The Wrap on Furoshiki

The history of furoshiki goes back to the Nara period (710-794) and was originally called “tsutsumi” (to cover or to wrap).  It was used to wrap and help protect treasures at Japanese temples.

About 600 years ago during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), shogun (general) Yoshimitsu Ashikaga built a large bathhouse in Kyoto and invited feudal lords from various regions in Japan. In order not to confuse with others’ belongings, the feudal lords used furoshiki fabric with their family crests to wrap their kimonos as well as using it as a bath mat after the bath. The name furoshiki was based on the fact that the fabric was used for bathing (furo in Japanese) and sitting or standing on like a rug (shiki in Japanese).

 Soon the use of furoshiki became popular among the public and it was largely used to transport merchandise, carry tools, wrap gifts, take as travel bags, etc. Although usage of furoshiki faded in Japan after the invention of luggage, handbags, wrapping papers, etc., recently it’s gaining popularity again. Today furoshiki is enjoyed as a fashion item due to its versatility and eco-friendly aspect. Whereas regular bags have a fixed amount of space that can only carry a particular type of object, a furoshiki is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit the exact needs of the specific objects to be carried. This means that large bulky objects can easily be carried by simply knotting the square of fabric around the item. These gorgeous Furoshiki are produced by the foremost designer of Furoshiki in Japan, Musubi. Bright modern designs, some reversible through to water repellent cloths suitable for wrapping wet items, protecting gear from rain or even when camping - versatility is the hallmark of this amazingly simple piece of cloth. It can also be used as a thin blanket or can be spread like a picnic or beach towel. The Furoshiki can even be hung on the wall as a decorative piece of art. It can even be used as a tablecloth - the uses are endless! Furoshiki is not only beautiful, useful and easy to handle, it also stimulates creativity and problem-solving skills. Using the multipurpose and multifunctional Furoshiki can reduce waste from both wrapping and shopping.

How can you use the Furoshiki?

The Furoshiki can be used as a handy shopping bag using either a two or three-knot method (see the instructional videos to learn how). The bag size and handles can instantly be adjusted to suit your needs. It can also be used as a thin blanket or can be spread like a picnic or beach towel. The Furoshiki can even be hung on the wall as a decorative piece of art. It can even be used as a tablecloth - the uses are endless! Furoshiki is not only beautiful, useful and easy to handle, it also stimulates creativity and problem-solving skills. Using the multipurpose and multifunctional Furoshiki can reduce waste from both wrapping and shopping.

The Furoshiki is lightweight and can easily be carried in a purse or backpack, car, or even worn as a scarf or accessory; eliminating the need to buy shopping bags or use disposable plastic bags when shopping. We all forget our reusable bags sometimes, but when Furoshiki is always with you, you are never without a bag!

Washing

Maintaining your Furoshiki is easy, simply cold or 30 degree machine or hand wash and ironing is not needed. 

Furoshiki (pronounced Fu-ro-shki)  is the quintessentially Japanese art form of folding fabrics around objects to wrap and carry them. 

Furoshiki embraces the philosophy of eco-friendly living by challenging us to consider how many items we really need. This beautiful and ingenious art allows one object to have many uses simply by folding and tying the cloth in different ways.

Whereas regular bags have a fixed amount of space that can only carry a particular type of object, a furoshiki is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit the exact needs of the specific objects to be carried. This means that large bulky objects can easily be carried by simply knotting the square of fabric around the item.

These gorgeous 100% cotton furoshiki are produced by the foremost designer of Furoshiki in Japan, Musubi. Bright modern designs, some reversible through to water repellent cloths suitable for wrapping wet items, protecting gear from rain or even when camping - versatility is the hallmark of this amazingly simple piece of cloth.

Hand and machine washable, these will always be fresh and clean for your wrapping and carrying needs

One furoshiki cloth can be used for a multitude of uses gift wrapping, a bag for shopping, a picnic hamper, a tablecloth, household decor such as a wall hanging, a scarf, belt or shoulder shrug and wrapping clothing and items when travelling.

For more information go the instructional videos  to learn more about this practical and sustainable artform and the many ways to use a piece of fabric!

 One item, many uses is the way forward in this green living push  

  • wrapping a gift
  • a bag for shopping
  • a picnic hamper
  • a tablecloth
  • household decor
  • a scarf, belt or bandana
  • wrapping clothes when travelling

 Furoshiki cotton cloth wrap.  Sustainable cloth wrap for carrying fresh produce   Modern reversible cotton cloth wrap .  Furoshiki cloth wrap with top not for a more sustainable living.  

Different ways to use your reusable Furoshiki cloth wrap  Ways to wear your reversible cotton cloth wrap by Furoshiki