How to wrap a gift

Set the box on the unrolled paper and lift both long sides until they meet with a two-inch overlap. That marks the length you need. Cut straight across; if the sides later fail to meet, cut a new sheet two inches longer, and if more than three inches of paper piles up, trim the excess now.

Pattern side faces the floor. Slide the box until left and right overhangs match. The spot is right when both flaps will reach center with the same excess; nudge it half an inch left or right if one side looks short.

Press the first fold tight to the box edge with your palm. Bring the second side across so it covers the first by the two-inch overlap and smooth the seam. If the paper bunches, lift and flatten before going on; if it will not close, the sheet was cut short so start over longer.

Press each piece flat so it grips both layers. Run a finger along the seam; it holds when the paper stays down. Add a third piece in the middle if the box is longer than your forearm.

Fold the top overhang down, then the bottom up so they meet; the side triangles form on their own—press them flat. Ends look right when they make neat closed shapes. If a flap sticks past the box, fold the extra under; if it falls short, the earlier side folds were loose.

Fold the loose edge neat and stick the tape onto the box face. Repeat on the opposite end. No raw edges show and the paper feels snug when done; pull any gap closed and retape.