How do you make lavender sachets?

Making lavender sachets is a simple and rewarding DIY project, perfect for beginners! You can customize them with your choice of fabric and even mix in other fragrant elements.

Here's how to make them, with both sewn and no-sew options:

What You'll Need:

• Dried Lavender Buds: This is the most crucial ingredient.

  • Best Type: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) varieties like 'Munstead', 'Hidcote', 'Royal Velvet', or 'Sachet' are generally preferred for their sweet, less camphoraceous scent, making them ideal for sachets, potpourris, and culinary uses. Lavandin varieties like 'Grosso' or 'Provence' also work well, especially if you prefer a stronger, slightly more camphoraceous scent.

  • Where to get them: Purchase from reputable lavender farms (online or on-site), specialty herb or tea shops, or online essential oil suppliers. You can also dry your own if you grow lavender.

• Fabric: Breathable, tightly woven fabric is best to allow the scent to diffuse while keeping the buds contained.

  • Good choices: Cotton, linen, muslin, organza, or even old handkerchiefs or flour sack towels.

  • Size: This depends on how large you want your sachets. Common finished sizes are 3"x3" or 4"x4". For a simple square sachet, you'll generally need a rectangle of fabric that's roughly double the desired height plus seam allowance, and the desired width plus seam allowance (e.g., for a 3"x3" sachet, start with a piece about 3.5" wide by 6.5" long if folding, or two 3.5"x3.5" squares if sewing all sides).

• Optional Fillers/Enhancers:

  • Uncooked Rice: (Optional) Mixing in uncooked rice (white rice is best, avoid brown as it can go rancid) adds weight and bulk to the sachet, helping it lie flat or stay in place. It also helps the lavender scent last longer by absorbing moisture. Use about 1 part rice to 1-2 parts lavender buds, or just a small amount of rice to weigh it down.

  • Lavender Essential Oil: (Optional, but recommended for boosting scent) Add a few drops to the lavender buds (and rice, if using) to intensify and refresh the scent.

  • Orris Root Powder: (Optional, for long-lasting scent) A natural fixative that helps the fragrance last longer. Use a very small amount, typically about 1 tablespoon per cup of lavender mixture.

• Tools:

  • Scissors (fabric scissors are best)

  • Needle and thread (if sewing) OR small drawstring bags (for no-sew) OR ribbon/elastic (for tie-closure no-sew)

  • Ruler or measuring tape

  • Iron (optional, for crisp seams)

  • Funnel or a rolled piece of paper (optional, for easier filling)

Method 1: Sewn Lavender Sachets (Basic Square)

This method uses fabric scraps and a simple sewing technique.

1. Cut Your Fabric: Cut your fabric into a rectangle. For a 3" square sachet, you might cut a piece that's 3.5" wide by 6.5" long (this allows for a 1/4" seam allowance on the sides and top, with the bottom being a fold). If you prefer two separate squares, cut two pieces of fabric that are, for example, 3.5" x 3.5" each.

2. Fold and Sew (or Sew Two Pieces):

   • If using a single rectangle: Fold the fabric in half, right sides together (the pretty side facing in), so it forms a square or rectangle. Sew along two sides perpendicular to the fold, leaving the top open. Use a 1/4" seam allowance.

   • If using two squares: Place the two squares right sides together. Sew along three sides, leaving one side completely open. Use a 1/4" seam allowance.

3. Trim Corners (Optional) & Turn Right Side Out: Carefully clip the corners diagonally (without cutting through the stitching) to reduce bulk. Turn the fabric pouch right side out. Use a pointy tool (like a chopstick or the eraser end of a pencil) to gently push out the corners so they are crisp.

4. Prepare the Opening: Fold the raw edge of the top opening inward by about 1/4" and press with an iron for a neat finish. This will be the opening you'll eventually sew closed.

5. Mix and Fill: In a bowl, gently mix your dried lavender buds. If using, add rice and a few drops of lavender essential oil (and orris root, if desired) and mix well.

   • How much to fill: Fill the sachet about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Don't overfill, or it will be hard to sew closed.

6. Seal the Sachet:

   • Machine Sewing: If machine sewing, you'll need to leave enough space at the top to sew. Carefully sew the open top edge closed, either with a straight stitch close to the edge or a whip stitch by hand.

   • Hand Sewing: A simple whip stitch or ladder stitch (invisible stitch) works well to close the opening neatly by hand.

7. Enjoy! Gently squeeze your sachet to release the aroma whenever needed.

Method 2: No-Sew Lavender Sachets (Easiest)

This method uses pre-made bags or a simple tying technique.

• Option A: Using Drawstring Bags:

  1. Get Bags: Purchase small, breathable drawstring bags (organza, muslin, burlap, or cotton are common).

  2. Mix & Fill: In a bowl, mix your dried lavender buds with any optional rice or essential oil.

  3. Fill Bag: Scoop the mixture into the drawstring bag, filling it about 2/3 to 3/4 full.

  4. Close: Pull the drawstring tightly to secure the contents.

• Option B: Using Fabric Squares & Ribbon/Elastic:

  1. Cut Fabric: Cut a square of breathable fabric (e.g., 5"x5" or 6"x6"). You can use a single layer.

  2. Mix & Place: Mix your dried lavender buds (and optional rice/essential oil). Place a mound of the mixture in the center of the fabric square.

  3. Gather & Tie: Gather the four corners of the fabric up around the lavender to form a small pouch. Secure tightly with a ribbon, twine, or a small elastic band. You can tie a bow for decoration.

Tips for Long-Lasting Scent:

• Quality Lavender: Use high-quality, fragrant dried lavender buds.

• Refresh: When the scent fades (usually after a few months), gently squeeze or massage the sachet to release more aroma. You can also add a few more drops of lavender essential oil directly to the fabric or contents.

• Storage: Keep sachets in enclosed spaces like drawers, closets, or under pillows to preserve their scent longer.