DIY Network

Handmade Sachets Handmade Sachets From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-701

Q: I'd like to make a sachet for a gift. Can you give me instructions for how to make one?

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J
	Figure K
	Figure L

A: (Debbie Stapley, DIY crafts expert) Sachets are a great gift, and they're easy to make. Some of the sachet projects we've featured in the past have used thin, filmy fabrics. Here's how to make more substantial sachets using a heavier, natural fabric for a vintage look. These sachets are made from linen and feature tassels and embroidery designs (figure A).

• For the embroidered designs, you'll need an embroidery hoop (figure B). Hoops are available in wood or plastic varieties. The hoop will hold the fabric tight, making it easier to make the embroidery stitches.

• You can make the sachet in any size that you want. Simply cut two pieces of fabric that are the same size to form the front and back. You can use the same fabric for both, or use a complementary color for the backing.

• Center your pre-cut piece of fabric over the inside ring of the hoop, then press the outer ring down and tighten the adjustment screw to hold the fabric taut (figure C).

• Tip: Before embroidering the fabric you intend to use, you may want to practice your chosen embroidery stitching on a piece of scrap fabric.

• To make a "lazy daisy" stitch for the first design, begin with three strands of embroidery thread. Begin by bringing the needle up from behind, then back down into the same hole. Bring the needle back up from behind again about 3/4-inch away from the center (figure D). The length you choose will define the length of the "petals" that will form the daisy.

• Loop the thread beneath the needle (figure E), then pull the thread through to begin forming the flower-petal design (figure F). Insert the needle back down through the fabric at the outer end to complete the first petal.

• Repeat this process, forming a radial design, to form the flower effect (figure G).

• Once you've finished the petals, form the center of the flower using French knots (figure H). Using a contrasting color thread, insert the needle from behind. Wrap the thread around the needle two times, then reinsert the needle back down through the fabric, and pull the thread tight so that it lays flat against the fabric.

• Repeat this process to create the center portion. You may also want to add French knots at the end of each petal to accent the design (figure I).

• Once you've completed the embroidery, place the right sides of the two pieces of fabric together, and sew them together using a straight stitch (figure J). Leave one side partially open so that the sachet filler can be added later.

• To further decorate the sachet, consider adding tassel around the borders (figure K).

• Once you've added all of your decorative elements, add the sachet filler. A cut-off top of a plastic soda bottle can be used as a makeshift funnel (figure L). For our sachets, we used dried lavender for filler. Lavender has a sweet, refreshing scent, and can be purchased at health-food stores.