This simple havdalah spice pouch project is perfect to give as a little party favor this holiday season, and fun to whip up as well. For those who aren't familiar with havdalah, it is the ceremony that is performed Saturday night to usher out the 25 hour period we call shabbat or shabbos. In the havdalah ceremony three blessings are made on material things, one on wine, one on fire, and one on spices. After the blessing is made on the spices all of those where are present sniff the spices, which might be in the form of fresh herbs (in our home we generally use cuttings from my lemon verbena plant) dried spices, or a fragrant natural oil of some kind. The most popular and convenient option is to use dried spices, so these little bags are certainly sweet and useful!
And of course, one could also use this idea to make little lavender sachets to put in drawers, how about that?
This project is brought to you by sewjewish.com, so I'll stop talking and present you with this fun DIY havdalah spice pouch craft:
Here’s a great way to turn a bit of extra holiday ribbon and some simple hand stitches into a little spice pouch. Make one to hold spices for the Havdalah ceremony after Shabbat or keep it in a drawer to enjoy the sweet scent every time you open the drawer.
You’ll need ribbon made from sew-able material, like the organza I used here, or satin, cotton, or lace. If you use organza, which is mesh-like, the fragrance can be smelled without opening the bag. One can really use just about any ribbon or fabric, and simple open the bag when needed during the Havdala ceremony.
You’ll Need:
- 12” (30cm) organza or cloth ribbon, about 2” (5cm) wide, If the ribbon is wired, remove the wires before starting
- 12” (30cm) narrow ribbon
- Thread and Needle
- Scissors
- Cloves or other spices (star cardamon are particularly lovely!)
How To:
- Fold the ribbon in half to make the pouch shape.
- Sew the two long sides of the pouch together, one at a time. To start each side, thread the needle, and knot the ends of the thread together. Pull the needle up through the top layer of ribbon near the fold, then tuck the end of the thread inside the pouch. Continue making whip stitches along the entire length of the side, bringing the needle up through both layers of ribbon. When you’re done sewing the side, make a knot in the thread close to the ribbon and cut the thread, leaving an inch or so of thread hanging.
- Tuck the top 2½” (6.5cm) of the pouch to the inside.
- Put about a teaspoon of spices into the pouch.
- Tie the narrow ribbon around the pouch to close it.
And that is it, now go make a bunch and give them as little gifts or tuck them into every drawer in your home! And be sure to stop by sewjewish.com for more fun Jewish sewing projects.
