Spotlight on Furoshiki: Japanese Wrapping Cloths

May 10th, 2008 in gifts, quilting

Mary Ray, contributor

"Furoshiki" means "bath spread." This traditional Japanese wrapping cloth was used to carry clothing, food, and other goods from the market. I think they make wonderful gift wrap.

Photo: Mary Ray

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I picked up a couple of small furoshiki at the Quilt Festival in Houston last fall, and they are simply terrific to use. Furoshiki are squares of sturdy, midweight cloth that have been finished with a machine-stitched rolled hem. They come in a variety of sizes.

You can make your own, too. It’s a good way to practice using that rolled-hem foot that came with your sewing machine. You can finish the edges with pinking shears or, if you have a serger, do a serged rolled hem. Check out these step-by-step diagrams to help you to make your own furoshiki.

I found Furoshiki and Kakefuda Kyoto - Famous Furoshiki Store on YouTube to get you inspired!

I love furoshiki! It's fun, cute, and environmentally friendly!

posted in: gifts, quilting, kakefuda, you tube, furoshiki

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Comments (1)

Angelthreads writes: A wonderful idea. I can hardly wait to begin making them for my friends in my "Stitch n Bitch" group for Christmas. I'll be way ahead of time for once! Posted: 10:56 am on July 18th

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