Add some scent to your life with homemade sachets

No-sew sachets
If you’re not handy with the needle and thread then make up some no-sew sachets.

To prevent moths snacking on your winter clothes, wrap up some aromatic cedar chips in a cheesecloth square and place in your drawers. You can also put a few drops of cedar oil on some cheesecloth, add another layer of cheesecloth and place in your drawer away from the actual clothing.

To repel flies, wrap up some eucalyptus, bay leaves and cloves in small cheesecloth squares and place by open windows or doors.

Another simple sachet it to take a cotton bandana or handkerchief, place the herbs in the middle, gather the edges together and tie it with a ribbon. Another great source for ready made sachets are reusable cotton teabags sold at most health food stores.

Do it yourself
Follow these simple steps to create sachets with your signature style.

Choose a natural fabric that breathes. Cotton, silk, linen, hemp, burlap or bamboo are all suitable fabrics. Synthetic fabric won't be as aromatic.

Make your sachet more personalize by embroidering your initals or some flowers onto one side.

Decide what size your sachet. 5 cm x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) is the traditional size used in undergarment drawers. Larger drawers use the 10 cm by 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) size.

Choose a narrow ribbon or yarn that matches the fabric. You’ll need 22 to 25 cm (¼ yard) of ribbon to tie off the sachet.

Make your herb potpourri. Mix and match the herbs to suit your taste.

With the right sides facing, put two swatches together and stitch up three sides. You can use a sewing machine or stitch them by hand -- whichever suits you.

Turn the bag right side out and fill close to three-quarters with your herbs.

Tie off the open end with the ribbon. You can choose to finish off the fourth edge so you have a completely enclosed sachet but this makes it harder to replace the herbs.

Place in your drawer or pin to a hanger in your closet.

Herbs to use

Moth prevention: lavender, rosemary, vetiver, dried lemon peels, rose petals, rosemary, clove, cedar wood, mint, thyme, ginseng and sage

Flea prevention: mint, cedar, citrus, pennyroyal, citronella, cedar, eucalyptus, lemongrass, rue and lavender

Ward off flies: eucalyptus, bay leaves and cloves, basil

These herbs are all available at your local health food store in bulk or buy your own fresh herbs and dry your own.

Once your sachets are completed place them in your drawers or hang them in your closets. They’re a great way to add some scent to your life.

Shelagh McNally is the editor of Green Living Online who still mourns the loss of her favourite houndstooth jacket consumer by moths.