Last Updated on December 1, 2025
Furoshiki, hailing from Japan, is a centuries-old technique of gift wrapping using reusable fabric. It’s like giving two gifts in one – the present inside and the exquisite eco-printed cloth that wraps it. Not only does it look stunning, but it also minimizes waste. This traditional method is gaining recognition worldwide, and for good reason. With Furoshiki, you can wrap gifts of various sizes without relying on disposable wrapping paper.
And the best part? Learning Furoshiki is an easy, enjoyable journey that adds a touch of eco-friendliness to your holiday celebrations. You can use a variety of fabrics for Furoshiki, but wrapping with silk adds an extra layer of elegance to your gifts.
First, eco print your silk with dried botanicals. Follow instructions in the tutorial Eco-printed Silk: Botanically Dyed Furoshiki Gift Wraps by Atenas Morales Aguilar in the Winter 2023 edition of Botanical Anthology. The following is a sneak peek at her article in this herbal magazine that features remedies, recipes and projects with plants for the winter season. It can be purchased as a printed version here and as a digital version here.
With this silk Furoshiki technique, your gifts will not only be eco-friendly but also exceptionally stylish.
Materials
- Eco-printed square fabric, or any other cloth (square-shaped)
- The item you wish to wrap/gift
Method
1. Lay Out your fabric: Spread the fabric flat on a surface, with the design side facing down.
2. Place the Item: Position your item in the center of the fabric.
3. Bring Corners Together: Take opposite corners of the fabric and bring them together over the item. If your Furoshiki has a specific pattern, make sure it’s facing out.
4. Tie a Knot: Tie a simple knot with the two corners you brought together. This secures the item in the cloth.
5. Adjust and Tighten: Adjust the fabric and tighten the knot as needed to secure the wrapped item firmly.
6. Fold or Tuck Edges (Optional): If there’s excess fabric, you can fold or tuck the edges for a neater look.
7. Inspect and Adjust: Make sure the item is securely wrapped and the Furoshiki is snug. Adjust as needed.
Atenas, a botanical artist, combines traditional techniques of botanical printing and natural dyeing. Her sustainable artwork captures nature’s beauty with unique patterns and vibrant colors. From fabric prints to textiles, her art fosters a deeper connection, preserving nature’s splendor in meaningful ways. Take a look at her work and journey on IG and Youtube as @scarabajo_botanical or visit her website at www.scarabajo.com to learn more.
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