Directions for a Sachet

Scent your sachets with dried herbs.

Scented sachets date back to ancient China. In fact, Cultural China reveals that during the Warring States Period, sachets adorned the neck much like an amulet. It was not until the Tang and Song dynasties that women used sachets to hold fragrances. Today, sachets hold everything from dried flowers to fragrant powders and aromatic herbs. You can make your own "no-sew" sachets to give as gifts or keep them for yourself to scent your personal belongings.

Things You'll Need

• Handkerchief, dinner napkin or doily
• Dried herbs
• Hard work surface
• Tablespoon
• Ribbon or twine
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose an attractive handkerchief from your drawer, thrift store, department store or even a friend. You can also use a decorative cloth dinner napkin or cotton doily.

2. Decide on a fragrance. The dried herb you choose will depend on what you will do with the sachet after you complete it. For instance, dried lavender herbs produce a calming scent, which will work well when placed under your pillow. Pine gives off a fresh scent, and works well in your drawers and closets.

3. Open the handkerchief and place it on a hard work surface in front of you. Scoop 2 tbs. of your chosen dried herb and pile it in the center of the handkerchief.

4. Cut an 8-inch piece of ribbon or twine with a pair of scissors. Gather all four corners of the handkerchief and cinch them together tightly around the dried herbs.

5. Tie the handkerchief with the piece of ribbon or twine, forming a tight bow. Flare out the ends of the handkerchief, forming a plume at the top of your sachet. Place the sachet in your desired location.

Tips & Warnings

• Paper envelopes also make great sachets. Simply punch some holes in the envelope using a straight pin (a decorative pattern is possible here) and place 1 tbs. of your favorite herb inside.

• Thrift stores and consignment shops are a great place to find handkerchiefs in vintage patterns.

• You can purchase dried herbs in health food markets.

• Do not overstuff the sachet with more herbs than necessary. A little goes a long way.

References

• Cultural China: Scented Sachets
• Martha Stewart: Homemade Sachets
• "The Seattle Times: Making Scents Out of What to Get Mom"

Resources

• Stitches For All Seasons: Handkerchief Sachets