HOW TO MAKE A PAIR OF TEABAG SACHETS

The teabag sachets evolved after I finished a private label order for a client. The sachet I was making for them was a postcard-sized linen rectangle with a loop at the top. At the same time, I was getting into loose leaf teas and everything I made turned into a tea accessory. The large rectangle morphed into a teabag shape with a loop, then the loop was replaced by the button and buttonhole and one sachet became a pair of sachets. Unbuttoned, the sachet can loop over a hanger or button onto a hanging garment….or drop in a coat pocket hanging in the closet.

I'm just getting my etsy shop set-up, the first listings are the teabag sachets…still time to get them for Christmas! If you sew, you can use the pattern and directions that follow to make your own. I chose linen for these sachets, a somewhat open weave, so the fragrance can pass easily through the fabric. There's a great online source for dried lavender and botanicals---http://www.atlanticspice.com/.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1. Using the pattern cut two from your fabric for a pair of sachets.




Step 2. Fold on the dotted line, using a ¼” seam allowance, sew across the bottom and up the side ending about 1” before the top. Then sew across the top and down the diagonal. Clip corners. Turn inside out.




Step 3. Fold the open corner into the center forming the teabag shaped top. Press well.




Step 4. Make a button hole. Fill the sachet with lavender about 2/3 full (about 2/3 cup). Top-stitch across the sachet from side to side at the base of the triangle. This secures the dried lavender. Sew button on the second sachet.

about lavender trifles

At the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck in October I sold out of white sheep sachets---recycled wool moth-chaser sachets filled with dried lavender, a moth deterrent. Perfect for wool lovers!

One summer night when I was walking my dachshund, Archie, he began chasing...moths. The moth-chaser sachet idea was born that night! So a simple black felt rectangle folded in half, stitched on the sides, then stitched across the two matched seams--became the Archie head. Felt ears, two brown vintage buttons for eyes, a pink felt tongue and a ribbon leash made it into the Archie Moth-chaser!




It's a short leap from dachshund head to sheep's head. A little ear tweaking and a silk yarn top knot! The sheep sachets are made from recycled wool sweaters, which should make sheep happy, vintage buttons, recycled silk yarn, ribbon or silk spaghetti and dried lavender. Here's a new flock of white sheep about to be stitched...bound for wool stashes everywhere!