Simple Lavender Sachets

My love of lavender started about 6 years ago while I was looking into alternative solutions for dealing with depression. That is a whole thing in itself that I’m not going into just now. I bought some lavender and clary sage essential oils and haven’t been without them since. These simple lavender sachets help bed linens smell lovely and add a soothing scent. To be honest, I really don’t know if they do anything as such, but, I do find the smell really comforting and cheers me up.

When we first moved here almost 5 years ago, I put a few drops of clary sage or lavender on my pillow every night to make me feel at home, and even now it’s my favourite way to get ready for sleep. It’s funny that I remember using them most when I felt most distressed and yet it holds no bad memories for me… anyway. Long story short, I love lavender. Real lavender. I don’t like the fake stuff.

Lovely Lavender

I have wanted to make lavender sachets for years so that everything in my blanket box smells all gorgeous, but, I keep procrastinating and forgetting. It’s also handy how lavender is apparently a moth deterrent. Not that my sheets are all that fancy but the fewer moths eating my bedding the better!

This project is one of those that can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. From simple running stitch along the outside to embroidery and cool shapes, it’s easy to personalise them and have fun. Because they’re small and hardly seen there’s loads of scope for practice and creative freedom. I also love the fact it’s useful. Making lots of things just for the sake of it feels wasteful to me and it’s something I struggle with. Perhaps this is partly fuelled by perfectionism too, as it is probably my most used excuse not to play creatively.

Simple Lavender Sachets

What you’ll need

Small pieces of scrap fabric
Scissors
Embroidery thread
Dried lavender
Lavender essential oil
Rice
Pins or clips
Small jar or bowl

Instructions

1. Cut out 2 rectangles that are 2″ x 3″ (5cm x 7cm). I used scrap Harris Tweed and some dressmaking mesh stuff I had leftover. Scrapbusting is one of my goals for 2020! For the mesh I wanted four layers so I cut two 4″ x 3″ (10cm x 7cm) rectangles.

2. Fold the mesh in half and line up the fold with one long edge. This will be the edge you leave partly open later on.

3. Cut a 30 – 40cm length of embroidery thread and knot one end. Pin or clip the fabric pieces together.

4. Start sewing by hiding the knot in between the layers, about 1/4″ to a 1/2″ from the edge. This is personal preference. Push the needle back through both layers in almost the same spot and start sewing.

5. Continue on with a small running stitch along the outside edge of the two pieces until you’ve sewn about three quarters of the way round.

6. Leave a 1 1/2″ gap open but do not fasten off the thread yet.

7. After that, gather some rice, dried lavender and lavender essential oil to make the filling. You can use the dried lavender by itself if you’d like too.

8. Mix 1/8 cup of dried lavender, 1/4 cup of rice and a few drops of lavender essential oil – you choose how strong you’d like it, start with about 4 or 5 drops). I used an old jar and shook it to mix. (Filling recipe adapted from one originally found on kenarry.com)

9. Fill your pouch with about 4 teaspoons of lavender mix. However, you don’t want it too full or it’ll be difficult to sew up. There should be enough mix for a total of 4 to 5 sachets of this size.

10. Continue with the running stitch until the opening is closed, finish with a discreet knot and cut the thread.

11. Finish the edges with pinking shears to give a nice even look and to prevent fraying. That’s it, you’re done! Time to maybe make a few more and tuck the lavender sachets away with your towels and sheets to make them smell lovely. Enjoy.

This project only took me about 45 minutes to complete when the kids came home after school. If you’ve got peace, you might be able to do it faster! It’s a satisfying little creative boost and useful too. I might do some simple embroidery on my next one.

I’d love to know, what’s your favourite lavender or other “nice smell” related memory? The first time I smelt proper real lavender was in Canada well over 10 years ago (actually it was closer to 20, wow !) We were on a holiday visiting family in Kelowna, BC, and we visited a winery that had lavender plants growing along the paths. It was so lovely.

I hope this wee project will help you feel calm and de-stressed (hopefully not distressed like my autocorrect wanted to write) and bring some fond memories back to you too.

Kathelle x