Furoshiki ("bath spread") are a multi-use wonder. These traditional Japanese square cloths are a great way to bundle or wrap pretty much anything—gifts, food, babies—but their uses extend even beyond that. Here are 6 different ways you can use one cloth:
1 Wrap a gift:
2 Bundle a wine bottle or picnic lunch.
3 Tie a scarf around your neck.
4 Turn it into a daytime carry-all bag.
5 Use it as a tablecloth.
6 Hang it on your wall.
If you want to buy your own furoshiki cloth (either an authentic Japanese version, or else a large piece of patterned fabric), check out these sellers:
• Chewing the Cud
• Furoshiki on Etsy
• Jun Gifts
Related Link: How to Wrap Items with a Furoshiki Cloth
(Image: Link)
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Is there anything you can do with these that you couldn't do with a shemagh? Or any other piece of cloth?
What's the dimensions of a traditional furoshiki?
In Japan, recently the use of Furoshiki is making a come-back as eco-friendly bag too. I myself keep a furoshiki in my bag and use it as an impromptu shopping bag when I am out and about (there are about 5 or 6 ways to make a bag from a furoshiki, depending on the size and shape of the content). It is also a must have in my carry-on bag when I travel, as it becomes a simple “blanket” in the plane and then a day-bag at my destination. Also, it is a great beach bag too.
Traditionally, furoshiki are made out of either silk or cotton, and are not exactly square, as one side is slightly longer. The size ranges from 45cm (for bento box) to 238cm (for traditional futon) depending on the use. Most popular size is either 90cm or 105 cm.
I generally have separate "food" and "accessory" furoshiki. Nothing like grabbing the wrong one and tying the smell of kimchi around your neck all day.
Thanks for the inspiration. We are going wrapping paper free this Christmas and I need ideas.
@ katabami
Thanks for the good information!
@JudiAU... off topic a little, but this past year I "wrapped" my Christmas gifts in reusable grocery bags. I know it's better not to buy things, but Dick's Sporting Goods had them in various sizes in our local NFL & college teams... and, frankly, the men in my life have bought into the whole "reuse" idea much more easily with these around than anything else I have ever tried!
The government's been distributing this card/flier with 14 ways to tie furoshiki:
http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.html
I love the one pictured! Where is it from?