Spring is the perfect time to clean out closets and dresser drawers. Our family of five enjoys working together to clear out the things that we no longer need and then venturing out on a “donation trip” so that we can pass these items on to those who can make use of them. But once those drawers are clean and organized they could use some warming up. We have found that lining our dresser drawers with lavender-filled liners not only warms up our home, but makes our clothes smell of flowers and fresh air – much like spring itself.
Before beginning this sewing project, remember to choose fabrics that you love to look at and to prewash all of the fabrics.
This tutorial is for drawer liners measuring 14 x 25 inches, the size of my dresser drawers, but you can make them any size you wish.
You will need six rectangles of fabric measuring 15 x 9 inches each (three for each side of the liner which is sewn like a sealed pillow case.) I prefer the pieced look but you can easily make these with just two 15 x 26 rectangles of fabric.
Sew three 15 x 9 inch rectangles, right sides together, (along the 15 inch side) for one side of the liner. Sew the other three rectangles for the other side. You will have completed the two sides of the drawer liner, each measuring 15 x 25 inches. Press the seams flat.
Next lay these two pieced sides, right sides together, and sew around the perimeter – leaving a 3 inch opening for turning.
Clip the corners and turn the drawer liner right side out.
Pour 5-6 tablespoons of dried lavender into the opening. This may seem like too little, but it is plenty to add scent for years. Simply take the liner out once a year and rub it with your hands to release more scent from the lavender buds.
Machine stitch the opening to seal in all that yummy lavender.
On these I tucked a ribbon inside the opening before sewing it shut. The ribbon makes it easy to roll and tie the liner for a sweet gift presentation.
I paired these with tea towels and gifted them to my children’s teachers.
For me the best part of this project is rummaging through my fabric stash with each of my children and letting them select their favorite fabrics. Personalizing our drawers with such handmade goodness adds warmth to our home – even in spring.
::::::::::::
Larissa Bass lives with her family on five acres in rural eastern Virginia. When she’s not playing or exploring with her three kiddos she can be found knitting, sewing, baking and taking pictures of the aforementioned. She blogs about her adventures with fabric, wool, food and kiddos at Stitches in Play.
::::::::::::
