Practical Furoshiki: Using a Bandanna As a Bike Handlebar Carrier

Have you ever found yourself in need of a way to carry stuff on a bike when you don't have a carrier?  A plastic grocery bag isn't a great solution - it is unbalanced and can bang around and get in the way. Furoshiki to the rescue! A Furoshiki is a Japanese wrapping cloth.  They are very useful and eco-friendly. Any squarish piece of fabric with a finished edge can be a furoshiki.  The size you use depends on how you are using it.  Most people have at least one bandanna around the house, so that is what I am using in this instructable. 

Step 1: Lay It Out

Lay your bandanna out flat.  For the purpose of this instructable, we'll call the top two corners A and B, and the bottom two C and D.

Step 2: First Knot

Tie corners A and B together in a square or double knot as close to the corners as possible. Pull it as tight as you can.

Step 3: Put It on the Bike

Slide the knotted end over a handlebar. Sliding the knot as close to the center as you can makes it easier to tie the second knot.

Step 4: The Second Knot

Bring corners C and D up on either side of the other handlebar, then tie them in a square or double knot.

Step 5: Tah-dah!

Now you have a carrier for your bike!  A standard bandanna is about 22"x22", so it makes a fairly small carrier.  I usually use an oversized bandanna, about 27"x27".