Making a Rustic Herbal Sachet
To Make a Country Lavender Sachet…
I’m calling this a ‘country’ sachet because it’s primitive looking. For me, this is a plus. I think it adds to the ‘Middle Ages’ look, perhaps something a creative peasant might make.
Nobility would surely have a much finer version in terms of both the material and the talent of the seamstress.
Spanish and English Lavender…
Two Examples…
My first example is made with the stitching showing on the outside edges (photo below).
This is very handmade looking as the stitching is slightly haphazard but with a tight whipstitch.
A whipstitch is a very easy hand sewing technique where you go up and through with your needle, creating a heavy stitched seal over the unfinished edges of your fabric.
I am not an experienced seamstress, so my sachet turned out very much the opposite of refined, however, I still really liked the way it came out. In fact, I find its unevenness charming. I prefer it, even.
If you look at the picture just below this photo, you’ll see an example done with a French Seam.
Lavender sachet bag made with very rustic stitching.
French Seam…
The French Seam technique involves sewing the bag with wrong sides together and then turning it inside out, so that the stitched are hidden inside. It’s a little more involved and there are plenty of videos online if you would like to try it.
However, I am giving the instruction for the rustic sachet bag today, because I like seeing the color of the thread against the natural linen and I just prefer the simplicity.
Lavender sachet bag using a French seam…
Supplies Need for Lavender Sachet Bags with Rustic Stitching…
Two pieces of fabric, the same size, about 4 ×4.5 or larger or could be a bit smaller.
Thread and needle - if you’re using a thicker fabric, choose a stronger thread, I used embroidery thread.
Dried Lavender, I used English food grade or craft grade. English lavender is the most common lavender.
Dry rice, this will be used for weight and as filler because pure lavender can be very strong.
Materials for decorating, this is up to you. I used fabric ink with a star stamp.
Ribbon, optional
You’ll also need scissors and either a small funnel or you can make a ‘funnel’ with a piece of paper rolled into a cone.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy, Rustic Lavender Sachet…
Mix your lavender and rice together, 2 parts lavender to 1 part rice, approximately. Set aside.
Cut out two pieces of fabric, equal in size. I used 4”×4.5” pieces of natural linen.
Decorate however you would like, I stamped with fabric ink
Place the fabric pieces directly on top of each other, with the decorated sides facing out.
Sew three of the sides together.
On the last side, sew ¾ - then stop and fill the sachet with your lavender and rice mix. Use your funnel to do this, or the makeshift cone from paper.
Once the sachet is filled, continue sewing until all edges are sealed.
If you want to add a ribbon, you can tie it around the sachet.
NOTE: I used embroidery thread on my natural linen. I wanted a thicker thread so that the accent color of the thread would be apparent. You can use regular thread though.
I also did not bother to hide any imperfect stitches (which is basically the whole thing!).
Where to Use Lavender Sachet Bags…
Lavender is a lovely scent, if you prefer a stronger scent, use more lavender, or if you like it lighter, use less with more rice. If you’re going to give as a gift and you have a few sprigs around, thread them through the ribbon when presenting.
These are perfect for clothing drawers, closets or even under a pillow. Lavender is known for its cleansing, relaxing and calming properties so tuck it wherever you would like an aromatic experience.