Furoshiki wrapping is a traditional Japanese way of wrapping gifts that is both beautiful and sustainable using a square piece of cloth.
Written by Jane Harbison, sewing pattern and fabric designer specialising in boys' and men's clothing, colour tools and wearable handmade gifts.
If you think your gift isn't anything special, wrapping it in fabric, especially somthing luxurious like satin, will make your gift memorable.
Furoshiki wrapping is a traditional Japanese way of wrapping gifts that is both beautiful and sustainable using a square piece of cloth. It can be used to wrap almost anything.
This wrapping method is perfect for those who want to avoid using wasteful wrapping paper.
This eco-friendly wrapping method is becoming increasingly popular in the West as people look for alternatives to traditional wrapping paper.
It's also a great way to reuse old cloth or scarves that you might otherwise throw away. And it's a lot of fun to experiment with different fabrics and patterns to create unique and beautiful wrapped gifts.
To wrap a gift using Furoshiki, you will need a square piece of fabric, traditionally 45cm x 45cm, but of course it depends on the size of your gift.
Making the most of your Fat Quarter
A Fat Quarter’s measures 68cm x 50cm with a traditional finished Furoshiki wrap measuring 45cm x 45cm. After you have allowed for hems this gives you a little extra strip to trim off and make a scarf for your handbag!
Download A4 and A3 PDF Template for Furoshiki Square. Find a video tutorial here for sewing mitred corners.
One of the great things about Furoshiki wrapping is that it can be done with any type of fabric – from traditional Japanese fabric to a simple cotton dish towel.
To make the decision easy, I have designed sophisticated Fat Quarter Satin Bundles (set of 6) specifically for men in the fabric section of the shop.
Each Satin fabric bundle is designed to mix and match with any pattern working with another.
You can create six one sided squares or 3 double sided squares.
The Fat Quarter Satin fabrics also make a great gift in themselves and can become anything you put your imagination to.
You can use just one piece of fabric but traditionally it two sided, with different patterns featuring on either side. This way when you fold it, a beautiful pattern is always being displayed.
It's easy to learn how to do it yourself.
There are many videos online on how to make the square ready for wrapping and I like this video tutorial by Art Gallery Fabrics where they provide three ways to wrap a gift.
This resource by Invaluable provides 12 different ways to fold your fabric to wrap your gift from boxes to bottles.
To finish, you can decorate your Furoshiki wrapping with flowers, leaves, twigs, seasonal decorations like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Father’s Day.
I particularly like including something our kids have made. This added touch will make your wrapped gift look even more special.
If you're looking for a unique and eco-friendly way to wrap gifts, look no further than furoshiki wrapping. Not only is it beautiful, but it's also functional.
Furoshiki wrapping is easy to learn, and there are endless possibilities for how to personalise your wrapping. Have fun experimenting with different fabrics, patterns, and colours.
A4 and A3 PDF Template
Furoshiki Square Template to place on your Fat Quarter of fabric.
Jane Harbison Design
