If there’s one thing that terrifies collectors of vintage clothes, it’s moths. Those pesky little creatures can decimate a wardrobe of precious pieces in a startlingly short time and nobody likes to find their favourite jumper full of holes.
Lavender has been used by generation after generation to repel moths and, whilst it won’t kill off an infestation, it will go a long way towards encouraging our fabric-chomping adversaries to take up residence somewhere other than your wardrobe. So why not make your own lavender sachets and hang them on your coat hangers to protect your vintage items. It couldn’t be easier!
You will need:
- A small amount of fabric
- 12 inches of ribbon
- Some dried lavender (this can be easily and inexpensively bought online)
- A sewing machine or needle and thread
- Clear nail varnish or glue
- Sharp scissors
- Ruler or tape measure
- Dressmaking pins
Step 1:
Cut out 4 rectangles of fabric (carefully please – no running with scissors):
2 in the fabric for the outside of your sachet, measuring 3”x5”
2 in the fabric for the lining of your sachet, measuring 3”x4”
Step 2:
Place one lining rectangle on top of each outside rectangle, aligning one of the short edges in each pair. These should be right-sides together, meaning that the sides of the fabrics that you want to be visible on your finished article will be touching, not facing you. The outside rectangle will be longer than the lining rectangle.
Step 3:
Carefully sew along the short edge where the rectangles are aligned, either by hand or with a sewing machine. You may need to pin the fabric together first. Do this for both pairs.
Step 4:
Open up the fabric and place your pairs together, again right-side facing. Match up the seams neatly. Pin around the two long sides and the short edge of the outside fabric. Do not pin the short edge of the lining. Sew the three sides. Do not sew the final short side or you won’t be able to get your lavender in!
Step 5:
You should now have a tube with one open end. Turn it inside out. Then fold the lining into the tube.
Step 6:
Take your lavender and using a piece of folded card or paper as a funnel, fill your sachet with the dried lavender until it is two-thirds full.
Step 7:
Take your ribbon and fold it in half. Make a knot one-third of the way from the fold.
Now tie the two long ends around the sachet just above the level of the lavender. Use a tight, double knot. If you are worried about the ends of your ribbon unravelling, trim them so that they are neat and then seal with a bit of clear nail varnish.
You’ve finished!
Using the loop, you can hang your sachet from a coat hanger, drawer handle, etc. Or make a few as gifts to preserve the sartorial elegance of your friends.
