Furoshiki: How to Wrap a Gift in Fabric

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth: a square of fabric used to wrap, carry and present almost anything. To wrap a gift with one, place the item in the centre, fold the corners over it in a set order, and secure the ends with a square knot. No tape, no scissors and no paper are needed, and the cloth can be used again or kept as part of the gift. Once you know one knot and three or four folds, you can wrap boxes, bottles, books and even round objects.

Choosing a cloth

Any square of fabric that drapes well and holds a knot will do. Traditional furoshiki are made in cotton, silk, rayon or polyester, often printed on one side. You can also use:

• A large scarf or bandana.
• A square tea towel or a cloth napkin for small gifts.
• A cut square of cotton fabric, with the edges hemmed or pinked so they do not fray.

What size do you need?

A useful rule of thumb: the diagonal of the cloth should be about three times the longest side of the item. Too small and the corners will not meet for a knot; too large and the result looks bulky, though extra fabric can be tucked under.

First learn the square knot

Almost every furoshiki wrap ends in a square knot, which lies flat, holds firmly and still unties easily.

1. Take one corner in each hand. Cross the right over the left and tuck it under, as for the first step of tying a shoe.
2. Now cross the left end over the right and tuck it through.
3. Pull both ends evenly. The knot should sit flat, with the two tails pointing out to either side.

If the tails stand up vertically, the second cross went the wrong way. Untie it and repeat, remembering: right over left, then left over right.

To untie a square knot quickly, hold one tail and pull it straight so it lies in line with its own fabric; the knot then slides apart.

The basic box wrap

1. Lay the cloth flat, pattern side down, turned so one corner points towards you like a diamond.
2. Place the box in the centre.
3. Fold the corner nearest you over the box and tuck it underneath.
4. Fold the far corner over the top of the box. Tuck any excess under the box edge for a neat finish.
5. Bring the left and right corners up and tie them together on top with a square knot.
6. Spread out the tails or tuck them in to form a flat bow.

The result has neat lines similar to folded paper. For the paper version, our guide on how to wrap a gift neatly walks through the folds.

The bottle wrap

1. Lay the cloth flat as a diamond and stand the bottle in the centre.
2. Bring the near and far corners up above the bottle and tie them together with a square knot at the neck.
3. Take the two side corners and wrap them around the bottle in opposite directions, crossing at the back.
4. Bring them round to the front and tie a second square knot.
5. The top knot's tails can be twisted into a carry handle or tied into a small bow.

For two bottles, lay them on their sides in the centre, bases touching, roll the cloth around them, then stand them up and tie the ends. The bottles sit side by side with a handle above.

Wrapping a round gift

Round objects such as a candle, a ball or a jar are notoriously awkward with paper. With cloth they are simple.

1. Set the object in the middle of the cloth.
2. Tie two neighbouring corners together with a square knot. Then tie the other two corners together.
3. Thread one knotted loop under the other and lift. The two loops now make a handle, and the object sits snugly in the pouch.

Finishing touches

• Slip a sprig of greenery, a dried flower or a name tag under the knot.
• Tie a contrasting ribbon around the knot; see how to tie a bow with ribbon for a small, tidy bow.
• Use the cloth as the lining or cover of a hamper, so the wrapping and the present belong together. Our guide on how to make a gift basket suggests fabric as a cover.

Common questions

Can I wrap a gift without tape if I only have paper?

Yes, to a point. Folding the paper tightly and tucking the ends under, or tying it with ribbon or string, keeps it closed. Cloth is still easier, as it holds its own shape once knotted.

Does the recipient keep the cloth?

That is up to you. Some people treat the cloth as part of the gift; others ask for it back. A beautiful scarf or tea towel used as wrapping makes the choice easy.

Is furoshiki only for gifts?

No. The same cloth works as a shopping bag, a lunch carrier or a way to bundle clothes in a suitcase, which is part of why it has lasted so long.