Gift Wrapping: Nautical Knots
For a gift wrap look that feels distinctly summery, think knots not bows. Though highly utilitarian, nautical knots, complete with the textured twines that weave them, are rich with nuance and evoke an undeniable sense of romance—for a lover, for the sea, for sailing off into the sunset.
Feeling knotty? Let's continue...
Nautical knot inspired gift wrapping for a beach-y, coastal look. "Coral Reef" wrapping paper designs by Shay Spaniola for Bunglo.
We love the fact that these nautical knot gift wrap looks lend themselves perfectly to using natural cordages like jute, coconut coir, cotton rope, hemp twine, and sisal. For gift wrapping any time of year, we gravitate to these natural fibers, simply because they are biodegradable, look great with Wrappily's uncoated paper, and are a perfect fit in our quest to keep our wrapping eco-friendly. Plus, we can't get enough of all the different textures.
We had all this in mind when we planned the 2015 photoshoot for this pattern collection by bunglo and couldn't wait to experiment. Below is what we learned.
For a smaller box a reef, or square knot, creates a clean line. It's a simple, handsome knot especially when made with a larger gauge rope. For more flair, double the rope. Not exactly sure how to tie a reef, or square knot? Here's a tutorial.
For as quick as it is to tie, the single half-hitch ends up looking quite elegant on a gift. Usually used to tie a line to an object like a loop or ring, for this purpose we are tying the rope to itself. To do so, first cut the rope to size by generously doubling the wrapped width of the box. Fold the length in half to create two different ends: the loose cut ends on one side (this is your working end), and the static "loop" or folded end on the other. The half-hitch comes together in a breeze, just as this tutorial demonstrates.
Nautical inspired gift wrapping featuring a half-hitch knot and cotton rope for beach-y, coastal look. "Beach House" wrapping paper designed by Shay Spaniola for Bunglo.
Half-hitch chains: Multiple half hitch knots strung together begin to take on a lovely ornamental look. Keep repeating the knot to achieve the desired chain length. This look works just as well with a thin twine, like jute, or this cotton rope, which is thick yet pliable.
Nautical inspired gift wrapping feature half-hitch knot chains and cotton rope and natural cordage for beach-y, coastal look. "Riptide" wrapping paper designed by Shay Spaniola for Bunglo.
To make a dramatic statement, we used the savoy, or figure eight knot, tied in a rough, large gauged manila rope—a stiff, very textured cordage. We doubled, even tripled our cords to achieve the perfect sized knot for our different boxes. The manila rope is too stiff and bulky to wrap around a gift box, so we secured our knot embellishments on the gift using a hemp cord. The thin hemp cord easily threaded through the twists of the rope, and we think they look great in contrast to each other.
Though it looks fancy, the figure eight knot is quick to tie, as this tutorial demonstrates. If using multiple cords, adjust the lines while the knot is still loose, then pull carefully to tighten. And have fun with the tails! As you can see we left some long for extra flair, and trimmed some close for a tighter appearance.
If you are wrapping a lot of boxes or looking to create a scene, compliment your nautical knot gift wrap with additional accents. We used polished coconut buttons, found shells and driftwood, beach glass, and coral to help complete the look.
Yo, Ho, Ho! It's a wrapper's life for we.
Happy Wrapping!
Nautical knot inspired gift wrapping for a beach-y, coastal look. Wrapping paper designs by Shay Spaniola for Bunglo.
Related posts:
20 Ways To Reuse Wrapping Paper
Featured Products
Plants 'n Junk
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Wrap the best looking gift at the party! Presenting the eco-friendly, double-sided wrapping paper of your dreams: Imagine you're walking through the jungle, but instead of fruit or flowers, the trees are ripe with your favorite junk foods. Artist Kim Sielbeck makes fantasies come true with this reversible wrap, part of her new Wild Thing! collection exclusively for Wrappily. Plants 'n Junk and it's pattern partner, Geo Dots, is an unexpected and perfectly fun gift wrapping paper for him or her; birthdays and celebrations; teens, kids and the young-at-heart.
Each package includes three sheets of double-sided gift wrapping paper + complementary adhesive gift tags. Paper arrives flat and folded in a plastic-free PLA bag made of plant starch. Full sheet size is 21.5 x 34" Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable/ compostable newsprint.
Wrappily is on a mission to green-up gifting, please join us!
Wine Bottle Tote Style Gift Bag with Raffia Accent, set of 2
$9.99 $13.00
This set of eco-friendly gift tote bags will have you ready for quick, elegant bottle gifting. Raffia embellishments and braided handles provide just a touch boho style. These beautiful, rustic woven burlap bags are handmade in the Philippines from Abaça, a sustainable leaf fiber from a native species of banana plant.
Sold as set of two, in black and natural. Each bag measures approximately 4x4x12"
Cardinals by Nuthatch Studio Double-sided Eco Wrapping Paper for Everyday Gifting
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Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable double-sided eco wrapping paper featuring whimsical cardinals and flowers designed by Nuthatch Studio. Reversible patterns make gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three sheets + adhesive gift tags
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Flock Together/ Tribal Tri
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Party-ready blush crested cockatoos your service. A bit jungle and a bit desert, Flock Together/ Tribal Tri is a sophisticated go-to for your everyday wrapping needs. Part of The Oracle, our on-trend collection designed by professional patternista, Holli Zollinger.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet size is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Raffia Flower Gift Topper, set of 3
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A set of three crochet raffia flowers designed to add a quick touch of natural elegance to any gift bag or box. Handmade of abaca leaf fiber (a relative to the banana plant) with just a hint of sparkle woven in. Ties on easily with loop on back and provided twine for a perfect look every time!
Blue Tigers - Double-sided Eco Wrapping Paper for Everyday Gifting
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Wrap the best looking gift at the party! Presenting the eco-friendly, double-sided wrapping paper of your dreams: A wee bit feisty and a whole lot fiery, artist Kim Sielbeck's Blue Tigers are a sophisticated gift wrapping to use for any occasion. Paired with electric orchid Jungle Lines, this duo is HOT! Designed by illustrator and muralist, Kim Sielbeck, Blue Tigers is part of her Wild Thing! collection exclusively for Wrappily.
Each package includes three sheets of double-sided gift wrapping paper + complementary adhesive gift tags. Paper arrives flat and folded in a plastic-free PLA bag made of plant starch. Full sheet size is 21.5 x 34" Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable/ compostable newsprint.
Wrappily is on a mission to green-up gifting, join us!
Abaca Netted Gift Bags, set of 3
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Set of three eco-chic netted gift bags are a fun and different way to 'wrap' your gifts. Perfect for quick bottle gifting, odd shaped items, and homemade food gifts like breads and cookies. These beautifully rustic netted gift bags are made of a sustainable natural fiber from Abaça leaves, a species of banana plant. Design features include gusset bottom and drawstring tie top.
Sustainable, versatile, and very reusable! Sold as set of three bags. Each bag measures approximately 4x4x10"
Palmist/ Equus Divinati - Double-sided Eco Wrapping Paper for Everyday Gifting
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What does the future hold? Some beautifully wrapped gifts, the Palmist can say for certain. Paired with the most mesmerizing zebra pattern we ever did see, this duo is pure magic. Palmist/ Equus Divinati is part of our on-trend everyday gift wrap collection, The Oracle, designed by professional patternista, Holli Zollinger.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet size is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Artist Series Wrap Bundle: Wild Thing by Kim Sielbeck
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These six patterns play so well together...why choose?! Buy the whole Wild Thing Collection by Kim Sielbeck.
Bundle includes one package of each double-sided pattern (9 sheets in total):
Blue Tigers
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Each package includes three sheets of double-sided gift wrapping paper + complementary adhesive gift tags. Paper arrives flat and folded in a plastic-free PLA bag made of plant starch. Full sheet size is 21.5 x 34" Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable/ compostable newsprint.
Wrappily is on a mission to green-up gifting, join us!
Artist Series Wrap Bundle: The Oracle By Holli Zollinger
$37.99 $43.20
These double-sided wrapping paper patterns play so well together...why choose?! Bundle and Save on the entire Artist's Collection by Holli Zollinger.
Bundle includes one package of each (12 sheets in total):
Each package includes three sheets of double-sided gift wrapping paper + complementary adhesive gift tags. Paper arrives flat and folded in a plastic-free PLA bag made of plant starch. Full sheet size is 21.5 x 34" Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable/ compostable newsprint.
Wrappily is on a mission to green-up gifting, join us!
Positivity
$9.79 $10.80
Wrap the best looking gift at the party! Presenting the eco-friendly, double-sided wrapping paper of your dreams: One part pep talk and two parts fun, Positivity is the. most. upbeat gift wrap we've seen yet. Paired with the groovy geometric, Vibes, on the reverse side, makes this gift wrapping paper a go-to for girlfriends, graduations, teens, and anyone you want to light up with a little extra zap-of-love. Designed by illustrator and muralist, Kim Sielbeck, as part of her new Wild Thing! collection exclusively for Wrappily.
Each package includes three sheets of double-sided gift wrapping paper + complementary adhesive gift tags. Paper arrives flat and folded in a plastic-free PLA bag made of plant starch. Full sheet size is 21.5 x 34" Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable/ compostable newsprint.
Wrappily is on a mission to green-up gifting, please join us!
Tiger Eye/ Navajo Silver
$9.79 $10.80
Here kitty, kitty… come show us your stripes. This groovy tiger print and minimal Navajo concho line art pairing is unexpected—and ultimately delightful. A playful combo appropriate for any age, Tiger Eye/ Navajo Silver is part of The Oracle, our on-trend collection designed by professional patternista, Holli Zollinger.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet size is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Cactus Watercolor Double-sided Eco Wrapping Paper for Everyday Gifting
$9.99 $10.80
Warm up any gifting occasion with this sunny cactus motif created by Heleen van der Thillart. Hard to say what we love more about these patterns—the friendly, fun cactus shapes or the feathery jewel-toned watercolors. Watercolor Cactus was a crowd-favorite in our 2016 Earth Day Design Contest.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Three sheets per pack. Individual sheet size is 21.5" x 34”. Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable premium-grade newsprint.
Neon Hemp Twine Quad
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Get amped with these high-voltage neons. This premium-grade polished 100% hemp twine is a dainty touch that packs a punch for your gift wrapping. Brilliantly colored with a touch of metallic sparkle, this fine crafted twine is biodegradable, eco-friendly, vegan, AZO dye-free, and oil-free.
Cord diameter is 1mm diameter, 4x30 ft. spools.
Paper Maché Eggs, Set of 6
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Finally, an eco-friendly alternative to dreaded plastic Easter eggs! Set of six sturdy paper maché eggs that are designed to be decorated to your heart's desire (but are certainly lovely enough to be used in the buff, too!) Hide them, display them, save them as a keepsake year after year. These handmade eggs are crafted from up-cycled newspaper and natural rice paste, they're 100% plastic-free, biodegradable and compostable. Perfect vegan alternative for Easter eggs! Each egg measures 6x4 cm; set of six eggs comes in a reusable drawstring natural fiber bag. Note: these eggs do not open and are not fillable.
DIY Macrame Gift Topper Kit
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Make beautiful macrame gift toppers that are a gift themselves. Craft and kit designed by The Lark's Head Shop exclusively for Wrappily. (Find instructions on the blog!) Contents make three gift toppers.
Kit Includes the following enclosed in a reusable muslin bag:
- Wooden rings in three sizes (S,M,L)
- 100% recycled cotton Macrame cord in mustard
- mini spool of recycled yellow cotton twine (70 ft.)
- biodegradable comb for combing fringe
Pink/ Gold Hemp Twine
$7.29 $8.00
Bubblegum, unicorns, glitter bombs and all things gloriously girlie, this premium-grade polished 100% hemp twine packs a punch for your gift wrapping. Brilliantly colored with a touch of metallic sparkle, this fine crafted twine is biodegradable, eco-friendly, vegan, AZO dye-free, and oil-free.
Cord diameter is 1mm, 205 ft. spool.
Birthday Balloons - Double-sided Eco Wrapping Paper for Everyday Gifting
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Cue the confetti-popper and signal the balloon release... we're super excited to present our first-ever designated birthday wrap. Birthday Balloons is a special three sheet set featuring birthday wishes spelled out on a pink letterboard on one side and on the other, a festive foil balloon scene—without any of the environmental-guilt of the real thing! Top off the fun with one of the set's three coordinating adhesive gift tags.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet size is 21.5" x 34”. Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable premium-grade newsprint.
Panda Loves Cake By Allport Editions
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Panda loves a good party—and his favorite is cake! Artist Scott Church's collection of fun-loving animals are top-selling favorites at Portland-based stationers, Allport Editions. Rendered primarily in acrylics, his frolicking wildlife display an earnest joy that leaps off of the page. Package includes three sheets of wrapping paper with a coordinating textile pattern on the back for easy mix-n-match gift wrapping.
Reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Full sheet size is 21.5" x 34”. Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Black/ Gold Hemp Twine
$7.29 $8.00
Black as a starry-midnight sky, this premium-grade polished 100% hemp twine is a dainty touch that packs a punch for your gift wrapping. Brilliantly colored with a touch of metallic sparkle, this fine crafted twine is biodegradable, eco-friendly, vegan, AZO dye-free, and oil-free.
Cord diameter is 1mm, 205 ft. spool.
Worms
$5.99 $10.80
Dig, dig, dig! What fun it is to explore in nature. Filled with childlike wonder, this pattern combo features a playful scene of garden discoveries on one side, and floating clouds on the other. Designer Goldie Moran creates shapes and lettering with hand-cut paper, then fashions them into a repeating pattern—what a genius process! (And we can't get enough of her color palette.) Worms was a crowd favorite from our annual Earth Day Design Contest.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet size is 21.5" x 34". Each package contains three sheets. Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Donkey Confetti Reversible Birthday Wrapping Paper, 3 sheets
$9.99 $10.80
No party is complete without confetti—and a donkey in a party hat! Artist Scott Church's collection of fun-loving animals are top-selling favorites at Portland-based stationers, Allport Editions. Rendered primarily in acrylics, his frolicking wildlife display an earnest joy that leaps off of the page. Package includes three sheets of wrapping paper with a coordinating textile pattern on the back for easy mix-n-match gift wrapping.
Three reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with adhesive gift tags. Full sheet size is 21.5" x 34”. Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Lamb Meadow
$6.99 $10.80
Little lambs leaping through the meadow, what a peaceful scene! In soft hues, it makes a lovely choice for baby shower gifts or little kids birthdays. Designed by Sanna Kallio, Lamb Meadow is a crowd favorite from our annual Earth Day Design Contest.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet size is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Basset Hound Polka Dot By Allport Editions
$9.99 $10.80
Ain't nuthin' but a red-balloon-bearing-basset hound dog here to say Happy Birthday! Artist Scott Church's collection of fun-loving animals are top-selling favorites at Portland-based stationers, Allport Editions. Rendered primarily in acrylics, his frolicking wildlife display an earnest joy that leaps off of the page. Package includes three sheets of wrapping paper with a coordinating textile pattern on the back for easy mix-n-match gift wrapping.
Reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Full sheet size is 21.5 x 34". Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Beach House by Bunglo, 6 sheets
$11.99 $20.00
Traveling the globe with her sketchbook and watercolors in hand, artist Shay Spaniola weaves a world of influences into the textile patterns she creates for her home decor line, bunglo. She transforms her watercolor sketches into feathery fractals, resulting in a thoroughly modern spin on a traditional ikat or batik. We love how the loose, mutable quality of the original work shines through in the digitized pattern. Like something you'd daydream while napping in the summer sun, these patterns simply take you places.
The bunglo x Wrappily collection is effortlessly chic—elegant enough for a summer wedding and cozy enough for a best friend's birthday.
Six reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with adhesive gift tags. Sheet is 21.5" x 34”. Printed in Washington on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Sweet Dreams Hemp Twine
$7.29 $8.00
A dreamy hue at the hazy intersection of grey, purple and brown, this premium-grade polished 100% hemp twine is a dainty touch that packs a punch for your gift wrapping. Brilliantly colored with a touch of metallic sparkle, this fine crafted twine is biodegradable, eco-friendly, vegan, AZO dye-free, and oil-free.
Cord diameter is 1mm, 205 ft. spool.
Fairmorning Blue/ Misha Blaise, 6 sheets
$9.99 $20.00
Design houses Fairmorning Blue and Misha Blaise, friends and collaborators in The Maker Co-op, share this sheet. The simplicity of Fairmorning Blue's running diamond pattern is a perfect pairing with Misha Blaise's intricate collection of whimsical creatures
This sheet is part of The Maker Co-op collection, an exclusive pattern collection for Wrappily. The co-op includes ten members creating high quality, handmade goods in Austin, Texas.
Six reversible gift wrapping paper sheets come flat and folded with adhesive gift tags. Sheet is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
Eco Shred Basket Filler - Teal Stars
$6.49 $7.00
A perfect nest for your goodies, this pliable recycled printed paper shred is easy to work with and provides a lofty fill to be used as Easter grass, basket/box filler, or crinkle-paper alternative.
Why You’ll Love this Eco-Friendly Basket Filler:
- Colorful prints add a subtle pop of color to your gift baskets, party centerpieces, and care packages being shipped around the country.
- The perfect party decor that can be stored with Easter decorations and reused year after year. Have fun designing a perfect basket with this fluffy stuff! Keep the fun colors and whimsy you’d expect from Easter grass and crinkle-paper filler without the plastic.
- Feel good knowing your eco-shred is recyclable and compostable. Your choice makes a big impact to green-up gifting.
Sustainable Materials: Package includes approximately 4 ounces of recyclable & compostable paper shred. Made in the USA with recycled, premium-grade newsprint that is sustainably milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State. Printed with soy-based inks. Clear packaging is PLASTIC-FREE, made of biodegradable plant-based PLA
Eco Shred Basket Filler - Terra
$6.49 $7.00
A perfect nest for your goodies, this pliable recycled printed paper shred is easy to work with and provides a lofty fill to be used as Easter grass, basket/box filler, or crinkle-paper alternative.
Why You’ll Love this Eco-Friendly Basket Filler:
- Colorful prints add a subtle pop of color to your gift baskets, party centerpieces, and care packages being shipped around the country.
- The perfect party decor that can be stored with Easter decorations and reused year after year. Have fun designing a perfect basket with this fluffy stuff! Keep the fun colors and whimsy you’d expect from Easter grass and crinkle-paper filler without the plastic.
- Feel good knowing your eco-shred is recyclable and compostable. Your choice makes a big impact to green-up gifting.
Sustainable Materials: Package includes approximately 4 ounces of recyclable & compostable paper shred. Made in the USA with recycled, premium-grade newsprint that is sustainably milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State. Printed with soy-based inks. Clear packaging is PLASTIC-FREE, made of biodegradable plant-based PLA
Eco Shred Basket Filler - Rainbow Flash
$6.49 $7.00
A perfect nest for your goodies, this pliable recycled printed paper shred is easy to work with and provides a lofty fill to be used as Easter grass, basket/box filler, or crinkle-paper alternative.
Why You’ll Love this Eco-Friendly Basket Filler:
- Colorful prints add a subtle pop of color to your gift baskets, party centerpieces, and care packages being shipped around the country.
- The perfect party decor that can be stored with Easter decorations and reused year after year. Have fun designing a perfect basket with this fluffy stuff! Keep the fun colors and whimsy you’d expect from Easter grass and crinkle-paper filler without the plastic.
- Feel good knowing your eco-shred is recyclable and compostable. Your choice makes a big impact to green-up gifting.
Sustainable Materials: Package includes approximately 4 ounces of recyclable & compostable paper shred. Made in the USA with recycled, premium-grade newsprint that is sustainably milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State. Printed with soy-based inks. Clear packaging is PLASTIC-FREE, made of biodegradable plant-based PLA
Simian Says/ Hypnotic
$9.79 $10.80
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Pink monkeys, people! And paired with this hypnotizing rosy kilim print? Simian says, raise your hand if you could find a dozen occasions to wrap with these versatile everyday patterns. Simian Says/ Hypnotic is part of our on-trend collection, The Oracle, designed by professional patternista, Holli Zollinger.
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Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet size is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
