There is an old kind of tenderness in this act. Long before caskets, before funeral homes, before any of it was made complicated, people wrapped their dead in cloth with their own hands. It was simple. It was close. It was an act of love carried out by the people who loved them most.
If you're preparing for a green burial or a home funeral, you may find yourself wondering how this actually works — not the philosophy of it, but the practical, physical steps. This guide walks you through it gently, so you can approach the moment with confidence rather than uncertainty.
Before you begin
What you'll need:
- A burial shroud sized appropriately for the body
- Ties or ribbon (many shrouds come with these built in)
- A firm, flat surface to work on — a table, a board, or the ground itself
- One or two people to help; this is not a task meant to be done alone
Who is usually present: Family members, a funeral director, a death doula, or a home funeral guide. Some families do this entirely on their own; others prefer a professional close by for support. Either is completely appropriate.
Step by step
1. Prepare the space Lay the shroud out flat on the surface you'll be working on, centred diagonally so there's even fabric on all sides which can be easily wrapped.
2. Position the body Gently place the body in the center of the shroud, face up, arms resting naturally at the sides or crossed over the chest — whichever feels right for your family's traditions.
3. Fold the feet Bring the bottom corner of fabric up over the feet, gently draping on the lower legs. Make sure there is enough fabric to not slip out.
4. Fold the sides Bring one side of the shroud over the body, then the other, so the fabric overlaps along the center. Tuck in each side under the body. Smooth it as you go — there's no need to rush.
5. Fold the head Fold the fabric at the head last (after viewing and goodbyes), tucking gently rather than pulling tight. Rewrap the sides to lie over the headpiece if desired for a cleaner silhouette.
6. Secure with ties Starting at the feet and working toward the head, secure the shroud with ties at intervals — typically at the head/chest, hips, and feet. This isn't just practical; it's traditionally where the wrapping becomes a ritual in itself, each tie a small, deliberate act.
6. A final check Smooth the outer fabric one more time. Many families pause here — a moment of stillness before the shroud is closed for the last time.
Can this be done at home, or does it need a professional?
Both are possible. Home funeral guides and death doulas can walk a family through this process step by step, and many families find real comfort in doing it themselves. If you'd rather have support, a funeral director experienced in green burial can assist or handle it entirely. There's no wrong way to approach this — only the way that feels right for your family.
Making it personal
This is where a shroud offers something a casket can't: the chance to fold in small, personal touches. Some families tuck in dried flowers, sprigs of herbs, or a handwritten note. Others choose a shroud in a fabric or colour that reflected who their loved one was. These details don't show after the burial — but the people who placed them there will always know they're there.
Sanctum shrouds are handcrafted from organic fabric and natural plant dyes, designed to support exactly this kind of ritual. Explore our shrouds or download our free guide, Rest in Beauty, to learn more about planning a green burial.