Wrapping with Fabric: Your Complete Guide to Furoshiki - The Japanese Art of Wrapping

by Etsuko Yamada, Kanji Okamoto (Photographer)

Wrap anything from a wine bottle to a yoga mat with this practical Japanese fabric-wrapping book.

Long before today's eco-friendly philosophy of "reduce, reuse, recycle" entered America's collective consciousness, furoshiki--the Japanese method of wrapping things with fabric--flourished as a time-honored and practical art form. In Wrapping With Fabric , Etsuko Yamada--born into a long-line of furoshiki makers in Kyoto--explains the "one cloth, many uses" ideology behind the craft, the etiquette of color and the craft's fascinating history. From there, she shares the myriad ways in which a few basic techniques can transform a simple square of cloth into an elegant wrapper.

Use your folded fabrics
A quiet reminder that opportunities for artistry are everywhere around you, Wrapping With Fabric is the craft book that makes it easy to bring a touch of grace and ingenuity to everyday life--and help preserve the environment, too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan, Crafts, Art, Cultural

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2014

Reviews

[Wendy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just a wrapping guide but also a history of the art form and the fabrics used for it. The Furoshiki cushion cover was a bit of a wow moment for me. So simple and so attractive.

[Liza Dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to tying and using furoshiki (cloth carrying/wrapping bundles). The book is well-made with plenty of illustrations. It includes a small amount of history and cultural usage, as well as information on what sizes, patterns, styles of wrapping, and colors to use for different occasions. The instructions are easy to follow, especially if you have any origami or knitting experience.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fascinating! I love how it talks about the history as well as showing you folding methods. Once I have a furoshiki of my own. I will get this book again (I got it from the library) and try some of these methods.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this! It's so pretty, useful, and easy to do! I can't wait to try it out on more objects!

[Amanda Setasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book.
But there is a lot that was bothering me.
There are very good picture instructions, BUUUUT... A lot of it says "go back and look at Page X for this step."

[Panda Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations and history lessons. A lovely book.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I referenced this book for a class I taught. This visual guide has tips on wrapping larger items. This would probably be someone who is more intermediate in this art of gift wrapping with fabric.

[Jodell Larimer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of examples and color photos but instructions and diagrams lacking

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been using bags instead of wrapping paper for years. When I discovered this book on my library's e-reading site, I decided to check it out and see if I could find a different way to wrap.

Bottom line - I loved this book. There are dozens of pictures of finished wrappings, plus pictures of each step of the process. Instructions are clear and photo documented, as well, so the reader can compare their knot-tying process and positioning. This Christmas, I'm adding some flat sheets to my reuseable bag supply and I'm hoping for some beautiful Furoshiki finishes.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got two books on wrapping with fabric and I liked this one slightly more. I thought the pictures and directions were slightly.

I have made only one furoshiki so far but plan on making more and using this book to get better and better at the wrapping.