Heidi Norton
Scented bags, also known as sachets, have been used for various purposes throughout history. They were first used in China to absorb sweat and later as tokens of love. In Europe, they were worn around the neck or waist and believed to protect the wearer from parasites. Today, they are commonly used to fragrance drawers, dressers, cars, and luggage. This guide will teach you how to make your own scented bags with essential oils and natural ingredients in three simple steps.
How to Make Fragrance Bags
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Scent bag, sweet bag, potpourri, perfume cushion, fragrant bag, dream pillow |
| History | First used in China to absorb sweat. Later, they became tokens of love. In Europe, they were known as "Plague bags" and were believed to protect against parasites. |
| Ingredients | Essential oils, dried petals, herbs, and spices. |
| Use Cases | Fragrance bags can be placed in closets, drawers, cars, purses, luggage, and even coats or pockets to keep them smelling fresh. They can also be used to eliminate foot odour and keep pests away. |
| Customisation | Fragrance bags can be customised with different scents for various spaces. For example, lavender or chamomile for the bedroom, citrus scents for the kitchen, and woodsy aromas for closets. |
| Refreshing the Scent | When the scent fades, add a few drops of essential oil directly to the bag or its contents and let it sit before returning it to its place. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing ingredients: dried petals, spices, essential oils, and herbs
When making fragrance bags, you can use dried petals, spices, essential oils, and herbs to create your desired scent. Here are some tips for choosing and preparing these ingredients:
Dried Petals
Dried flowers and petals such as rose, carnation, lavender, chamomile, and clary sage can be used to add a floral fragrance to your bag. To prepare the petals, remove the stems and place the flowers in a plastic bag. Lightly hit them with a wooden mallet to gently bruise the petals. This will help release their fragrance. The ratio of dried petals to carrier oil is typically 1 cup of carrier oil to 1/4 ounce of dried petals.
Spices
Whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, rosemary, and storax can be used to add a warm and aromatic scent to your fragrance bag. You can use the spices whole or chop them into smaller pieces to increase their surface area and intensify the fragrance.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that provide a strong and long-lasting scent. Popular essential oils include lavender, chamomile, orange, lemon, sandalwood, cedar, bergamot, wild orange, and neroli. You can also create your own essential oils at home by infusing flowers and herbs in a carrier oil or using distillation methods.
Herbs
Aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and sage can be dried and crumbled to release their fragrance. You can also use fresh herbs and bruise them slightly to help release their essential oils. Herbs add a fresh and herbaceous scent to your fragrance bag.
Once you have chosen and prepared your ingredients, combine them in a bowl and mix well. You can then fill small bags made of light fabric, such as tulle or cotton, with the mixture. To extend the lifespan of your fragrance bag, add a fixative like iris root powder or rice flour to the mixture.
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Sewing: how to sew the ingredients into a sachet
Scented sachets are small cloth bags or packets filled with herbs, potpourri, or other delightfully scented materials. They can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, with most tending to be on the smaller side, around 4-5 inches. However, you can make them in any shape you like, such as squares, balls, rectangles, or even triangles.
To sew the ingredients into a sachet, start by cutting your fabric into your desired shape and size. You will need two pieces of fabric, and it is recommended to use a lightweight fabric such as chintz, muslin, organza, or cotton calico. Stack the fabric squares so that the wrong sides are facing each other, and then sew them together along the edges, leaving a small opening of about 1-1.5 inches.
Next, flip the bag right-side out and fill it with your chosen ingredients. You can use rice scented with essential oils, dried flower petals, herbs, or potpourri. Add your filling to the bag, being careful not to overfill it, especially if you plan to sew it closed with a machine. Once your sachet is filled, seal it by stitching the opening closed or tying it with a ribbon.
If you are sewing the sachet closed, use a simple straight stitch for a sturdy finish. Sew back and forth between the folded edges of the fabric until you've closed the gap. You can also try decorative stitching like the zigzag stitch or serpentine stitch if you are more experienced or confident in your skills.
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Placement: where to place fragrance bags for the best effect
Scented bags, also known as sachets, have been used for centuries, dating back to ancient times when they were used as protection against parasites. In modern times, they are a great way to keep your spaces smelling fresh and can be placed in a variety of locations depending on your preference. Here are some ideas for where to place fragrance bags for the best effect:
Drawers and Wardrobes
Placing fragrance bags in drawers and wardrobes is a great way to keep your clothes and linens smelling fresh. The scent will infuse into the fabrics, giving them a delightful aroma. You can choose a subtle scent like lavender to keep your clothes smelling fresh without being overpowering.
Bathrooms
Fragrance bags can be tucked near the toilet brush holder, behind the bathroom mirror, or even clipped to the back of the toilet to provide a fresh scent in the bathroom. They can also be placed in storage bins to keep baby toys and other items smelling pleasant.
Kitchens and Pantries
To combat food odours, place fragrance bags in your pantry or kitchen drawers. Citrus scents like orange or lemon are perfect for the kitchen as they provide a fresh and uplifting aroma.
Bedrooms
For a soothing and relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom, place fragrance bags with lavender or chamomile scents on bedside tables or tuck them under the mattress. You can also hang them in your closet or place them in drawers to keep your linens smelling fresh.
Entryways and Living Rooms
Create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests by placing fragrance bags in entryways or living rooms. You can tuck them under sofa cushions, display them on an easel, or place them on a workbench or garage storage shelves to infuse the area with a pleasant scent.
Cars and Travel
Fragrance bags are also great for cars and travel. Keep them in your car trunk, stash them in your reusable shopping bags, or tuck them into your diaper bags, backpacks, or suitcases to enjoy pleasant aromas on the go.
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Refreshing: how to refresh the scent when it fades
When the scent in your fragrance bag starts to fade, you can easily refresh it. Firstly, remove the bag from its location. Then, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil directly to the bag's contents or onto the bag itself. Let the bag sit for a while before returning it to its place. This method will restore the fragrance and keep your spaces smelling fresh.
If you want to make the fragrance stronger, you can also try shaking the bag. Alternatively, if your fragrance bag is starting to smell weak, try rolling the sachet in your hands to bring the scent back. You can also put the bag in the fridge for a day or two to let the buds soak up some moisture and make the fragrance last for a few more months.
It is important to note that the fragrance will last longer if you keep the bag sealed. The scent will also last longer in the heat, but this will reduce the lifespan of the sachet.
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History: the history of fragrance bags, from China to Europe
The use of scented bags, or xiangbao, in China can be traced back to around 3,000 years ago during the Warring States Period. The xiangbao was used for scenting the body, repelling insects, and warding off evil spirits. It also served as a love token between young lovers or as gifts for children. During the Song Dynasty, xiangbao was used by officials as part of their ceremonial court clothes. Over time, the use of xiangbao became primarily associated with women and children, and its wearing eventually became obsolete in modern times. However, traditional Chinese cosmetic brands have reintroduced xiangbao to the market, with popular fragrance notes including osmanthus, sandalwood, wormwood, rose, and lavender.
In the early 1870s, the traveller and connoisseur Henri Cernuschi visited China and amassed a collection of approximately 4,000 objects of Asian art, including early incense burners. This collection was later bequeathed to the city of Paris, leading to the founding of the Musée Cernuschi in 1898. The late Qing dynasty marked the first time Chinese incense reached Europe, and the exhibition "Fragrance from China: Incense Culture in Imperial China" at the Musée Cernuschi traced the evolution of incense in China from the 3rd century BC to the 19th century.
During the Song Dynasty, the use of incense transitioned from the religious to the secular realm. The scholar-officials who governed during this period created a new moral order based on Confucianism, which led to scientific and artistic achievements and intellectual inquiry. The first compendiums on the natural history of fragrances and their origins were compiled, and the Treatise on Perfumes and Aromatic Substances proliferated. The burning of fragrances, known as xiangdao or "the way of the scent," was believed to nourish the spirit and the mind. Blended incense became an aid to reading, contemplation, and meditation.
In ancient China, the type of bag a person carried indicated their social status and rank. For example, highly-ranked officials wore purple robes and carried gold fish bags, while lower-ranking officials used silver fish bags and wore red robes. Scholars in ancient China were identified by their "suàndài," or "calculation bag," which they used to carry abacuses and stationery. The phenomenon of using bags to indicate status is not new in China, as luxury handbag brands like Chanel and Hermès have also become status symbols in modern times.
Additionally, the history of flavor and fragrance in China has been influenced by international spice companies and the adoption of advanced fragrance technologies from countries like the United States, Switzerland, and France.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrance bags, also known as scent bags, sachets, or fragrant bags, are small bags filled with dried petals, herbs, spices, or essential oils to release a fragrance. They can be placed in closets, drawers, cars, bags, and other spaces to create a pleasant aroma and absorb bad odours.
Making your own fragrance bags allows you to create personalised blends tailored to your preferences or those of your recipients. You can choose natural, organic ingredients that are safe and non-toxic, avoiding synthetic fragrances. Additionally, fragrance bags can make thoughtful and charming handmade gifts.
You will need a few simple materials, such as fabric, sewing supplies, and your chosen aromatic ingredients. Fabric options can include various textiles and colours, and you can choose from a range of dried herbs, spices, or essential oils for the filling.
The fragrance you choose depends on your preference and the desired atmosphere you want to create. For example, lavender or chamomile is ideal for bedrooms to promote relaxation, while citrus scents like orange or lemon are refreshing for kitchens. You can also experiment with blends, such as cedar and orange for cars or rosemary and mint for kitchen cabinets.
To prolong the lifespan of your fragrance bags, keep them in a dry environment and avoid placing them directly on certain surfaces, especially wood, as the fragrance oil can damage some materials. When the scent starts to fade, you can refresh it by adding a few drops of essential oil directly to the bag or its contents.
