July 04, 2015
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.
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.
20 Ways To Reuse Wrapping Paper
Exclusive access to sales, craft ideas, and gift inspirations
$9.79 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$9.99 USD $13.00 USD
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...
$9.79 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$6.99 USD $10.80 USD
Presenting Leho/ Hina'i of the Kealopiko x Wrappily 2018 Collection, two sheets packed with serious ALOHA vibes. Kealopiko is loved in the islands for weaving the authentic stories of Hawaiian...
$9.79 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$9.49 USD $12.00 USD
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...
$29.99 USD $32.40 USD
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...
$37.99 USD $43.20 USD
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):...
$6.99 USD $10.00 USD
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...
$9.79 USD $10.80 USD
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,...
$9.79 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$9.79 USD $10.80 USD
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.
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.
$9.79 USD $10.80 USD
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,...
$9.99 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$5.99 USD $7.00 USD
Loop it, tie it, curl it—this versatile, eco-friendly cotton curling ribbon is both compostable and biodegradable. Our artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is committed to the highest levels of sustainability. They...
$9.99 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$5.49 USD $6.00 USD
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...
$12.99 USD $15.00 USD
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...
$12.99 USD $25.00 USD
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...
$7.29 USD $8.00 USD
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,...
$9.99 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$5.99 USD $7.00 USD
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this versatile, eco-friendly cotton curling ribbon is both compostable and biodegradable. Our artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is committed to the highest levels of...
$8.99 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$7.29 USD $8.00 USD
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...
$5.99 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$9.99 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$6.99 USD $7.50 USD
Wrap it up and tie it with a bow! This eco-friendly paper ribbon not only adds a perfect pop of color, it's recyclable, compostable and made with non-toxic, water soluble...
$6.99 USD $10.80 USD
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,...
$9.99 USD $10.80 USD
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...
$11.99 USD $20.00 USD
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....
$7.29 USD $8.00 USD
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....
$13.99 USD $20.00 USD
Handsome holiday gifts start here, with this elegant combo of birch trunks and colorful reindeer stags. Professional surface designer Nadia Hassan created this collection, her whimsical patterns and warm, inviting...
$5.49 USD $6.00 USD