How to Make Sachets

Right now I’m finding myself wanting to pack up all the scents, colors, and sensations of summertime into a sachet. The days remain hot here, bugs still abuzz, the garden continues to thrive, yet the light is shifting and the end of the gardening season is near—the perfect time to craft a sachet. 

What Herbal Sachets Are and How to Use Them

Herbal sachets are small bags filled with aromatic ingredients like dried herbs, flowers, spices, or other fragrant botanical blends that have been used for centuries across many cultures to scent linens, bring comfort, promote calm, or carry symbolic meaning. They are commonly placed in drawers or cupboards to keep clothes fresh, tucked under pillows to encourage restful sleep or vivid dreams, and even hung on chair backs to relieve stress, soothe headaches, or add a pleasant aroma. Some sachets serve as eco-friendly gifts or culinary bouquet garni to flavor dishes, while others act as natural insect repellents with herbs like cedar or peppermint.

To use your sachet, simply tuck it inside your pillowcase, slip it under your pillow, or place it on your nightstand so you can enjoy its gentle, calming scent as you drift off to sleep. The aroma should be close enough to breathe in comfortably but not so strong that it becomes overwhelming. For extra relaxation, hold the sachet in your hands and take a few deep breaths before settling in for the night.

How to make herbal sachets

There are many types of sachets to make, depending on how you’ll use them and how crafty you feel. It can be as simple as two pieces of wool felt stitched together, or as fancy as a drawstring bag embroidered and trimmed with lace. The guide below walks you through a basic sleep sachet using simple sewing and calming herbs. Once you've got the hang of it, you can create your own pouch styles and scent blends.

What you’ll need…

For the Sachet Bag:

• Two 4x4-inch pieces of breathable natural fabric, such as cotton or muslin
• Matching or contrasting thread for sewing
• Needle (for hand-sewing) or sewing machine (for faster assembly)
• Scissors
• Pins
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Pencil or fabric chalk
• Ribbon or drawstring (optional)
• Embroidery thread, beads, or charms (optional)

For the Sachet Filling:

• 1–2 tablespoons dried lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 1–2 tablespoons dried chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
• 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried hops (Humulus lupulus) (optional)
• 2–3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
• 1–2 tablespoons rice, buckwheat, cherry pits, or flaxseed (optional for weight and texture)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and hops (if using). Add 1–2 tablespoons (or up to half the volume) of rice, buckwheat, cherry pits, or flaxseed if you want extra weight and moisture control. Add 2–3 drops of lavender essential oil and stir gently to combine. Go easy on the oil, it can overpower the herbs. Store the mix in an airtight container or ziplock bag until you're ready to use it.
2. Cut two 4x4" squares. This will give you a sachet about 3x3" when finished. Adjust the size if you want it bigger or smaller. Use a pencil or fabric chalk to mark a ½" seam allowance on the inside (wrong side) of the fabric. If you'd like to embroider your initials or a little design (like a moon, star, or sprig of lavender), do it now on the outside (right side) before sewing.

3. Place the right sides of the fabric together and pin three sides, leaving the top open. Sew along the pinned edges using a running stitch, backstitch, or machine straight stitch (2.5–3 mm). Start at one top corner, sew down, across the bottom, and up the other side. Secure the thread by knotting (hand sewing) or backstitching (machine) at the beginning and end. Optional: For a reusable drawstring sachet, fold the top edge down ¼", then another ½" to make a casing. Sew close to the inner fold, leaving a small opening for the ribbon. If using a drawstring, cut your fabric a bit larger: 5x5" or 6x6" gives you more room.

4. Trim the excess fabric outside the seam, leaving about ¼" to prevent fraying. Turn the sachet right side out through the open top and use a pencil or chopstick to gently push out the corners so it lays neatly.
5. Use a small spoon or funnel to fill the sachet about ¾ full with your herb mixture. Don’t overstuff, it should stay soft and pliable. If you’ve added a drawstring casing, make sure the mix stays below it.

6. To finish it off, if you’re making a permanent sachet, fold the raw edges of the top inward by about ½" and sew it shut using a ladder stitch, slip stitch, or a straight machine stitch close to the edge. If you're using a drawstring, thread a ribbon through the casing with a safety pin, then tie it in a secure bow or knot. You can also use Velcro or light stitching if you’d like to refresh or change the filling later.
7. For a little extra charm, feel free to add a bead, ribbon, or loop to the corner.

Herbal Gifts in the Sleep Sachet Blend

Each herb in the sleep sachet blend brings its own gentle gift to help calm the mind and support restful sleep. Together, they create a soothing combination that makes the sachet both comforting and effective. Here’s a closer look at the qualities that make lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and hops such helpful bedtime companions.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Benefits

Lavender is cherished for its calming and soothing aroma. Its gentle floral scent helps ease anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation and a restful night’s sleep. Lavender’s natural ability to calm the nervous system makes it a staple in many sleep and relaxation remedies.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Benefits

Chamomile offers a mild, apple-like fragrance and is widely known for its calming effects. Traditionally used as a gentle sedative, chamomile helps to reduce insomnia and soothe restless minds, making it perfect for easing into sleep.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Benefits

Lemon Balm brings a fresh, light citrus scent and is prized for its mild sedative and mood-stabilizing properties. It helps reduce nervous tension and promotes a sense of peace, encouraging calmness before bedtime.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) Benefits

Hops, though famous in brewing, also have relaxing qualities. Their natural sedative effects help quiet the mind and support deeper, more restorative sleep, making them an excellent addition to a sleep sachet blend.

A little bit of history

Herbal sachets have a rich history spanning centuries and cultures. In ancient Egypt, pouches filled with herbs like myrrh were used in rituals and mummification, while in China and India, they played a role in traditional healing practices like Ayurveda. 

During the Middle Ages in Europe, sachets, often called pomanders (in medieval Europe, the term referred to any perfumed object used for health, protection, or pleasure¹), were carried to mask odors, ward off disease, or signal wealth. By the Renaissance and Victorian eras, they became popular for scenting clothes and homes, with lavender emerging as a favorite for its aroma and moth-repellent qualities. In various traditions, such as Native American and African practices, sachets have served spiritual purposes, holding herbs or items for protection or luck.

Types and Uses of Herbal Sachets

Herbal sachets come in many forms, each crafted with specific herbs to suit a variety of purposes.

• Aromatherapy sachets release soothing or invigorating scents using herbs like lavender, peppermint, or citrus peels to support mood and relaxation.
• Sleep sachets, often tucked into pillowcases, may include calming botanicals such as chamomile, hops, or mugwort to promote restful sleep or enhance dreams.
• Drawer or closet sachets freshen linens and can help repel moths and pests with ingredients like rosemary, cedar, or cloves.
• In spiritual or magical traditions, sachets (also called mojo bags or spell sachets) are created with intention, incorporating herbs like rose for love, basil for luck, or rue for protection.
• Bath sachets offer a mess-free way to enjoy herbal baths; they’re filled with soothing or detoxifying blends such as calendula, oats, or sage.
• Comfort sachets are filled with herbs and grains like rice or flaxseed and can be gently heated or cooled for therapeutic use.
• Some sachets are made for meditation, using grounding or spiritually uplifting herbs like sandalwood or lotus or are purely decorative, offering beauty and scent as thoughtful gifts or home accents.

What to Use in Herbal Sachets

The contents of a sachet depend on its intended purpose. Below are common herbs, spices, and other materials, along with their uses:

For fragrance and aromatherapy:

• Rose petals: sweet, romantic scent; used for love or relaxation
• Jasmine: uplifting, romantic, and mood-enhancing
• Orange peel: bright, citrusy scent; uplifting and refreshing, often used to boost mood and ease stress
• Clary sage: earthy, slightly floral aroma; known for its calming, hormone-balancing, and anxiety-reducing properties

For insect repellent:

• Cedar chips: repels moths and protects stored clothing
• Peppermint: deters ants, spiders, and mice
• Rosemary: repels moths and other insects
• Cloves: strong scent that repels pests

For spiritual or ritual use:

• Sage: cleansing and purifying; often used for protection
• Rosemary: protection, memory, and purification
• Mugwort: associated with dreams and psychic abilities
• Bay leaves: used for wish-making or success
• Cinnamon sticks: attracts prosperity and warmth

For medicinal or therapeutic effects:

• Eucalyptus: clears sinuses, invigorating
• Peppermint: relieves headaches, energizing
• Thyme: antibacterial properties; used for respiratory support

Additional materials:

• Essential oils: a few drops can enhance the scent (e.g., lavender or cedarwood oil)
• Dried citrus peels: adds a fresh, zesty aroma (e.g., orange or lemon peel)
• Spices: cloves, allspice, or nutmeg for warmth and complexity
• Crystals or stones: sometimes included in spiritual sachets for added energy (e.g., amethyst for calm)
• Rice, buckwheat, cherry pits, or flaxseed: used as a filler to add weight and absorb moisture

Here are some frequently asked questions about herbal sachets...

What kind of fabric should I use for making herbal sachets?

Choose a tightly woven fabric like cotton, muslin, or linen. This helps keep small herb particles from escaping while still allowing the scent to pass through.

Can I use synthetic fabrics?

Natural fabrics like cotton or linen are best because they allow scents to pass through and are biodegradable.

Can I make herbal sachets using recycled materials?

Absolutely! Reusing scraps of old cotton clothing, pillowcases, or other linens is a great eco-friendly option that reduces waste and gives new life to worn fabric.

How long do herbal sachets last?

Most sachets retain their scent for 3 to 6 months, but you can refresh them by regularly adding a few drops of essential oil to the exterior. For a deeper refresh, gently open the seams to replace the herbs, then sew the sachet back together.

Are herbal sachets safe for kids or pets?

Many herbal sachets are safe, but you should avoid using herbs that are toxic to pets, such as pennyroyal or eucalyptus, or that may irritate sensitive skin. It’s especially important to avoid placing sachets with strong herbs like eucalyptus near pets or people with allergies. Always research the herbs you plan to use to ensure safety.

Written by Jenny Bar

Jenny is a graphic designer and content creator at LearningHerbs, living in the scenic countryside of Caledon, Ontario. She spends her days wrangling her lively brood of three—two spirited teens and a curious tween—while knitting, canning, and brewing herbal concoctions. Her busy, love-filled home is a constant source of inspiration, much like her garden, with its mix of vegetables and herbs.

Footnotes

1. Wikipedia contributors. “Pomander.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Last modified July 27, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomander.