So, you've heard about furoshiki and want to get started. What do you need? Wrapping with fabrics is super easy and you'll need little to no supplies, except for your furoshiki cloth. To help you get started with furoshiki, we've put together this blog post with must-have supplies and tips. Whether you're wrapping gifts, making furoshiki bags, or scarves - here's all you need to know.
Must-Have Supplies
Furoshiki Cloths
The most important, and basically only, supply you'll need is a furoshiki cloth. This should be a square cloth made from thin textiles. Cotton and silk make great materials for furoshiki, as they are light but durable, adding an elegant touch. Opt for organic materials to add a sustainable touch as well!
The furoshiki cloth should be square, varying in size depending on what size your gift is or what wrapping technique you're using.
Optional: Scissors for DIY Cloths
While furoshiki normally doesn't require cutting, having a good pair of scissors is helpful if you're making your own cloths by repurposing fabric from old clothes or linens.
Reusable Accessories
A furoshiki makes a stylish statement on its own, but reusable accessories can be used to add a special touch to your gift wrap. For instance, you can use cord or recycled ribbons for extra support or decorative touches, or you can use decorative pins or clips to add flair to your wrapping as well.
Practice Fabric
Before investing in high-quality furoshiki cloths, it might be a good idea to practice with inexpensive fabric or repurposed scarves to get a hang of the basic folds and knots. Practice makes perfect!
Tips for Getting Started
Learn Basic Wrapping Techniques
Start out with simple techniques, like otsukai tsutsumi - a basic carry wrap for rectangular items, bin tsutsumi - a bottle wrap for wine or other beverage gifts, or hira tsutsumi - a flat wrap, perfect for flat items like notebooks or tablet cases.
Learning these basic wrapping techniques will give you the confidence and skill to try out more intricate styles.
Practice Knot Tying
Many furoshiki techniques rely on secure knots. Practice tying square and double knots to ensure that your wraps will hold form and avoid over-tightening knots to prevent creases in delicate fabrics. But even if you do crease your furoshiki, you can always iron it out.
Use the Right-Sized Cloth
A good rule of thumb is to select a cloth that's roughly three times the size of the item you're wrapping. This provides enough fabric for secure knots and a polished finish.
Incorporate Personal Touches
You've already added a unique and sustainable touch by wrapping in a furoshiki, now it's time for a personal touch! Add small embellishments like sprigs of greenery, dry flowers, or handmade tags to make your wrapping even more special. These details elevate your gift while keeping it eco-friendly.
Repurpose and Reuse
Don't feel confined to traditional furoshiki cloths. Scarves, handkerchiefs, and even old shirts can be upcyled into beautiful wraps. Reusing materials not only saves money but also reinforces the sustainable spirit of furoshiki, as you're giving clothes a second life.
Experiment and Adapt
Furoshiki are incredibly versatile. Once you've got the basic techniques figured out, experiment with different wrapping styles and uses. You can rely on tutorials or figure out your own unique techniques. Try creating a simple bag for groceries or crafting unique table décor for special occasions.
Take It Slow
Don't worry about achieving perfection right away. The beauty of furoshiki lies in its simplicity and creativity. With practice, you'll find your wraps becoming more polished and artistic!
Where to Find Furoshiki Supplies
You can find supplies with online retailers, like FabRap that offer a wide range of furoshiki cloths in various materials and designs. You can also support local craft stores by looking for fabric squares or decorative scarves that can double as wrapping cloths. And if you can't find any fabric scraps or scarves in your home, try thrift stores to find unique fabrics!
Get Started - Happy Wrapping!
Furoshiki is more than just a wrapping method, it adds a sustainable and personal touch to everyday tasks and special occasions. With a few basic supplies and these beginner friendly tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering this timeless art. Happy wrapping!