable

💛 Final Thoughts

There’s no perfect tape for every project — just the one that works best for your style, fabric, and machine. Try a few, experiment, and you’ll quickly find your go‑to favorites.

If you’re working on a Project with a zipper or one that requires fabric to be placed on the underside of the hoop, the instructions suggest taping it down. The question then asked by many is “What kind of tape do I use?”

Every embroiderer has their favorite type of tape! The list below has been compiled from actual comments. This long list of tapes suggests there is no right or wrong answer to the question, “What kind of tape do I use?” I recommend that you try a few and see what works best for you. I have avoided mentioning brand names, as most of the tapes are marketed by several companies.

Also, here are some hints when taping:

-Use multiple pieces of tape to secure the zipper or piece of fabric -Use pieces that are long enough to secure the zipper or fabric -Tape so that it is not in the path of a stitching line

- Washi Tape

- A paper crafter's tape

- Easy to remove

Transport Medical Tape/Surgical Tape/Micropore Tape

-Holds tight — Adheres well — Stays put -Easy to remove

-Does not gum up the needle

-Can reuse each piece a few times -Tears neatly

Blue or Green Painters Tape

-Doesn’t leave any residue

-Can reuse each piece a few times

Transparent Tape/Scotch Tape

-Can be reused a few times

-Some types are sticky on both sides

Water-Soluble Double-Sided Tape

-Water Soluble

-Double-sided

-Secure hold while being invisible -No need to remove

Paper Medical tape

Tears easily

Masking Tape

-Easy to remove

Double-sided basting tape

-Washes away

Pink Embroidery Tape

-Strong but removable