Dryer sachets are a frugal, practical, organic alternative to commercial dryer sheets. I usually hand-sew mine because it takes less time to thread a needle and get sewing than to pull out my sewing machine. I recommend a French seam, particularly if you sew by hand, to give your seam more strength.
Dryer sachets see a surprising amount of stress, so be sure to inspect yours regularly for signs of wear and tear. Mine, mostly made from old sheets or worn linens, usually last a good six months, often a year, before I need to replace them. I usually refill mine once every three months, although I could probably do it more often. To decide if it’s time to refill my dryer sachet, I give it a sniff. If the scent seems weak, I refill it, dumping the old herbs into the compost pile or pouring them as a mini-mulch around the base of one of my house or outdoor plants.
Equipment you’ll need to make a Dryer Sachet:
- Sturdy, tightly woven fabric measuring at least 9 inches by 17 inches.
- needle and thread or a sewing machine with thread
- scissors
- pins (optional)
Ingredients for filling your Dryer Sachet:
- 1-2 cups dried herbs such as lavender and cardamon
Procedure for making a Dryer Sachet:
- Cut a rectangle of fabric 9 inches by 17 inches in dimension.
- Fold the fabric in half along the long edge, wrong sides together.
- Sew a quarter-inch seam along the raw edges on one long side and one short side to form a bag.
- Turn the bag inside-out so the right sides are together and press, if you so desire.
- Sew a hefty quarter-inch to scant half-inch seam along the already stitched edges. This creates a French seam that will cover the raw edges and protect them from fraying as well as make it harder for the herbs to work their way out of the bag through the seam.
- Turn the bag right side out and fill as directed below, then admire your work!
Filling and Using your Dryer Sachet
- Fill your sachet with one to two cups of heavily-scented herbs.
- Tie the open edge of the sachet in an overhand knot.
- Add your dryer sachet to the dryer with your damp clothing and dry as usual. When the laundry is done, store your dryer sachet in a convenient place. I usually leave mine in the dryer.
