Try Furoshiki gifting trend: Replace single-use paper with cloth wraps

Hyderabad: As sustainability becomes central to festive gifting, many households are looking for alternatives to single-use wrapping paper. One method gaining traction is Furoshiki, the Japanese cloth-wrapping technique that transforms a square piece of fabric into a functional, reusable and aesthetic way to present gifts.

What is Furoshiki?

Furoshiki refers to a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used since the 8th century to carry belongings, transport goods and present gifts. The cloth, usually cotton, silk or synthetic blends, is square in shape and can be folded or knotted in different ways to wrap objects of various sizes.

Cultural researcher and textile historian Namrata Pandey, speaking to NewsMeter, explains, “Furoshiki began as a practical method of bundling items. Over time, it developed into a cultural expression of care, respect, and mindful gifting.”

Today, it represents a blend of culture and eco-consciousness, making it a fitting alternative for holiday gift exchanges.

Why Furoshiki is becoming popular

The rise of sustainable gifting has brought renewed attention to the method. A single cloth can be reused for years, eliminating waste generated by disposable wrapping materials.

Sustainability educator Rina Mori notes, “The beauty of Furoshiki lies in its circular nature. The cloth does not get torn or discarded but becomes part of the gift itself, encouraging the receiver to reuse it.”

Its adaptability also makes it appealing; one piece of fabric can be tied around books, bottles, boxes, oddly shaped items, or even used as a tote-style carrier.

Types of Furoshiki cloths

Furoshiki cloths vary in size, thickness and material depending on the purpose:

• Small (30–45 cm): For jewellery, small accessories, or compact items

• Medium (50–70 cm): For books, boxes, and standard gifts

• Large (90 cm+): For bottles, larger packages, or double-wrap styles

• Materials: Cotton for everyday use, silk for formal gifting, polyester blends for durability

Designer and fabric artisan Komal Jain says, “Choosing the cloth is part of the gifting experience. Patterns often reflect seasons, celebrations or personal meaning.”

Common Furoshiki wrapping techniques

Furoshiki works through simple knots and folds. Some widely used styles include:

1. Basic Wrap (Otsukai Tsutsumi)

Ideal for square or rectangular boxes. The cloth corners are crossed diagonally and tied into a secure knot.

2. Two-Bottle Wrap (Bin Tsutsumi)

Used to wrap two wine or beverage bottles together by creating a handle-like knot.

3. Single Bottle Wrap (Hitotsu Tsutsumi)

Creates a secure fit around a single bottle, often used for festive drinks or gourmet oil bottles.

4. Bag Style (Maku Tsutsumi)

Transforms the cloth into a small carry bag using two knots.

5. Double Knot Style (Ma-musubi)

Common for general gifting; simple, functional, and visually neat.

Craft educator Amira Khan explains, “Once you learn three or four basic folds, you can wrap nearly anything. The technique is less about precision and more about thoughtful intention.”

How can people practice Furoshiki this holiday season

1. Start with a cloth you already own

Scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs, or leftover fabric squares can act as Furoshiki cloths. This keeps the practice low-cost and sustainable.

2. Choose gifts that pair well with reusable wrapping

Books, skincare hampers, candles, small gadgets, and bottles work well with most Furoshiki styles.

3. Offer cloth as part of the gift

Recipients can later use the cloth as a table napkin, scarf, grocery wrap, or decorative cloth.

4. Add personal touches

Attach a handwritten note or small ornament to the knot. Some people embroider initials onto the cloth to personalise the gifting experience.

5. Learn simple knots

Practising basic knots, double knots, square knots, slip knots, helps in mastering Furoshiki quickly.

6. Encourage reuse

Add a small tag explaining what the cloth is and how it can be reused, creating a chain of sustainable gifting.

The cultural value behind the practice

Beyond sustainability, Furoshiki communicates a deeper sense of intention.

“In Japanese tradition, the wrapping is as meaningful as the gift. Furoshiki signals that time and thought have been invested in the act of giving,” says Khan.

Adopting it during the holidays aligns with themes of community, resourcefulness, and conscious celebration.

A sustainable shift for seasonal gifting

As holiday waste continues to grow globally, Furoshiki offers a practical solution rooted in history and craftsmanship. By integrating cloth wrapping into seasonal traditions, families can reduce waste while adding an element of cultural storytelling to their gifts.

Whether practised with store-bought cloths or repurposed fabrics, Furoshiki adds meaning to the exchange and encourages a long-term shift towards sustainable gifting habits.