My daughter got her first sewing machine for Christmas when she was nine years old. Her first project was a homemade pillowcase, and we were trying to figure out another easy project. When we took down our Christmas tree, we had fir needles everywhere, so I realized we had a cute project ready to go! Balsam sachets are little pouches filled with pine needles. They smell amazing and you can keep them in a drawer or other place, where you can enjoy the fragrance.
Your first step – collect pine needles! Our Christmas tree was a Fraser Fir, and the needles are perfect for this project. We even saved branches from our Christmas tree to “harvest” more needles after the holidays.
If you want, you can add a little balsam oil or other scent to the needles if you want to give them a little extra scent.
Step 1
Once you have gathered enough pine needles, choose fabric and cut into either two squares, or a longer piece folded into a square. The size is really up to you – we did approximately 4×4″ square.
Also, if this is a beginner sewing project, make sure you leave a generous amount for the seams – as a beginner sewer, my 7-year-old sews about 1/2 inch or more from the edge. You can always trim excess fabric.
Step 2
Sew three sides of the fabric, with the print to the inside. If you have a longer piece that is folded in half, you only need to sew two sides. For this, I marked the fabric with a pencil so that my daughter had a guide line to sew on.
At this point, you turn the pocket inside out so that the seams are hidden. (The top is still open in the photo below).
Step 3
Fill the pouch with your balsam needles. (You might not want to stuff it too full if you have a child who might struggle with the pouch spilling while trying to sew). Remember, you can add a few drops of balsam oil if you want to add a little extra scent!
Step 4
Tuck your remaining edges in. You probably want to iron the seams and/or pin them so the edges stay neat while sewing the pouch closed.
Step 5
Remove any pins you may have used.. you’re done!
This is such a cute project and great for little ones! My kids loved collecting needles from our tree, using the sewing machine, and giving balsam sachets as gifts!
For this project, my 7-year-old is using her Janome sewing machine. This is a compact beginner’s sewing machine that works well – plus it comes in lots of cute colors! (affiliate link)
That is such a neat idea! I love the smell of a real Christmas tree, this is a great way to preserve that.
I LOVE this! Nothing beats the smell of pine, especially balsam. I have to try this. Super awesome!
This is a really crafty idea, I can think of so many things I would put inside. My daughter has had an urban garden for two years now. She would love the fabric you used.
What a fun project for the little ones, this will definitely allow them to learn more about sewing as well. I really like the idea and it’s something that I don’t mind doing with my kids.
This is a fun craft idea for the family, and I’m sure it’s going to be fun when you share the activity with the kids! They always like helping out after all! I’d love to try and make this when the kids come visit.
Balsam sachets are a great way to recycle some of the needles from your Christmas tree. I bet they smell amazing. Looks like you did a great job.
Great job! My daughters have made lots of pillowcases but it’s nice to have something new to create. We will try these and then maybe pj’s.
What a cute idea! We don’t have a real tree so I can’t collect them in the house, but we can collect them from trees around the neighborhood!
This is such a cute idea! I’m very much supportive of leaving scented anything anywhere and everywhere in your home; especially in the places that eventually get a bit smelly. Such as the bathroom and even the sock drawers. When we were younger, my mom and grandma put bars of soup in our dresser drawers, but this sounds just as good!
It’s time to start the hobby of sewing and get a new sewing machine. This is such a great idea and a good start for me.
I absolutely love this. I have some basic sewing skills, so I can make these! WOOT!
This is a great way to re-use all of those needles that fall of the tree! Awesome idea.
That is such a great idea! I love the smell of balsam, and being able to have it in the home all the time is fantastic.
Definitely an awesome idea, you really know your craft! Such a great way to keep the fresh smell of balsam without littering! I’ll do this too, thanks for showing this to us! Loved it!
You did a great job on these sachets. I love the creative idea.
Oh, those are just so cute. I think that’s a great idea to maintain the scents and Christmas spirit.
Homemade balsom sachets are such a neat craft idea. I’m sure they smell heavenly. They look easy to make too.
I have my son’s first home ec project from so many years ago. He made a frog. 🙂
This is such a lovely idea. I’ve only ever made little bags with lavender before. I must give this a go too! I love the fabric you used.
Nnniiiccceeeee…I love the appearance of these sachets! How I wish I had a sewing machine…I would make these myself.
Nice! I love these. Very creative and interesting. I would love to create one for myself
It’s awesome you can make it at home. And the steps are easy and simple as well. Thank you for sharing!
My daughter got her first sewing machine last Christmas and we’ve been looking for fun projects to try out together. Can’t wait to gather some pine needles and get sewing – these sachets sound like they’ll make the whole house smell amazing!