Wrapping paper or tissue paper — Tissue paper is easier for beginners
Scissors — For trimming excess
Clear tape — To secure the body seam
Ribbon or twine — Essential for the ends
02
Measure & Cut
Get the right dimensions
Measuring a Cylinder
Width = Cylinder circumference + 2" overlap
Height = Cylinder height + 4-6" (extra for ends)
Roll the cylinder along the paper to measure circumference. Add 2 inches for a clean overlap seam.
Pro Tip
For the candy-twist method, add even more height (6-8 inches per end) so there's plenty of paper to twist attractively at the top and bottom.
03
Roll & Tape Body
Create a tight, even wrap
Lay paper face-down and place the cylinder at one edge — Center it vertically so equal paper extends past both ends
Roll the cylinder along the paper keeping it tight — Keep the paper snug against the cylinder as you roll
Fold the trailing edge under by half an inch for a clean seam
Tape the seam along its full length — Double-sided tape creates an invisible seam
Common Mistake
Keep the paper tight as you roll. Loose wrapping on a cylinder bunches up and wrinkles. Roll slowly and smooth out any creases as you go.
04
Close the Ends
Choose pleat or candy-twist
Option A: Pleat Ends (neater)
Starting at any point, fold a small section of paper flat against the end of the cylinder
Move to the adjacent section and fold it over, slightly overlapping the first fold
Continue around the circle, creating evenly-spaced pleats
Tape the final pleat down and cover the center with a round sticker or small bow
Option B: Candy-Twist Ends (easier)
Gather the excess paper at one end and twist it like a candy wrapper
Tie with ribbon or twine to hold the twist
Repeat on the other end
Fan out or trim the twisted paper for a decorative finish
Pro Tip
The candy-twist method is perfect for wine bottles. Twist the bottom flat and tape it, then let the top twist become the decorative flourish. Tie with a ribbon and curl the ends.
05
Finish & Style
Add the finishing details
Wrap a ribbon around the body of the cylinder for an elegant band
Add a gift tag by tying it to the ribbon or tucking it under
For wine bottles, add a small card describing the wine or a recipe pairing
For candles, tuck a sprig of dried lavender or greenery into the ribbon
Roll wrapping paper around the cylinder, tape the seam, then close each end using the pleat method (fold paper inward in small overlapping pleats) or the gather-and-twist method (bunch the paper and tie with ribbon).
How do I wrap a wine bottle?
Tissue paper works best for bottles. Lay the bottle at one edge of the paper, roll tightly, twist the bottom flat and tape it, then gather the top and tie with ribbon. The excess paper at the top fans out decoratively.
What about cylindrical gifts with lids?
For containers with lids (like candle tins or cookie canisters), wrap the body and lid separately. This lets the recipient open the gift without destroying the wrapping.
How do I wrap a poster tube?
For long, narrow cylinders, the roll method works perfectly. Roll the paper around the tube tightly, tape the seam, then twist each end like a candy wrapper and tie with ribbon or decorative ties.