Benefits of Furoshiki

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese cloths that are used for a variety of things. They are most well known to be wrapping cloths that are the eco alternative to paper and plastic gift wrapping.

They were used from ancient times as a way to easily carry and transport objects and shopping. Over time, furoshiki became more popular for merchants to transport goods and others used them to decorate and wrap gifts for special occasions.

 

In Japan, they are not as popular as they once were, but you can still see some people using them to wrap their bento (for daily lunches or especially during picnic seasons) and use them as a placemat.

Overseas, furoshiki are becoming more and more popular as an eco alternative to plastic bags and other wasteful packaging.

There are dozens of different ways to tie furoshiki cloths, from wrapping gifts (boxes, bottles…), making handbags from them, grocery shopping carrier, and even clothing items (little tops, sash, bolero…) or accessories (hair, outfit, handbag…).

A fantastic video showing different furoshiki folds: