What is Furoshiki wrapping fabric?

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth: a square or nearly square piece of fabric used to wrap, carry and protect items. The Japanese tradition of wrapping objects in cloth dates back more than a thousand years.

This centuries-old practice has evolved from cloth used to protect and carry belongings into the wrapping tradition recognised today.

The tradition also reflects the Japanese idea of “mottainai”: valuing what we have, avoiding unnecessary waste and using things carefully rather than throwing them away.

 

What is Furoshiki used for?

A square of wrapping fabric can be used to wrap gifts and carry all kinds of items. The fabric is folded and tied around the object, with different techniques used for boxes, bottles, cylindrical gifts and other shapes.

Because the fabric folds and gathers naturally around the gift, it works particularly well for awkward shapes that can be frustrating to wrap in paper. It can then be untied, folded away and used again, with no scissors or sticky tape needed.

Furoshiki gift wrapping is simpler than it looks

Some of the finished Furoshiki designs can look quite elaborate, but the wrapping itself can be remarkably simple. A few folds and ties can create an impressive gift in moments, making fabric gift wrapping quick and easy to use.

See how to wrap with Furoshiki