Furoshiki: how to wrap gifts with fabric, Japanese style
Furoshiki is a Japanese technique for wrapping and transporting objects using a piece of fabric. In addition to being decorative, it allows the wrapping to be reused instead of used only once.
What you need
- A square piece of fabric.
- The gift you want to wrap.
- A flat surface to work on.
How to wrap a gift with furoshiki
- Lay the fabric out in a diamond shape.
- Place the gift in the center.
- Bring two opposite corners up.
- Tie the corners with a firm but simple knot.
- Repeat with the other corners and adjust the fabric.
Which fabric to choose
Choose a sturdy and flexible fabric that is large enough to cover the object. Cotton, linen, or other suitable textiles can work well depending on the gift.
Why use fabric to wrap gifts
The main advantage of furoshiki is that the wrapping can be reused. The choice of materials and, above all, the actual reuse of the fabric determine the environmental benefit of the system.
Ideas for using furoshiki
- Bottles.
- Books.
- Clothing and textiles.
- Boxes and small objects.
Frequently asked questions
What does furoshiki mean?
It is the name of the technique and the square piece of fabric traditionally used to wrap or transport objects in Japan.
What size should the fabric be?
It depends on the size and shape of the object. The larger the gift, the larger the piece of fabric should be.