How to Do Furoshiki

Furoshiki is a Japanese cloth originally used to wrap and carry almost anything. Now furoshiki is used mostly to wrap gifts. If you make your furoshiki out of durable fabric like cotton, it will be machine washable and can be used over and over again. Using a furoshiki gift wrapping helps keep paper out of the landfills, making it not only a beautiful and useful craft, but earth-friendly, as well. Read on to learn how to do furoshiki.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One yard of fabric
• Matching thread
• Sewing Machine
• A gift you have chosen for someone special
• Iron

1. Wash and press the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will pre-shrink the fabric and remove any excess color or sizing.

2. Fold the edges under ¼ inch, to the wrong side. Press. Fold the already-folded edges under another ¼ inch. Press.

3. To miter the corners, unfold each corner and trim the corner edges diagonally across the lower fold line. Fold this new diagonal edge under ¼ inch. Press. Fold under ¼ inches again and press.

4. Top-stitch around the entire edge of the square.

5. Use your Firoshiki to wrap a gift with a four-tie wrapping method. Put your gift in the middle of the fabric. Fold over corners A and C and tie them together in a square knot. Fold corners B and D over, tie another knot on top of the first knot.

6. Tie your firoshiki wrapping a different way by tying corners A and B, and corners C and D. Pull one knot underneath and through the other, and your gift is wrapped.

Tips & Warnings

• Furoshiki can be made different sizes for different purposes. Any size fabric will work, as long as it is square and big enough to tie.
• Although cotton makes a durable and practical furoshiki, you can also create a beautiful firoshi wrapping of silk, rayon or any fabric you choose. Be aware that may be difficult more to sew and may require dry-cleaning. Read the manufacturer's directions.

[FUROSHIKIBYNARA]

on 8/22/2008 If you are interested in learning more about the ancient art of the Furoshiki you NEED to stop by my website, www.furoshikibynara.com where I am starting a business based around its use. The furoshiki is an ancient practice that can be used today in so many ways and is a very green product. My goal is to show our culture how great this item can be!
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