Furoshiki Gift Wraps & Handkerchiefs

Furoshiki Fabric Gift Wraps & Handkerchiefs

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DĀMAN FUROSHIKI – THE REUSABLE FABRIC GIFT WRAP

Dāman is an amalgamation of India’s rich textile heritage with the Japanese art of Furoshiki, creating beautiful and eco-friendly fabric gift wraps. The word ‘Dāman’ is the Sanskrit word for a gift or the act of giving and Furoshiki is the Japanese technique of wrapping gifts, books and other objects with fabric.

Fabric gift wraps are reusable gift wraps which are an eco-friendly alternative to paper and plastic wraps, being not only reusable many times but also versatile in use as well as being biodegradable at their end of life. Traditionally the Furoshiki wrap was returned back to the giver, but you can make it a part of your gift. Dāman furoshiki  cloth gift wraps which are made from 100% cotton printed with natural dyes can be reused as a gift wrap or can be used creatively as a handkerchief, cocktail napkin, a tea towel, a bandana or even as a scarf!

DĀMAN FUROSHIKI WRAP SIZES

What sizes do you have ?

Our Dāman Furoshiki wraps are available in 4  sizes that have been designed to accommodate a variety of objects and shapes

13″ x 13″ / 33 cm x 33 cm
20.5″ x 20.5″ / 52 cm x 52 cm
27.5″ x 27.5″ / 70 cm x 70 cm
42″ x 42″ / 106 cm x 106 cm

How do I choose the right size ?

A few points need to be kept in mind while choosing the right size of furoshiki for the object you wish to wrap. A simple rule of thumb to apply while choosing a size is to choose a furoshiki size with a diagonal length 3 times the longest length of the object you will be wrapping.  Use the size guide below to get an idea of the wrap size yoiu might need.  If in doubt, we recommend going a size up.

We are here to help and you are also welcome to reach out to us HERE  for assistance in choosing the correct size.

Size Guide

Size : 13″ x 13″ / 33 cm x 33 cm
Diagonal : 18″/ 46 cm
Suitable for Objects between : 4″ x 3″ x 1″ to 6″ x 4″ x 2″
E.g. – Jewelry boxes, perfume bottles, tea light holders , small boxes. Can also be used as a handkerchief or cocktail napkin
Size: 20.5″ x 20.5″ / 52 cm x 52 cm
Diagonal : 29″/ 73 cm
Suitable for Objects between – 5″ x 5″ x 2″ and 9 “x 6″ x 3” –
E.g for Books, Watch Boxes, Cosmetic and perfume sets, Kindle, mini iPad, small toy
Size: 27.5″ x 27.5″ / 70 cm x 70 cm
Diagonal : 39″ /99 cm
Suitable for Objects between – 9″ x 6″ x 3″ and 12″ x 8 ″ x 5″ –
E.g. Garment Boxes, Shoe boxes, I pad, Board Games, toys, small LEGO/play sets, 1 or 2 Wine bottles, small bags. This size can also be folded into a Furoshiki Bag
Size : 42″ x 42″ / 106 cm x 106 cm
Diagonal : 59″ / 150 cm
Suitable for Objects between – 15″x 12″ x 6″ and 19″ x 16″ x 6″.
E.g. Large Lego/play Sets, Toys and Handbags. Can be folded into a furoshiki bag or even used as a table cloth

FABRICS AND PRINTS

Our Dāman Furoshiki wraps are made from 100 % cotton fabric which has been hand block or screen printed using natural and vegetable dyes.

The fabrics and prints chosen for Dāman wraps have been carefully selected to showcase Indian traditional dyeing and printing techniques , predominantly Bagru and Daboo.

The printing dyes that are used are sourced from various plants as well as natural minerals and elements. For example, natural indigo from indigo plant, maroons and reds from madder root , yellows and oranges  from turmeric and Himalayan rhubarb, blacks   from iron extracts mixed with jaggery and grays from potassium permanganate. the dying process makes use of natural mordants like alum and harda (Myrobalan)

Furoshiki Wrapping Guide

Japanese Furoshiki uses many different wrapping styles. The simplest wrap style is called the ‘Otsukai Tsutsumi’. See the video below for a demonstration of this simple basic wrapping style. An infographic for the basic wrap style is also included with every purchase of the Dāman Furoshiki Wrap

Furoshiki Wrapping Styles

Traditional Japanese Furoshiki uses many different techniques and styles to wrap different types and shapes of objects including books, gift boxes, cylindrical objects, wine bottles, baskets and more. Large and extra large furoshiki can also be folded into bags!

The illustration below shows  the traditional Furoshiki wrapping styles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word Furoshiki mean ?
Furoshiki is the Japanese word for a traditional wrapping cloth, which can be used for wrapping different objects, ranging from clothes, books, gifts, lunch boxes, etc. The word ‘Furoshiki’ is derived from two word ‘Furo'(Bath ) and ‘Shiki’ (Spread out). It originated in ancient Japan (around 1100 BCE ). When people visited bath houses, they would wrap their clothing in the Furoshiki to prevent them from getting wet and would use the Furoshiki to stand on after the bath while drying and changing. Before the term Furoshiki was used, wrapping cloths were also called ‘Tsutsumi’ (wrapping) and ‘Hiratsusumi’ (flat wrap)
Is Furoshiki the same as a fabric gift wrap ?
In the present context they refer to the same thing. Furoshiki is a Japanese word and also refers to the traditional art and style of wrapping. The term ‘Fabric Gift Wrap’ is a more generic term.
Is the Furoshiki taken back by the giver or kept by the recipient ?
Traditionally in Japan, the furoshiki is given back once the gift has been recieved, except at wedding, where it is not returned. In your own individual context depending on cultural and social practices and customs, the furoshiki may be given along with the gift or returned as per your preference. At Urban Creative we encourage you to make the Furoshiki a part of your gift so as to pass on and encourage the zero waste practice of using reusable and plastic free gift wrapping.
How do I know what size of Furoshiki I should get ?
The basic rule of thumb, when choosing the correct size is that the measure of the diagonal of the furoshiki should be at least three times the longest side of the object that need to be wrapped. On the Urban Creative website, here we have mentioned a range of objects that can be wrapped in the different sizes that we carry for a ready reference.
Can Furoshiki or fabric gift wraps be reused ?
Absolutely! The whole intent of the furoshiki is to be reused as often as it can in as many ways as possible.
Can I use any type of cloth or fabric as a furoshiki?
The key factor to consider while choosing a fabric is the thickness. Light and medium weight fabrics that are strong and durable and allowing you to easily fold and tie knots are ideal. At Urban Creative we prefer using natural materials like cotton and linen for Furoshiki.
What is the ideal material or fabric for Furoshiki gift wrapping ?
At Urban Creative, we prefer using natural materials like cotton, hemp and linen. Materials like rayon, polyester and silk can also used for furoshiki. Our recommendation will be to choose natural materials or upcycled or recycled synthetic fabrics. Making furoshiki from old fabrics of sarees, curtains, or table cloths can be a great way to upcycle and prevent waste.
I have used a furoshiki fabric for wrapping a gift. How do I ensure the recipient will reuse the furoshiki fabric and not discard it ?
With every Furoshiki wrap that you buy from us we include a small card with wrapping instructions. We encourage you to include that note with your gift so your recipient is aware about the use of the furoshiki. If you would like more cards with your order, please do let us know while placing your order.
How do I wash and care for Furoshiki or reusable fabric gift wraps ?
Wash and Care of any fabric, depends on the materials it is made from. For Urban Creative cotton furoshiki, we recommend hand washing in cold water when needed to extend the life and colour fastness of the natural dyes used.
I have old Sarees. Can I make Furoshiki out of them ?
Yes! Making Furoshiki is a great way to upcycle old sarees or even light weight curtains. Use our size guide to cut out square sized pieces and you can finish the edges by hemming them yourself or with the help of your local tailor.
Can I use a Furoshiki for other things besides gift wrapping ?
Absolutely! Depending on the size of the furoshiki, they can be used as handkerchiefs or hair ties, bandanas, scarves or table cloths or any way you can imagine. Large sized furoshiki can also be folded into bags.
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