How to Sew Sachets

Learn how to sew sachets for your wardrobe. These scented sachets use up those little scraps you have lying around. With a few drops of essential oil, you have a perfumed gift that smells divine. It’s time to wear your heart on your sleeve with a sewing tutorial that puts heart and soul into a simple gift. 

How to Sew Sachets Tutorial

This scented heart is a touching way to say farewell to a friend.  A parting gift to pop into a suitcase and be a reminder of friendship as the aroma permeates the suitcase. It is a lovely way to make a sleep pillow. Make lavender sachets and lay them on your pillow. No matter how to plan to use your DIY scented sachets, they are easy to make and can be customized to suit your purpose.

The best thing about learning how to sew sachets is that you can control how strong you want the smell to be. Some store-bought sachets are really strong and have unpleasant odors. Use the fragrances that make you happy. Another great thing is that they are so cheap to make. If you just use your scraps, then they cost almost nothing.

This is an easy beginner sewing project.

Sewing Sachets Supplies

Here are the supplies you will need to make the DIY scented sachets:

1. Scraps of fabric – Cotton fabric or linen with a tight weave is usually best and has the added benefit of being easy to sew. Look through your quilting cotton scrap basket or purchase a fat quarter of fabric if you plan to make a few fabric sachets.
2. Pinking shears – This gives the edge a pretty, feminine look and has the added bonus of stopping the edges of the fabric from fraying. If you don’t have pinking shears, consider using a fabric that doesn’t fray such as crafting felt.
3. Piece of ribbon or pretty tape – 3 inches (7.5cm) this will go in the top to allow you to hang the heart up in a cupboard. The ribbon can be any width but I used 3/8 inch (1cm) wide.
4. Decorations – Colored button or a pretty vintage brooch or even a crochet flower to add that personal touch
5. Stuffing – I’ve used polyester stuffing but you could also use fabric scraps cut into small pieces. Cotton stuffing works well as it will absorb any oils whereas polyester can be used if you are adding dried herbs. Another option for stuffing is uncooked rice. The only disadvantage of using rice is that your heart may not last as long.
6. For smell – Lavender, potpourri, dried herbs, petals or essential oils. Using pure essential oils or plants such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, cloves, eucalyptus, lemongrass and cedarwood can deter moths and other insects. A warning about essential oils – Use essential oils sparingly as they are very concentrated and never put any in your mouth or on your hands. Always check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
7. Sewing machine and general sewing supplies, scissors or rotary cutter, thread, needle, marking pencil.

Sewing Sachets Pattern

You will need to make a heart pattern for your DIY scented sachets. I made a cardboard template 13x15cm (5 x 6 inches) but you can make any size or shaped heart. Just fold your cardboard in half before you cut it to get it symmetrical.

If you don’t like hearts, make a template which is round or rectangular. The instructions will work equally well for other shapes.

How to Sew Sachets, Step by Step Instructions

Here is how to make a DIY lavender sachet:

Step 1 – Cut the Fabric

Choose your fabric scraps and using the heart pattern, cut out two hearts with pinking shears. This gives an interesting edge and speeds up the sewing process.

Step 2 – Assemble

Pin the heart pieces of fabric with the wrong sides together and insert the ribbon loop in the top. The ribbon should be inserted at least 1/2 inch (12mm) so it won’t come out when sewn.

Step 3 – Stitch Sachets

Stitch the two heart pieces together on the right sides with a small stitch length of 1.5-2.0 and a seam allowance of around 1/4 inch (6mm).

Start stitching in the middle of the side of the heart and sew down to the point.  Stop and turn and continue to stitch up the opposite side and then round the two rounded edges and back to the beginning leaving a small opening for the stuffing.

If you don’t have a sewing machine you can use a backstitch to sew it by hand. Just use small stitches so the seam will be strong and won’t come undone. For a new-sew method, use fabric glue.

Step 4 – Stuff

Gently push some cotton or polyester stuffing into the opening and when you are satisfied the stuffing has filled the heart, drop some essential oil or scent into the stuffing. Don’t use too much as it may stain the fabric. You could also insert some dried lavender.

Push the stuffing evenly in the heart shape and just aim for a gentle puffy effect.

Step 5 – Close Gap

Stitch the gap closed with all the stuffing inside. Make sure you backstitch the ends.

Step 6 – Decorate

Finally, stitch a button or bow or other trim at the top of the heart for the perfect finishing touch.

Make some pretty themed fabric sachets when you are giving them for special occasions such as Christmas. You could hang them on your tree before moving the hearts to your drawers or cupboards.

DIY Scented Sachets – Useage Suggestions

• In drawers to make your clothes smell nice.
• For gifts
• The car
• Your gym bag definitely needs one!
• In shoes or your sock drawer

How to Sew Sachets – In Conclusion

A DIY scented satchel shaped like a heart is a sweet and simple gift.  It’s a romantic and personal way to show you care.

More Scrap Fabric Projects

• DIY Fabric Bow
• Christmas Coasters
• DIY Fabric Flowers (These would look great on your scented sachets)
• DIY Hair Ties