We all have a coat or outfit that sits in the closet for most of the year. When you need it, you discover that is smells musky or worse— it’s full of moth holes. So what’s a simple way to keep your closet smelling fresh without the use of those smelly mothballs? Scented sachets have been used for centuries to keep things smelling fresh. Making your own handmade sachets is easy and you can customize them to suit your preferences.

Supplies

• 2 pieces of muslin or linen fabric cut to 6x4
  
• string or binding
  
• sewing machine and accessories
  
• 1/2 cup cedar chips
  
• 1/4 cup dried lavender
  
• 2 tablespoons cloves
  
• cinnamon sticks

You can use any combination of dried flowers, spices or herb in your sachet. Cedar chips are great for keeping moths out and you can find them at home improvement or pet stores. They typically come in a large package and are sold as pet bedding.

Step 1

Fold down an inch on each piece and press.

Step 2

Cut about six inches of string or binding. Form a loop with the binding and pin it to one side of the 6x4 piece of fabric. Make sure it’s pinned to the side that shows the one-inch flap. Sew across the flap, securing the loop in place. Sew the other piece of fabric across the one-inch flap as well.

Step 3

Pin the “right” sides together (the seam and flaps will be on the outside). Pin and sew a 1/4 inch seam down each side and across the bottom. Turn it inside out and trim away loose threads.

Step 4

Fill the sachets with the herbs and spices. Leave about an 1/2 inch space at the top.

Step 5

Pin the sachet shut and sew a 1/4 inch seam across the top.

Hang your sachets in the closet. The loops make them easy to slip onto hangers. The herbs and spices will keep your clothes smelling fresh and the cedar chips will ward away moths.