How to wrap a ball with paper pleated at the top

Short answer. Cut a square as wide as the ball's full turn plus a hand's width. Lay the ball in the middle, lift the paper, pleat it above the ball and tie it.

What do you need to wrap a ball?

You need wrapping paper, scissors, a piece of string to measure with, clear tape, a rubber band or hair tie, and ribbon. Pick paper that creases without cracking. Thin paper pleats more neatly than stiff paper, and tissue is too fragile for the weight of a ball.

Keep the ball pumped up. Letting air out to make it easier to wrap spoils the gift. Work on a clear table, so the ball cannot roll off while your hands are busy.

How big a sheet does a ball need?

A flat sheet cannot lie against a curve, so it must reach right over the top and leave spare paper to gather. The rule is the distance round the middle of the ball, plus a hand's width (4 in, 10 cm). Cut a square that size.

To find the distance, wrap string round the widest part of the ball, mark where it meets and measure the string. Multiply a ball's width across by 3.14 if you only have a ruler.

Ball sizes vary by sport and make, so measure yours. A common roll of wrapping paper is 30 in (76 cm) wide. It covers a ball up to about 8 in (21 cm) across in one piece. For anything larger, tape two lengths together on the back before you cut, and keep the join away from the middle of the ball.

How do you wrap a ball with a gathered top?

Each step below uses a square sheet and one ball, with the paper lifted and pleated above it.

Allow about 28 in (70 cm) of ribbon for a soccer ball or basketball. A longer length is easy to trim, and a short one will not go twice round the neck.

How do you keep a ball from rolling?

Stand the wrapped ball with its pleated top upwards. Rest it in a bowl or a ring made from a rolled towel until you hand it over.

If you want the shape to stay a mystery, put the wrapped ball in a larger box with tissue round it. Or drop it into a wide gift bag. The awkward shapes guide covers the bag method.

Why does the paper look lumpy or tear?

• The pleats are thick and bulky. The sheet is too big, or you pinched in large folds. Unfasten the band, trim some of the paper and pleat again.
• The paper pulls open on one side. The ball was not in the middle. Re-centre it before you lift the paper.
• There are gaps at the base. The square was cut short. Use string for the next try, not an estimate by eye.
• The paper tears at the band. Stiff paper cracks at a sharp bend. Pleat gently and keep the band loose enough to slide, then tie the ribbon tight over it.
• The ribbon slips off. Tape the band to the paper in two places, or use ribbon with a wire edge.

How do you wrap a round gift that is not a ball?

A round tin or a cake box takes pleats at both ends. Use the round tin steps for those. A soft or lumpy gift, such as a cuddly toy, usually looks better in a bag than in paper.

Which gifts go well with a ball?