How to Make a Muslin Tea Bag for an Herbal Bath

A simple way to enjoy an herbal bath is to throw some herbs inside a muslin tea bag and let it float in the water.

Muslin tea bags are easy to make, even for those who have very few sewing skills. (Believe me, I know!)

They make a lovely gift too.

Herbs of almost any variety can be added to the tea bag. Lavender and chamomile would provide a relaxing bath, while basil, lemon, and orange rind would be more invigorating. I'll be sharing an energizing bath tea recipe at Frugal Granola soon.

Here is a quick video explaining how to make the tea bag (written instructions are below):

To Make the Tea Bag

You will need:

• an 8 x 8 inch piece of muslin
• thread
• sewing machine
• ribbon or thin rope

How to make your tea bag:

Warning: These  instructions may be painful for those of you who are experienced in sewing. I am not well versed in the technical jargon or even the best way to do things. This is just a simple way to make a muslin tea bag. It's quick and easy! It works for me.

Step One: Iron the piece of muslin so it lays flat

Optional: If you have a serger, go around the entire square to finish the edges. This is not necessary since all the edges will be inside the tea bag and won't show.

Step Two: Fold the top down about 1 1/2 inches. Iron.

Step Three: Sew along the edge (pictured below). This will create the pocket for the drawstring. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end.

Step Four: Fold front sides together. May iron if you wish, but it is not necessary.

Step Five: Begin at the edge of the drawstring pocket (what else would you call that! I don't know), backstitch, then sew all the way down and around. Backstitch again at the end. See picture below:

Step Six: Fold the tea bag so it is right side out.

Step Seven: Thread the ribbon or yarn through the drawstring pocket. See video for the EASY way to do it:

Add herbs to the bag, allow bag to sit in the bath water. Soak for at least 20 minutes and enjoy!