Furoshiki for Stylish Reusable Gift Wrapping

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths which are used to wrap and/or transport goods. The aesthetics and beauty of furoshiki are found in the material, designs and knots. 

Typically made from squares of fabric – commonly 45cm x 45cm and 70cm x 70cm – the reusable gift wrap can be folded and tied in many ways, making this one piece of fabric so versatile and suitable for most presents.

Go here to the Government of Japan Ministry of the Environment for “How to Furoshiki” for ideas of ways to fold rectangular, spherical and bottle-shaped gifts.

Look for thin fabrics such as silks or fine cottons for easier, compact and delicate knots.

Rayon, nylon or polyester are also suitable materials to use for furoshiki. 

Using upcycled or preloved fabric is one step you can take to reduce the 501,000 tonnes (88% of all waste) of leather and textile waste going to landfill (source – 2009/10 Australian Bureau of Statistics report).

Choosing whether to gift the material (in addition to the gift) is really up to your preference.

If it’s your fabric style, keep it, your recipient will understand. If you’d prefer, gift the piece to them, so it becomes their furoshiki cloth to pass on.

Matching the fabric design and colour to the recipient is a beautiful and thoughtful gesture but not essential.

My friend wrapped this year’s gift in a black and white scarf that I wrapped her gift in last year!