DIY · Project 11 of 12
Herbal Dream Pillow Sachet
What it is
Dream pillows (small sachets of dried, fragrant herbs) have been tucked into bedding for centuries. In new age practice they're linked with peaceful sleep and vivid, memorable dreams, and they pair beautifully with a dream journal kept by the bed. Mugwort in particular is traditionally associated with dreams and the moon (its Latin name, Artemisia, honors the moon goddess Artemis).
What you'll need
- Two 12 × 15 cm (5 × 6 in) pieces of tightly woven cotton or muslin, or a small muslin bag Affiliate placeholder
- About ½ cup of dried herbs: lavender, chamomile flowers, hops, rose petals, and a small amount of mugwort Affiliate placeholder
- Needle and thread, or a sewing machine
- Optional: a small flat moonstone or amethyst to tuck inside
Step by step
- Place the two fabric pieces right sides together and sew around three sides with a 1 cm seam.
- Turn it right side out and press flat.
- Mix the herbs in a bowl. Crush them lightly between your fingers to release the scent, and set an intention for your dreams as you mix.
- Fill the sachet loosely so it stays flat (it shouldn't be lumpy under your head).
- Fold the open edge in and sew it closed with small stitches.
- Tuck the sachet inside your pillowcase, between pillow and case, or keep it on the nightstand. Keep a notebook by the bed and write down any dreams as soon as you wake.
- Squeeze the sachet to refresh the scent; replace the herbs every few months.
Safety notes
- Babies and young children: Never put a sachet or any loose item in an infant's crib or bed: it's a suffocation hazard.
- Allergies and pregnancy: Skip mugwort if you are pregnant or allergic to ragweed-family plants, and leave out any herb that makes you sneeze.
- Pets: Keep sachets where pets can't chew them; lavender and hops are toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. Hops are especially dangerous to dogs.
- Not for eating: These herbs are for scent only. Don't make tea from craft-grade dried flowers.
Variations
- Moon pillow: embroider a crescent on the front and fill it at the new moon.
- Gift set: pair it with a dream journal and our journal prompts.
- Drawer sachet: make a smaller one for linen drawers.
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