It’s in Japan that I discovered the art of Furoshiki. Originally, this ancestral method was used by the Japanese to carry their clothes and toiletries when they were going to the sento (public baths). Today, this technique is used to wrap gifts, carry a bottle of alcohol or a pie when invited at someone’s place. I used it myself regularly when I was living in Tokyo. I have many squares of fabrics of different sizes to be able to wrap everything. The Furoshiki has many advantages. It’s practical. It’s a zero waste method that even allows you to recycle fabrics that you no longer use. And it’s very chic. With Christmas only few weeks away, I wanted to share with you a step by step of how to Furoshiki.

Materials :

• Squares of soft fabrics (from 50cm side to 80cm / 100cm to be able to wrap any type of gifts)

• Dried flowers, eucalyptus leaves or pinecones (optional)

Fabrics can be part of the gift and offered to your loved ones. In Japan, there are very beautiful squares patterned fabrics available in stores, specially designed for the Furoshiki. Anywhere else, you can buy a fabric that you like, cut out squares of different size, then make 1cm hems for a cleaner look. Otherwise, you can simply use napkins, pillow cases, or even cut old sheets.

Les étapes

1. Put you square fabric flat on a table or on the floor. You have to face one angle.

2. Arrange your gift in the middle of the fabric. Each side must be facing an angle.

3. Fold the top and bottom corners so that their ends touch the sides of the gift.

4. Fold the upper part on the gift. Then the lower part, ensuring that the fabric stays straight and flat.

5. Bring the left tip upwards. Do the same thing with the right one.

6. Make a tight knot with these two tips. Then a double knot.

7. Leave some room for your imagination. You can personalize your gifts by slipping some dried flowers, eucalyptus or even a pine cone into the Furoshiki's knot. You can also attach labels to write the names of the people for whom they are intended. Once your loved ones have opened their gifts, collect the pieces of fabric to reuse them.

Did you like this DIY? Feel free to share it with your friends and family and on social media (Instagram, Pinterest ...) :)