Furoshiki” has been used in daily life since ancient times. It is a versatile cloth that can be used not only as a wrapping cloth, but also as a mattress or a bag, depending on the occasion and lifestyle. In this issue, we would like to share with you the charm of the square cloth “Furoshiki.
【The History of Furoshiki.】
The use of flat wrapping cloth like furoshiki has existed since ancient times, and there are records of cloth used to wrap Imperial treasures in the Shosoin Repository. The name “furoshiki” was first used in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). It is said that when feudal lords used bathhouses called “Oyudono,” they wrapped their own clothes in cloths with their family crests on them to prevent them from being confused with other people's clothes, and changed their clothes after bathing.
In the Edo period, the culture of furoshiki spread to the general public with the birth of public bathhouses. As time progressed, furoshiki came to be used for a variety of purposes, such as by peddlers to wrap goods, and in the city of Edo, where fires were common, furoshiki were placed under futons so that household goods could be wrapped and escaped in case of an emergency.
Even today, furoshiki is used not only for wrapping goods, but also for various purposes such as eco-bags and interior decoration.
【The basic furoshiki knot.】
◆Shin-knot This is the most basic knot. Once tied, it is difficult to untie, but it is also easy to untie. Once you have mastered this knot, you can arrange almost any type of wrapping.
Hold each of the two ends
Cross the two ends with the right hand side behind
Turn the right end back and fold it in
Pull the right end up through the bottom
Tuck the right end over to the left hand side
Put the left end over the top
Thread the right end through the loop from the bottom
Pull both ends together to complete!
【Furoshiki Size】
Furoshiki come in a wide variety of sizes, from small ones to those large enough to wrap furniture. Here are some commonly used furoshiki sizes.
Size comparison of fluffy cotton furoshiki (left: L, right: M)
Size comparison of fluffy cotton furoshiki M: approx. 72 cm square L: approx. 100 cm square
【Materials for Furoshiki】
Kamawanu furoshiki are made of cotton fabric. They are easily washable. Even the same cotton material has different textures depending on the fabric. You can use a crisp and taut fabric or a soft and fluffy material, depending on your purpose.
◆Cotton Furoshiki The firm, taut fabric is ideal for wrapping bags and other items that easily retain their shape.
◆Fluffy Cotton Furoshiki Soft, supple, and translucent fabric is recommended not only for furoshiki, but also for scarves.
Cotton furoshiki｜Tight and sharp impression
Fuwari Cotton Furoshiki｜Soft drape
【Recommended usage】
Furoshiki is not just for wrapping things. Here are some ways to arrange the furoshiki for use in familiar everyday situations.
◆Size S｜Size Approx. 50 cm square
Recommended usage｜Bento wrappers, luncheon mats, handkerchiefs, bandanas, etc.
Size S is recommended for “Bento Wrapping"
Wrapping a gift
◆Size M｜About 72cm square Recommended Usage｜Wrapping for errands, wine bottles, eco-bags, scarves, disaster prevention tools, etc.
Furoshiki Patchin makes it easy to create a shoulder bag
Furoshiki is a sustainable item that can be used repeatedly. There is a movement around the world to “wrap gifts in furoshiki” out of concern for the environment. Why not try using Japanese furoshiki?
