Make Your Own Furoshiki.

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that was used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods during the Nara period. Now, it can be used to wrap almost anything. Furoshiki can be made using a variety of cloths from silk to cotton and even nylon. Although there is no set size, furoshikis usually come in 45cm and 72cm sizes. Since they can be used again and again, furoshikis serve as a great and "green" alternative to using plastic bags and wrapping paper. Below is a diagram of some of the ways to wrap using furoshiki.

I recently participated in a package exchange and instead of wrapping my gifts with wrapping paper and tissue, I decided to wrap it with my own furoshiki. Since they are reusable, the furoshiki that I used to wrap the gifts with becomes a gift itself! Furoshikis are so easy to make. For mine, I used a basic table napkin tutorial. Click the link or the image below to check out my easy tutorial!

Materials:

• 18 inch square of fabric
• steam iron
• tape measure or ruler
• sewing machine
• scissors

Instructions:

1. Start off by ironing the fabric.
2. Measure about an inch around the farbic. Fold and press.
3. Fold the edges in half and press again.
4. For smoother corners, trim the corners of the fabric as shown in photo.
5. Fold the corners in and press the edges back in place.
6. Sew the folded edges in place.