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Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese method of wrapping gifts using fabric instead of paper. It’s beautiful, reusable, and environmentally friendly — plus, it’s a wonderful way for kids to add a handmade touch to their presents.

The best part? You don’t need to sew anything at all! But if kids want to sew the edges, they can — making this a simple sewing or no-sew project.

What Is Furoshiki?

Furoshiki (pronounced foo-row-she-key) refers to both the cloth and the wrapping technique. For centuries, people in Japan used square pieces of fabric to wrap gifts, lunches, clothing, bottles, and more.
Because it’s reusable, furoshiki is:
Eco-friendly
Budget-friendy
Easy for kids
Beautiful and customizable
Kids can make these cloths from leftover fabric, fat quarters, old scarves, or even repurposed clothing.

Supplies You’ll Need

Square fabric pieces (commonly 18" x 18", 24" x 24", or 28" x 28")
Optional: sewing machine or needle if hemming the edges
Scissors
Iron
Optional decorations: fabric markers, ribbon, appliqués

Optional Sewing Step: Hem the Edges

This step makes the wrap more durable — but it’s not required.
Fold the edges over ¼" and press with an iron.
Fold again ¼" to hide raw edges.
Sew all the way around with a straight stitch.
Kids can also use pinking shears to create a zig-zag edge without sewing.

Step-by-Step Furoshiki Wrapping Methods

Below are three easy wrapping styles perfect for beginners:
1. Basic Square Knot Wrap (great for books, boxes, small items)
Lay the fabric out flat like a diamond.
Place the gift in the center.
Fold the top and bottom corners over the gift.
Bring the left and right corners together.
Tie a double knot on top.
This creates a neat, secure bundle with a bow-like knot!

2. Bottle Wrap (for water bottles, cocoa mix jars, or rolled treats)
Stand the bottle in the center of the fabric.
Pull opposite corners up and tie a knot above the bottle cap.
Pull the remaining two corners out to the sides and tie them into a bow.
Kids love this one—it looks fancy but is super simple.

3. Two-Knot Gift Bag Wrap (good for odd-shaped items)
Place the item in the center of the cloth.
Tie two opposite corners into a tight knot — this forms a handle.
Tie the remaining corners over the top of the gift.
It creates a cute “fabric bag” without any cutting or sewing!

Decorating the Fabric Wrap

Kids can personalize their furoshiki cloths by:
Drawing designs with fabric markers
Sewing on felt shapes
Stitching decorative edges
Adding ribbon or buttons
Using holiday or themed fabric
This turns the wrap itself into part of the gift!

Why Kids Love Furoshiki

It’s fast — even young children can do it.
It makes any gift look special.
It teaches sustainability and creativity.
It can be reused year after year.