Making fresh lavender bags, also known as sachets, involves drying fresh lavender and then combining it with a filler before enclosing it in a breathable fabric bag. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- Fresh Lavender: Harvest lavender in the morning after the dew has dried, when the oils are most concentrated.
- Drying Method: Choose your drying method (air drying, oven drying, or dehydrator).
- Fabric: Breathable fabric like muslin, cotton, linen, or organza.
- Thread and Needle (or sewing machine): To sew the bags.
- Scissors: For cutting fabric and lavender stems.
- Filler (optional): Rice, dried corn, flaxseed, or similar materials to add bulk.
- Bowl: For mixing the lavender and filler.
- Measuring Spoons/Cups: To measure ingredients.
2. Dry the Lavender:
Drying lavender properly is crucial to prevent mold and retain its fragrance. Here are a few methods:
- Air Drying: Bundle lavender stems together with twine and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place with good air circulation. This method can take several weeks.
- Oven Drying: Spread lavender flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at the lowest oven setting (ideally below 170°F or 77°C) for 2-4 hours, checking frequently to prevent burning.
- Dehydrator: Spread lavender flowers on dehydrator trays and dry at a low temperature (around 100-110°F or 38-43°C) for several hours, until completely dry.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- Crush the dried lavender: Gently crush the dried lavender flowers to release their fragrance.
- Mix with filler (optional): In a bowl, combine approximately two parts dried lavender with one part filler (rice, flaxseed, etc.). This helps to extend the lavender and give the sachet more body. You can adjust the ratio to your preference.
4. Prepare the Bags:
- Cut fabric squares or rectangles: Cut your chosen fabric into squares or rectangles of the desired size for your sachets. Common sizes range from 3x3 inches to 5x5 inches. Remember to leave some seam allowance (about 1/2 inch).
5. Sew the Bags:
- Hand Sew: Fold the fabric square in half, wrong sides together. Sew along three sides, leaving one side open for filling. Turn the bag right-side out.
- Sewing Machine: Sew along three sides of the fabric, leaving one side open for filling. Turn the bag right-side out.
- Alternative: Drawstring Bags: Cut two fabric pieces per bag. Sew up both sides and create a casing at the top, feed through ribbon for drawstring.
6. Fill the Bags:
- Carefully fill each bag with the lavender and filler mixture. Avoid overfilling, as it can make it difficult to close the bag securely.
7. Close the Bags:
- Hand Sew: Fold the raw edges of the open end inward and sew the opening closed with a small, neat stitch.
- Sewing Machine: Fold the raw edges of the open end inward and stitch the opening closed.
- Drawstring Bags: Pull drawstrings to close.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality, fragrant lavender for the best results.
- Ensure the lavender is completely dry before using it to prevent mold.
- Experiment with different fabrics and sizes to create unique sachets.
- Add essential oils (lavender, of course!) to enhance the fragrance.
- Store finished lavender bags in a cool, dry place to preserve their fragrance.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful and fragrant fresh lavender bags to enjoy for months to come!
