Gift Wrapping Techniques

Different shapes of gifts calls for different types of wrapping technique and presentation. Although wrapping can be done in a variety of ways, there are basically three general patterns. Knowing which of the three wrapping technique to utilize depends on the shape of the gift, the occasion, and the overall appearance you wish to project. It is vital therefore to be familiar with these three basic outlines.

Diagonal Wrapping

Diagonal wrapping is basically the trickiest wrapping technique because involves placing the box diagonal to the wrapping paper so that when the box is wrapped, the design is slanted in a 45-degree angle. Although it involves numerous folding, it is a stylish technique that adds elegance to the gift when done properly.

Seam Line Wrapping

Seam line wrapping is the easiest and most common wrapping technique because it is fairly easy to do especially on rectangular and square boxes. It involves placing the box halfway in the middle of the wrapping paper and folding both sides so that they meet across the center of the box.

Furoshiki Wrapping

Furoshiki is a Japanese traditional wrapping cloth which is used repeatedly in a stylish way. The same technique is used when wrapping gifts that involve placing the box in the exact center of the wrapping paper where the sides of the box are parallel to the corners of the wrapping paper.



Step by Step Gift Wrapping Technique

Measure the amount of wrapping paper that you are going to use.

To measure the length, place the box approximately two inches from the edge of the wrapping paper, roll the box onto the paper until you reach the side of the box where you began. It will give you enough wrapping paper for the whole box plus an allowance of two inches for taping.

Additionally, the width of the wrapping paper should be more than the width of the box plus the height. The paper needs to go at least half way up the two sides of the gift.

Step 1. Lay down the wrapping paper with the back side facing up on a flat, clean surface. Place the box in an upside down position exactly in the middle of the wrapping paper as shown. You can optionally fold 1/2" of the right edge of the paper to create a neat seam.


Step 2. Fold the sides of the paper in to cover the box (the left goes to cover the box first) with the folded hem on the outside of the box. Make sure there is no sagging and that the box is parallel to the wrapping paper. Tape the seam with a double-sided tape, if available.


Step 3. Fold the top flap down, making sure that you leave no extra space between the box and the wrapping paper. Secure with a transparent tape.


Step 4. Fold in both sides of the paper on the short end of the box towards the middle. Crease along the diagonal edges on the bottom piece and optionally secure with a tape.


Step 5. Fold the bottom up at place where each flap's fold line meets. Secure with transparent tape.


Step 6. Finish off with some ribbons. Repeat steps 3-5 for the other end.


Note: This wrapping technique uses the seam line method.