How to Make Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap
The Eco-Friendly Way to Wrap Gifts: DIY Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap with Furoshiki
Wrapping gifts doesn’t have to mean wasting paper! With the furoshiki wrapping method, you can create beautiful, reusable fabric gift wrap that’s both stylish and sustainable. I am Sandy of Thai Charm Quilting, and I can’t wait to share this gift wrap idea with you.
This Japanese-inspired technique is perfect for wrapping books, boxes, and more—offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gift wrap. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to sew your own fabric wrap, making gift-giving both elegant and waste-free!
Furoshiki is more than just fabric wrapping—it’s an artful, eco-friendly way to present gifts with meaning. Rooted in Japanese tradition, furoshiki blends beauty, sustainability, and practicality, transforming packaging into an elegant expression of care and respect. Originally used for carrying personal belongings, this versatile cloth has become a worldwide favorite for gift wrapping, organization, and everyday use.
I still remember when my dad took his first trip to Japan. Just as he was about to leave a shop, he grabbed the perfect gift for my mom. Thinking he could quickly pay and go, he was stopped by the kind lady at the counter. “That will not do, sir,” she said. Before he knew it, she had carefully wrapped the gift, turning it into something even more special. That’s the magic of furoshiki—the wrapping becomes part of the experience.
Why Make Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap: Beauty, Sustainability, and Meaning
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s dive into the fun part—sewing your own furoshiki wrap! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use traditional furoshiki wrapping techniques to elegantly package gifts, books, or anything you like, combining beauty, sustainability, and sentiment. I’m pairing Gayle Loraine fabrics with the timeless covers of the Village Lane Classics Collection, featuring beloved novels like Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility. Just as each book holds a unique place in literature, each fabric has been thoughtfully chosen to complement its gift.
How to Choose the Right Reusable Fabric Size
A simple rule of thumb when selecting furoshiki fabric is to choose a piece approximately three times larger than the item you’re wrapping. For example, if you’re wrapping a standard book (8” x 5”), an ideal furoshiki fabric size would be at least 24” x 24”. This ensures you have enough fabric to fold, tie, and create the signature elegant draping that makes furoshiki wrapping so special.
1. Choose Your Fabrics
While you can use a single hemmed fabric or mix multiple fabrics, using too many seams can make folding tricky.
I debated between fabrics inspired by Emma and Pride and Prejudice, but ultimately, Emma’s bold, lively spirit won me over. These two fabrics capture her essence beautifully!
2. Cutting Your Fabric for the Perfect Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap
To ensure a beautiful and functional reusable fabric gift wrap, your fabric should be about three times the size of the gift you’re wrapping. My book measures 5.25” x 8”, so I’m using a 24” x 24” fabric square (8” x 3 = 24”) to allow for easy folding and tying.
Fabric Cutting Guide:
- (1) 12.5” x 24.5” (Red)
- (1) 12.5” x 24.5” (White)
- (1) 24.5” x 24.5” (Lining Fabric) – I used Magnolia Dreams Night from the Gayle Loraine Collection
These dimensions ensure a seamless, elegant wrap, with enough fabric for a secure and stylish furoshiki fold.
3. Assemble Your Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap
Now it’s time to sew your furoshiki reusable fabric gift wrap! Follow these steps to create a beautiful, reversible fabric wrap with crisp edges and a professional finish.
Step 1: Sew the Accent Fabrics
- Place the two 12.5” x 24.5” fabric pieces right sides together and sew along one long edge using a ¼” seam allowance.
- Press the seam open for a smooth, flat finish.
Step 2: Attach the Lining Fabric
- Place the 24.5” x 24.5” lining fabric right sides together with the sewn accent fabrics.
- Pin around the edges to keep everything in place.
Step 3: Sew and Trim
- Sew around the entire perimeter with a ⅛” seam allowance, leaving a 4-5 inch opening for turning.
- Trim the excess fabric at the four corners to reduce bulk and create sharp, crisp points when turned.
4. Finishing Your Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap: Turning & Topstitching
- Turn the fabric right side out by gently pulling it through the opening.
- Use a point turner or a blunt tool to push out the corners for a crisp, professional look.
- Press the fabric well, ensuring the edges lay flat.
- Topstitch around the entire edge with a ⅛” seam allowance to secure the opening and give your furoshiki wrap a clean, finished appearance.
5. Wrap Your Gift Using the Furoshiki Technique
This fabric wrap is large enough to wrap two books together, so I’ll demonstrate how to use a single furoshiki wrap for both books. If you’re wrapping just one book and have extra fabric, simply tuck the excess underneath for a neater look.
Step-by-Step Wrapping Instructions:
- Center the books on the fabric.
- Fold one corner of the wrap over the books.
- Tuck the fabric corner underneath the books to secure the first fold.
4. Take the opposite corner and fold it toward the center, right next to the books.
5. Grab the folded corner and place it on top of the books.
6. Tuck the excess fabric along the corners, just like you would when wrapping a gift with paper.
7. Bring the remaining two corners to the center and tie them in a square knot on top.
8. Tie the ends into a double knot and adjust the fabric tails for a neat, elegant look.
Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap: A Thoughtful & Elegant Way to Give Gifts
Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap in the Furoshiki style is a simple, creative, and eco-friendly way to add a special touch to any book gift. With just a few folds and knots, you can transform a book into a beautifully wrapped present that’s as meaningful as the story inside. Plus, it’s a sustainable alternative to traditional gift wrap!
A Personalized Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap for a Special Reader
I had so much fun creating a custom furoshiki wrap for my youngest, who loves Greek mythology! Maybe I enjoyed it even more than she did, but now she can carry her favorite book in style with a beautiful, reusable wrap.
Want to make your book gift even more special? Add a matching gift tag or a personalized Book Tracker for a thoughtful touch!
I hope you loved this tutorial! Share your furoshiki wraps and tag us @Quilters_Candy
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