Make Your Own Moth Repellent Using Cedar Chips and Cotton Cloth 🦋🌳
Living in an overgrown cedar forest has its perks: beautiful views, a rich natural scent, and an endless supply of cedar wood chips. But after discovering one too many moth holes in my favorite sweaters, I knew it was time to put those cedar chips to good use. Enter: DIY no-sew cedar sachets.
These quick, eco-friendly sachets are a chemical-free way to protect your clothes and keep your home smelling fresh. And the best part? With precut cotton cloth, cotton cord, and cedar chips, they’re so easy to make you’ll have a batch ready in no time. Plus, no sewing required.
Here’s how I made my sachets and how you can make yours, too!
Materials You’ll Need:
Order supplies for your DIY No-Sew Cedar Sachets thru my Amazon Affiliate links below, or find these supplies at your favorite local shops:
- Precut cloth (I used a small 5-piece bundle and cut each piece into 10×10-inch squares)
- Cotton cable cord (or any strong string)
- Cedar chips or shavings (available online or at pet stores if you don’t live near cedar trees)
- Optional: Cedar essential oil, dried lavender, mint, or rosemary for extra fragrance

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
I started with a 5-piece fabric bundle in beautiful patterns and cut each piece into roughly 10×10-inch squares. These precut bundles are perfect for projects like this because they’re affordable, versatile, and save time on measuring.
Living near a cedar forest, I always have cedar chips handy from yard work. But if you don’t, don’t worry. Untreated cedar chips or shavings are widely available online, at garden centers, or even in pet stores (sold as bedding).

Step 2: Prep the Cedar Chips
Place your cedar chips in a bowl. If you’d like a stronger scent, add a few drops of cedar essential oil. For a more aromatic blend, mix in dried lavender or rosemary.
For me, the pure cedar scent is enough—it’s nostalgic, reminding me of crisp mornings in the woods. But lavender gives a calming touch that’s perfect for closets or drawers.

Step 3: Fill and Tie the Sachets
- Lay one of your 8×8-inch fabric squares flat on your art table.
- Place a small handful of cedar chips (about 2–3 tablespoons) in the center of the square.
- Gather the edges of the fabric to form a pouch.
- Use the cotton cable cord to tie the pouch closed tightly, securing it with a double knot.
This method creates rustic yet charming sachets that keep the cedar chips securely inside. Sitting at my art table, cutting fabric, and tying sachets was surprisingly meditative. Making these DIY No-Sew Cedar Sachets were both a creative and practical way to spend the afternoon!

Step 4: Place Your Sachets
Now that your DIY No-Sew Cedar Sachets are ready, it’s time to put them to use:
- Tuck them into drawers to protect your clothes.
- Tie them to hangers for extra closet protection.
- Place them in storage bins or on shelves for long-term freshness.
My office smelled like a cedar forest by the time I was done, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of this simple, practical creation.

Why Cedar Works
Cedar’s strong, natural aroma masks the smell of natural fibers like wool and cotton, making it harder for moths to find their food source. Unlike harsh chemical mothballs, cedar is completely natural, eco-friendly, and safe for your family.
Bonus Benefit: Cedar Repels Mice Too!
Did you know cedar sachets don’t just repel moths? They can also help deter mice! The oils in cedar emit a strong aroma that rodents find unpleasant, making cedar an excellent, chemical-free option for pest prevention.
Place cedar sachets in:
- Closets
- Storage bins
- Attics
- Basements
- Along baseboards or near entry points
For extra effectiveness, add a few drops of cedar essential oil to the sachets or use a cedar oil spray for hard-to-reach areas.
Tips for Best Results:
- Refresh the Scent: Cedar’s aroma will fade over time. Add a few drops of cedar essential oil directly to the chips every few months to revive the scent.
- Replace Regularly: Swap out the cedar chips every 6–12 months for maximum effectiveness.
- Use Multiple Sachets: Larger spaces like closets or storage bins may need several sachets to maintain coverage.
Bringing the Forest Indoors
When I first started making cedar sachets, it was a practical way to deal with an overabundance of wood chips. But it’s become more than that—a simple, satisfying project that connects me to the natural beauty of my cedar forest.
Now, my clothes are protected, my closet smells amazing, and I’ve discovered a thoughtful, handmade gift idea for friends and family.
Creating these sachets at my art table turned into a calming, meditative experience, which reminded me of the beauty in combining creativity and practicality.

Moth Repellent Using Cedar Chips and Cotton Cloth
Ready to start your own DIY sachets? Whether you’re working with cedar from your yard or store-bought supplies, this project is as easy as it is rewarding.
Keep Your Knits Beautiful & Your Spirit Cozy 🧶
Love this natural approach to protecting your handmade treasures? Explore these related articles to enhance your knitting and cozy living journey:
- How to Care for Hand Knits 🧵 – Essential tips to keep your handmade pieces looking their best
- Why Knitting is the Ultimate Homestead Hobby 🏡 – Discover how knitting fits perfectly into the homesteading lifestyle
- Beat the Winter Blues ❄️ – Create your own cozy sanctuary while protecting your precious knits
How do you protect your precious knits? Share your favorite storage tips in the comments below, or pin this cedar sachet tutorial for your next crafting session! 📌
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