Furoshiki is a centuries-old Japanese wrapping cloth used to wrap gifts, transport items, or even serve as a stylish accessory. As environmental concerns grow and people seek sustainable alternatives to single-use wrapping paper, furoshiki has gained popularity for its eco-friendly qualities. Today, we’ll explore a specific wrapping technique called Kousa Tsutsumi and why it stands out. This method, rooted in tradition, adds a modern touch to gift wrapping, showcasing both the practicality and beauty of furoshiki.

Kousa Tsutsumi: A Unique Furoshiki Wrapping Technique

Kousa Tsutsumi is a traditional furoshiki wrapping method where the fabric is knotted in a way that resembles a cross. The name "Kousa" means "to cross" in Japanese, which perfectly describes the motion of tying the cloth during this technique. It’s an excellent option for wrapping boxes or rectangular items, and it highlights the beautiful design of the furoshiki in a distinct way.

What Kousa Tsutsumi Is Good For:

- Rectangular or square-shaped gifts, such as books, boxed items, or candles.

- Gifts that you want to present in a simple, yet visually striking way.

- Highlighting intricate or bold patterns of the furoshiki itself.

Difficulty Level:

Beginner to Intermediate. Kousa Tsutsumi is relatively easy to learn, making it a great technique for beginners. However, achieving the perfect balance between tightness and beauty in the knot may take some practice.

Alternate Names:

This technique is also referred to as "cross wrapping" in English due to its distinctive crossed knot.

 

Choose the Right Furoshiki

Before you dive into the art of wrapping, it's important to select the right furoshiki. Opt for a square piece of cloth that's of a suitable size for the item you're wrapping. Traditional furoshiki are usually made from silk or cotton, but modern ones are also made from recycled polyester. The Kousa Tsutsumi method works best with a medium-sized furoshiki. 

How to Wrap a Gift Using Kousa Tsutsumi

Here are the step-by-step instructions for wrapping a gift using the Kousa Tsutsumi method:

1. Lay the furoshiki wrapping cloth flat, printed side down.
2. Place your object in the middle of the furoshiki diagonally.
3. Pull the top right corner to the centre.
4. Repeat with the bottom right corner and make a bow.
5. Take the top left corner and thread it under the bow.
6. Then wrap under the bow toward the center.
7. Pull the bottom left corner to the center and make a second bow.

This method is perfect for wrapping books, boxes, and other similar items.

Why Kousa Tsutsumi Is Unique

Kousa Tsutsumi stands out from other furoshiki wrapping methods because of its crossed knot and simplicity. The technique perfectly blends traditional wrapping styles with a modern look, making it ideal for gifting in today’s eco-conscious world. Other furoshiki techniques, such as Otsukai Tsutsumi (basic wrapping) will be more simple, don’t offer the same intricate, knotted finish that Kousa Tsutsumi does. A similar style would be Futatsu Tsutsumi. 

Similar Wrapping Techniques:

- Otsukai Tsutsumi: A basic, beginner-friendly wrap, perfect for flat items.

- Ribbon Tsutsumi: Ideal for wrapping flat objects like notebooks or picture frames.

Kousa Tsutsumi is distinctive because the knot creates a beautiful focal point that accentuates the fabric’s design, particularly with bold, eye-catching prints like Kanoko Forest.

Tips to Perfect Your Kousa Tsutsumi

1. Choose the Right Fabric: A square-shaped furoshiki, around 50cm to 70cm, works best for this technique. Larger fabrics will create larger, more dramatic bows, while smaller ones offer a neater finish.
2. Bold Prints Work Best: Since Kousa Tsutsumi places the knot at the top, using furoshiki with bold, intricate prints helps draw attention to the wrapping.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your knots aren’t perfect the first time. The more you practice, the better your technique will become.

Why Furoshiki Is More Than Just Wrapping

Choosing furoshiki as your wrapping method isn’t just about practicality; it’s about making a statement. Furoshiki promotes sustainability, helping reduce the millions of tons of waste produced by single-use gift wrapping materials each year. The fabric can be reused endlessly, and many people even consider the furoshiki itself to be part of the gift. With techniques like Kousa Tsutsumi, the presentation becomes an art form, combining cultural heritage with environmental mindfulness.

Kousa Tsutsumi is an elegant yet straightforward way to elevate your gift wrapping while embracing the principles of sustainability and artistry. Whether you're gifting for a special occasion or simply want to make a present stand out, this technique is sure to impress. By using high-quality furoshiki, such as the **Kanoko Forest** print from our Wagara collection, you not only present a beautifully wrapped gift but also share in the long-standing Japanese tradition of thoughtful, eco-conscious giving.

If you're looking to learn more furoshiki techniques or browse our collection of stunning furoshiki designs, explore our other furoshiki wrapping tutorials and discover how you can make every gift special with this versatile cloth.