How to Wrap Gifts with Fabric
The Complete Furoshiki Guide
Forget sticky tape, scissors, and paper that goes straight in the bin. Fabric gift wrapping — inspired by the ancient Japanese art of furoshiki — is easier than you think, looks absolutely stunning, and creates zero waste. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to wrap like a pro.
Whether you're wrapping for Christmas, birthdays, a baby shower, or just because — once you try fabric wrapping, you won't go back.
What Is Furoshiki? A Quick History
Furoshiki (pronounced foo-ROH-shki) is the traditional Japanese art of wrapping objects in cloth. The word literally translates to 'bath spread' — dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868), when Japanese bathhouse visitors would wrap their kimonos in beautifully patterned cloths to keep them separate from others'.
Over centuries, furoshiki evolved from a practical carry cloth into a refined art form used for gift-giving, carrying goods, and daily life. Today, it's having a well-deserved global revival as a sustainable, zero-waste alternative to disposable wrapping paper.
At Wrap Revolution, we've brought this beautiful tradition to Australia with a modern twist — using organic cotton and deadstock fabrics that are as gorgeous as they are planet-friendly.
💡 Wrap Tip: Did you know?
Most conventional wrapping paper cannot be recycled — it's laminated, dyed, or covered in glitter. Australians throw away tonnes of it every year. Fabric wrapping is the circular alternative.
The beauty of furoshiki wrapping is its simplicity
All you need is...
A fabric wrap — ideally square or close to square.
Our Wrap Revolution wraps come in perfectly sized options for all gift types.
Your gift (boxed gifts are easiest to start with, but almost any shape works!)
No tape. No scissors. No ribbons required.
That's genuinely it. No wrapping station needed.
💡 Wrap Tip: Sizing guide
Your wrap's diagonal measurement should be roughly 3 times the length of your gift.
A 45cm x 45cm wrap is perfect for small gifts like books or candles,
a 75cm x 75cm wrap suits most standard box sizes and a 90cm x 90cm wrap suits a hamper.
Technique 1
The Classic Knot (Otsukai Tsutsumi) — Perfect for Beginners
This is the classic furoshiki technique and the easiest to learn. Perfect for rectangular boxes, books, or anything with a flat bottom.
STEP 1.
Place the Item Diagonally
Lay your fabric face-down on a flat surface in a diamond orientation (rotated 45°, so it looks like a diamond, not a square). Place your gift in the centre of the fabric.
STEP 2.
Fold the Corners In
Pull the bottom corner up and over the gift, tucking it slightly underneath on the other side. Pull the top corner down and over, overlapping the first fold.
STEP 3.
Knot the Other Corners
Take the two side corners and bring them up to meet in the middle on top of the gift. Tie them together in a simple single or double knot.
STEP 4.
Final Adjustments
Fine-tune the folds of the wrapping for a beautiful, finished result.
And voilà! You’ve wrapped your gift using the eco-friendly, tape-free furoshiki wrapping technique!
💡 Wrap Tip: Practise once with a tissue box before wrapping the real gift — you'll be a pro in under 5 minutes.
Here are some easy to follow videos that will show you how to use furoshiki using all the most brilliant furoshiki techniques.
What Is Furoshiki Wrapping Made From?
Furoshiki wrapping is traditionally made from fabric, typically cotton, silk, or polyester.
Where Does Furoshiki Wrap Come From?
Furoshiki wrapping has its roots in Japan, dating back to the Nara period (710-794 AD), when large cloths were used to wrap and protect valuable items, like temple treasures. Originally, these wraps were meant for organisation and safeguarding, rather than transportation.
By the Edo period (1603-1868), furoshiki had become more common, transforming into both a practical and decorative method for wrapping gifts, personal items, and goods for transport. Over time, it became a cultural symbol, appreciated for its versatility, beauty, and eco-friendly nature. Today, furoshiki continues its tradition as a sustainable alternative to disposable gift wrap, embracing its long history in modern Japan.
At Wrap Revolution, as a brand dedicated to innovation, we source our cloth from the highest quality mill houses all over the world, including Europe!
How Much Does Furoshiki Wrapping Cost?
At Wrap Revolution, we have a range of wraps in our collections. As the price depends on the fabric you choose, come explore our shop today!
How To Clean Furoshiki Wrapping
Cleaning furoshiki wrapping is quite simple and depends on the fabric used. Here’s a general guide...
For Cotton or Linen Furoshiki
Hand Wash or Machine Wash: These fabrics are durable, so you can hand wash them with mild detergent in cold or lukewarm water, or toss them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Air Dry: Lay the fabric flat or hang it to dry. Avoid using a dryer, as it could shrink or weaken the fabric over time.
Ironing: If you want your furoshiki to look crisp, you can iron it on a low to medium setting once dry.
For Silk or Delicate Fabrics
Hand Wash Only: Use cool water and a gentle detergent suitable for silk or delicates. Gently swish the fabric around without scrubbing or wringing it.
Air Dry: Silk should be air-dried in the shade, away from direct sunlight to avoid fading or damage.
No Ironing: Avoid ironing silk, but if absolutely necessary, use a cool iron with a protective cloth placed between the fabric and the iron.
For Polyester or Blended Fabrics
Machine Wash: Polyester is quite durable, so you can machine wash it on a gentle cycle using cold water.
Air Dry or Tumble Dry: Polyester can usually handle a tumble dry on a low heat setting, but air drying is always the safest option to maintain its longevity.
Ironing: If needed, use a low heat setting to remove any wrinkles.
Stain Removal
For stubborn stains, apply a bit of mild detergent or fabric-specific stain remover, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently wash. Avoid harsh chemicals, especially on silk or organic fabrics.
By keeping these steps in mind, you can maintain your furoshiki wrapping in top condition for multiple uses, adding to its sustainable charm!
How Long Does Furoshiki Wrapping Last?
Furoshiki wraps are made to last! With a little care, they can be reused again and again—perfect for wrapping, re-wrapping, and passing on like a gift that keeps on giving. Whether it's cotton, linen, or silk, these wraps stick around for years, making them the ultimate eco-friendly choice that just keeps going!