How to Wrap Gifts Japanese Style

Furoshiki is the Japanese art of folding cloths for gifts or for carrying. This craft provides the benefit of using cloth for an environmentally conscious gift. Many people enhance gifts by wrapping simple objects such as notepads or stationery in colorful scarves or shawls for a beautiful and thoughtful present.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Square cloth
• Flat object

Soo Tsutsumi (Padded Carry Wrap)

1. Lay the cloth flat with the bottom corner pointing towards you (the opposite corner will be pointing away from you and two corners will be directed left and right).

2. Place the object at the bottom of cloth with the corner exposed. Pull the exposed bottom corner over the object.

3. Hold the partially wrapped object in the cloth securely and tightly roll the object in the cloth in an upward direction to reach the top corner.

4. Position the wrapped object so that the exposed top corner is underneath.

5. Pull the left and right corners to the center of the object and tie securely. If desired and enough cloth is available, tie these together in a bow knot for a fancier presentation.

Tips & Warnings

• Insert a decorative stemmed flower or pencil under the center tie. Use decorated fabric or a scarf to enhance your gift.

References

• Art Talk: Exceptional Gift Wrapping, Japanese Style
• Furoshiki Techniques

Resources

• Government of Japan Ministry of the Environment: Furoshiki