How to Make a Muslin Tea Bag

These lovely muslin tea bags hold loose tea. They are perfect for a relaxing afternoon, and very nice as a special gift. There are many varieties of loose tea available that you can purchase at your local specialty or grocery store. If you prefer, you can blend your own tea by adding various flavors or spices. For a simple yet aromatic tea, add dried grated orange peel and crushed cinnamon sticks to black tea for these muslin tea bags. For a soothing tea, add slice of grated sugared ginger to black tea.

To make the muslin tea bag, you will need unbleached muslin, a sewing machine and thread, a hand sewing needle, heavy sewing thread, and heavy paper or card stock. It is important to wash and dry the fabric before using it as there could be residue on the fabric. You would not want to use a muslin tea bag that had not been washed first. Muslin is 100% cotton so it will also need to be lightly pressed. After you have prepared your fabric for your muslin tea bag, cut out 2 ¾ inch squares. You will need two squares for each muslin tea bag. If you have pinking shears, use them. It makes the muslin tea bags look pretty and will help prevent raveling of the fabric. If you don't have pinking shears, cut the muslin with scissors being sure to cut as straight as possible. Pin two squares together and sew around three of the sides of the muslin tea bag, leaving one side open. You can use either a zig-zag or straight stitch. Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches. (If you do not have a sewing machine, these can be completely hand sewn.) Place about one tablespoon of loose tea in the muslin tea bag, and sew the last side securely. Using card stock, cut out small "tags" to use on the muslin tea bag string. On the tag, write the flavor of the tea and/or a nice sentiment. You can use simple little squares, hearts, or other shapes. Using your hand sewing needle and heavy thread, place a few stitches on one edge of the muslin tea bag, securely knotting the stitches. Leave about 4 inches for the tea bag string, and sew the tag on the other end, again securing the stitches with a knot.

Your muslin tea bag is now complete and ready for a relaxing afternoon, or for gift giving. Be sure to make several muslin tea bags to have on hand for company, or to give as a special gift to a friend. If you are giving these as a gift, you could even make a matching muslin bag with a draw string. These muslin tea bags are sure to impress your tea drinking friends.