Wrapping Awkward Shapes: Bottles, Balls and Soft Gifts

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-17

Wrapping irregularly shaped gifts requires techniques that go beyond the standard box fold to ensure a professional, clean finish. By using structures like custom-sized bags, fabric wraps, or pleated ends, you can secure bottles, spheres, and soft goods without the paper tearing or bunching. These methods rely on weight-appropriate materials and precise creasing to achieve a polished look.

Wrapping Bottles and Cylindrical Tubes

Pleated Base Bottle Wrap

Adult · 15 min · about $3

  1. Measure the paper by rolling the bottle once and adding two inches of overlap. Ensure the height covers the bottle plus the radius of the base at the bottom and the full height of the neck at the top.
  2. Secure the paper around the body of the bottle using double-sided tape for a seamless vertical join.
  3. To close the bottom, create a series of small, overlapping triangular pleats moving in one direction around the circle. Use the bone folder to crisp each crease.
  4. Secure the center of the pleats with a small circle of tape or a decorative seal.
  5. Gather the excess paper at the top of the bottle neck, accordion-fold the paper flat, and punch a hole through all layers.
  6. Thread the 3/8 inch velvet ribbon through the hole and tie a bow to secure the top.

Managing Spheres and Soft Items

The Hand-Folded Gusset Bag

Adult · 20 min · about $2

  1. Cut a rectangle of paper twice the width of the gift plus four inches. Fold the paper into a tube and secure the edge with double-sided tape.
  2. Fold the bottom up by four inches. Open this fold and flatten the corners into two triangles (resembling a diamond shape).
  3. Fold the top and bottom flaps of the diamond toward the center so they overlap slightly, then tape them down to create the flat bag base.
  4. Crease the sides of the bag inward to create gussets, allowing the bag to expand for soft items like scarves or sweaters.
  5. Place the gift inside. Fold the top of the bag down twice to hide the raw edge.
  6. Punch two holes through the folded top and thread the 1/4 inch satin ribbon through to tie the bag shut.

Fabric Furoshiki Wrap for Spheres

Adult · 10 min · about $5

  1. Lay the fabric square flat on a table in a diamond orientation. Use pinking shears on the edges if the fabric is prone to fraying.
  2. Place the spherical gift (like a candle jar or ball) in the center of the fabric.
  3. Bring two opposite corners of the fabric together and tie them in a simple overhand knot tightly against the gift.
  4. Bring the remaining two corners up and tie them in a second overhand knot over the first one.
  5. Tuck the fabric ends neatly or fluff them to create a decorative top.
  6. Slide a gift tag or botanical sprig under the knot for a finished look.

When using scissors to cut heavy kraft paper or cardstock, use long, steady strokes to avoid jagged edges. If you are wrapping a gift with sharp corners, such as a metal tin, reinforce the inside of the wrapping paper with a small piece of clear tape at the pressure points to prevent punctures.