How to use furoshiki & tenugui? (1) Learn the art of wrapping

How to use furoshiki?

Furoshiki are a traditional Japanese cloth product that typically comes in a simple square shape. Traditional furoshiki was mostly silk or cotton, but modern counterparts also use synthetic fiber which can be cheaper and easier to take care of. Furoshiki is typically about 50 x 50 cm or 70 x 70 cm. Larger size furoshiki, up to 130 x 130 cm, are also used to carry larger items. Many of them are reversible so that you can enjoy different colors/patterns.

Furoshiki was so versatile that people used it as bags and/or wrappers for different occasions. Especially before Japanese society modernized and Westernized, furoshiki was everywhere.

During Edo period (1603-1868), furoshiki was used on a daily basis to carry belongings and products.
100 Views of Edo by Utagawa Hiroshige (1856-58) [Public Domain]
Left: Surugacho Right: Zojoji

Unfortunately, furoshiki rapidly became unpopular over the last several decades as a variety of bags and wrapping products became available. However, it’s making a come back these days at a global scale as a sustainable and unique alternative. It seems that it’s often referred as an option to replace wrapping paper. In reality, it’s not practical nor conventional. When Japanese use furoshiki to carry gifts, they take it home with them. Furoshiki is usually your belonging, not part of the gift. There are plenty ways to use furoshiki for no wrapping purposes.

Travel aid

Take a couple of furoshiki with you when you travel. They will help when you come home with more stuff than you’d expected.

Bags

There are multiple ways to make a bag using furoshiki. Some are really simple. In order to make bags, you may want to try larger sizes such as 70 x 70 cm or 100 x 100 cm.

There are also accessories to make furoshiki bag making easier.

“Furoshiki bando (Band), hando (hand) or handles”

Furoshiki band or hand or handles are bag handles you can attach to furoshiki bags. Some come in leather, others are made of fabric.

“Furoshiki patchin'”

Furoshiki Patchin’ is usually made of wood or plastic to provide horizontal structure to the opening. It typically has built-in magnets to snap together two sides.