A waste-free way to wrap gifts using the Japanese art of furoshiki

Looking for a special, waste-free way to wrap your Christmas presents?

Ditch the wrapping paper, bows and sticky tape for a traditional Japanese style of wrapping.

Furoshiki is a tradition that uses patterned fabric, usually in the shape of a square, to wrap gifts or carry items.

"The 'furo' means bath, and 'shiki' means something to put underneath," Yoko Nakazawa explains.

It's a method that's been passed down for generations.

"In the old days, people put clothing inside of furoshiki and then carry [the bundle] to the public bath," Ms Nakazawa says.

The great thing about furoshiki is the fabric — not only are the designs so beautiful you'll want to reuse them, but it makes wrapping odd shapes easier.

You can use almost any fabric to wrap your gifts, but Ms Nakazawa's favourite is cotton. 

You can pick out a colourful furoshiki fabric at your local textile store, op shop or save yourself some money (and help out the environment too) by upcycling fabric you have at home — like a tea towel, bed linen or as one reader suggested: "an old scarf."

We caught up with Ms Nakazawa to learn the art of Japanese wrapping for different gifts this Christmas — no wrapping paper, scissors or sticky tape required.

Small gifts

If you're new to furoshiki, try wrapping your small gifts first.

This first technique is fairly simple and great for gifts around the size a bento box, Ms Nakazawa says.

Method

1. 1.To start, place your furoshiki fabric with the pattern face-down and flatten it out.
2. 2.Place your gift in the middle and fold one corner until the item is covered, tucking the fabric in underneath.
3. 3.Grab the opposite corner and fold it over, tucking the fabric in again.
4. 4.Grab the fabric on your left and right and tie them tightly together in a reef knot.
5. 5.Then tie another knot over the top and pull the ends so the knot is securely in place.

Ms Nakazawa says furoshiki knots are culturally significant to Japanese people — so when you're wrapping a present, it's important that your knot is tied parallel to the folded fabric.

Wine bottles

Wrapping wine bottles in furoshiki can be easier than fiddling around with wrapping paper, and it can also protect them from getting damaged while you're travelling.

Using a large piece of furoshiki fabric, Ms Nakazawa explains the best way to wrap two wine bottles —and create a sturdy handle you can use to carry them too.

Method

1. 1.Fatten out your furoshiki fabric with the pattern side face-down. Then place your wine bottles in the middle, with the bottom of the bottle facing each other, leaving a couple of centimetres in between them.
2. 2.Take one corner and fold it diagonally across so you're left with one big triangle. Then firmly roll the wine bottle forward until you reach the end.
3. 3.Once that's done, fold the top ends of the bottles up so they're both standing up straight. Grab the leftover fabric above the wine lid and tie it in a reef knot. Tie another knot over the top to securely hold it in place.
4. 4.To create a handle, hold the leftover fabric up straight and tie a double knot at the top.

Adding a little extra flair to your gift wrapping

If you've got the hang of furoshiki wrapping and want your gift to stand out, put your creative skills to the test with Ms Nakazawa's flower knot technique.

Method

1. 1.Place your furoshiki fabric with the pattern facing down and flattened out. 
2. 2.Put your gift in the middle and bring opposite ends (diagonally) of the fabric up, holding the corners together. 
3. 3.Keeping one hand at the top, take your other hand and grab the fabric and run your hand straight down until you reach the gift.
4. 4.Hold the fabric tightly in place, removing the other hand from the top. 
5. 5.With your spare hand, grab one side of the fabric and cross it over the top. With that same hand, repeat this step for the other side.
6. 6.You should now have a knot in the middle with two 'bunny ears' of fabric on each side.
7. 7.On one side, tie two knots then repeat this step for the other side making sure they're pulled tight.
8. 8.Once that's done, grab your fabric and pull it up while pushing down the knot in the middle down to make sure it's tight.
9. 9.Open up the fabric in the middle and start spreading it out.
10. 10.Then, loosely hold it up in the air and pinch the fabric five centimetres from the top.
11. 11.Use that point as a marker to tuck one side of your fabric inside the small hole in the middle of your knot. Repeat this step for the other side of the fabric.
12. 12.The smaller fabrics hanging to the side of your "flower" can be tightened by gently pulling them and should look similar to a leaf.
13. 13.Voila! The top of your present should now look like a flower knot.