Potpourri pouches or sachets are a simple, natural way to freshen up small spaces, such as drawers of sweaters, linens, or socks. Filled with dried potpourri mixed with a few drops of fragrant oil, these hand-crocheted pouches release fragrance slowly over time to keep things smelling nice. They work up quickly and would make a cute, thoughtful gift for teachers, co-workers, family or friends. I’ve included a mini size as well which would make an adorable wedding favor for a country- or rustic-themed reception!
I wasn’t sure whether a tightly stitched pouch would release enough fragrance, so I tested mine out by putting it in one of the sections of the cube shelf that holds my yarn. The next day I checked, and sure enough, the nearby yarn had a pleasant, subtle aroma. Perfect!
And did you know that you can make scented pouches without the potpourri? A less expensive alternative is dried rice mixed with essential oil… which would be perfect for the mini sized pouch, as even small potpourri may be hard to stuff much inside.
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Potpourri Pouch
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Difficulty: Easy
Crochet Language: American Standard
Finished Sizes: 4″ wide x 5.5″ tall (regular) and 2″ wide x 3.25″ tall (mini)
Yarn: You’ll need a #4 weight cotton yarn in 3 colors. For COLOR A and COLOR B, I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton, and for COLOR C, I used Yarn Bee Pima Suprema (also an HL brand). Both yarns are 100% cotton.
For the regular size:
- COLOR A: 15 yards (I used I Love This Cotton in “Burnt Sienna”)
- COLOR B: 3 yards (I used I Love This Cotton in “White”)
- COLOR C: 55 yards (I used Yarn Bee Pima Suprema in “Bone”)
For the mini size:
- COLOR A: 8 yards (I used I Love This Cotton in “Rosy”)
- COLOR B: 2 yards (I used I Love This Cotton in “White”)
- COLOR C: 20 yards (I used Yarn Bee Pima Suprema in “Bone”)
Hook: 4.5mm
Gauge: 20CSC x 22 rows = 4″ square
You’ll also need: Jute twine, button, filler (either potpourri or uncooked rice), fragrant or essential oil
Terms and Abbreviations:
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
CH (chain)
CSC (crossed single crochet: Insert hook into stitch. Yarn UNDER, pull through; 2 loops on hook. Yarn over, pull through both loops.)
Notes:
(1) Pattern is worked in a seamless spiral. Do not join, chain or turn unless instructed.
(2) Pattern is written for the regular pouch size, with instructions for the mini version in parentheses. When there is only one instruction, it applies to both sizes.
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INSTRUCTIONS
To begin: With COLOR A, CH21 (CH11).
Round 1: CSC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. Working around to the opposite side of the starting chain, CSC in each CH across. (You have now worked in both sides of each chain.)
Stitch count: 40 (20)
Rounds 2-6 (Rounds 2-4): CSC in each ST around.
Stitch count: 40 (20)
Switch to COLOR B.
Round 7 (Round 5): CSC in each ST around.
Stitch count: 40 (20)
Switch to COLOR C.
Rounds 8-29 (Rounds 6-17): CSC in each ST around.
Stitch count: 40 (20)
Round 30 (Round 18): SL ST in each ST around.
Stitch count: 40 (20)
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Finishing it up
- Fill a small bowl with potpourri or uncooked rice and add a few drops of essential oil; mix. Add to pouch.
- Using a yarn needle, locate the top center of the sachet and count 2 STS to the right; run twine through from the outside going in. Weave in and out every 4 STS all around the top of the bag; twine should finish on the outside, 4 STS away from where it first went in.
- Tie the two strands together, cinching the bag closed.
- Thread one strand through the button and finish it with a bow.
That’s it!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you’re sharing your project on social media, be sure to tag me @yarnandchai.design!
These are so sweet. I ve made 3 pouches and waiting for the jute and buttons to arrive.
I am having a lot of trouble buying summer. Could you please tell m where to go. I think I sent payment to the wrong place so I hoped I cancel the payment. Please help. Charsi
I have 40 stitches, 20 on one side and 20 on the other but why does it look like one side has one more rot than the other? I’m concerned when doing the white it will not line up, am I doing something wrong?
These are so adorable, what a great gift idea. I like the idea of using rice instead of potpourri. I can’t wait to start making them. Any suggestions on scents to use?
I’ve used spearmint essential oil. The scent is lovely!
Super cute little pouch and I’m excited to try this CSC stitch – love the way it looks. I’ve done projects which specified yarn over or yarn under, but never combined in the same stitch. Thanks for sharing this pattern!
After rereading and thinking the pattern through I understand
I don’t under how this becomes a pouch if it isn’t seamed or joined in some way. I’m not understanding how the stitches double from 20 to 40. I wouldn’t even try this pattern because it’s unclear to me how it’s crocheted. Would you consider a video tutorial?
Such a lovely idea – many thanks.
Thank you for sharing this lovely pattern. I saw a project with the crossed single crochet last year, and I was fascinated by it, but did not know how the stitch was created. I will be making some of these pouches in the coming weeks. Something cheerful to carry me towards spring.