Zero waste gift wrapping traditional Japanese furoshiki style.

I absolutely love this style of wrapping! It’s so beautiful and low waste, whomever you gift the wrap to can reuse it and so can the next person and so on. You can keep an eye out at your favourite thrift store for interesting fabrics, or if you’re like my Mum, take a look through a box or two of fabrics that have been waiting for an airing.

Furoshiki gift wrapping is a traditional Japanese method of wrapping objects using a square cloth. The word “furoshiki” refers to both the cloth itself and the art of wrapping items with it. Furoshiki cloths come in various sizes, patterns, and materials, such as silk or cotton.

Furoshiki gift wrapping is eco-friendly and sustainable. Unlike conventional gift wrap, which is often single-use and generates a significant amount of waste, Furoshiki cloths are reusable. By using Furoshiki, you reduce the consumption of disposable wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons, thereby minimising environmental impact.

Here’s how to do it …

Select a square-shaped cloth that suits the size of your gift. The cloth should be large enough to cover the item completely.

Lay the Furoshiki cloth on a flat surface and put your gift in the centre on a diagonal.

Take two opposite corners of the cloth and bring them together over the gift. Tie a knot or create a simple double knot with these corners, ensuring that the cloth is secure around the gift.

Take the other two opposite corners of the cloth and bring them together. Tie another knot, this time incorporating the first knot. You can use different knot styles depending on your preference.

Gently adjust the fabric to ensure a neat and presentable appearance. You can tuck in any loose ends or create decorative folds to enhance the look. If needed, you can add additional knots or ties for extra security.

To further personalise your Furoshiki wrap, you can add decorative elements like ribbons, tags, flowers, leaves or twigs. Remember to consider eco-friendly options when choosing embellishments.

For a video tutorial click here.

 

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