Weighted Tea Bags

As snow covers the ground, many of us are embracing the winter season.  Snuggled in blankets we relax as we sip tea and read a book. Snow  was a welcomed relief this year, especially after such a hot summer.  I did not even mind weathering the storm to buy some delicious tea.  I thought weighted tea bags would be appropriate for my contest entry. This project was quick, and easy to make and would be something to consider for Christmas gifts.

What you will need:

• Scraps of muslin, sheer, lace, or Netting cut into 5 X 5 squares
• Embroidery thread
• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Marking pen
• Loose tea leaves
• Glue 
• Buttons
• Glass jewels 
• Tea spoon

Please note:  I liked the glass jewels but buttons glued together will be sufficient weight.  

Cutting out the pattern:

• You will need to cut a square piece of fabric 5X5 for each weighted tea bag.

Seams:

• Fold the square in half with right sides together.
• Thread the needle and sew along the bottom and the side as shown.
• Tie it off.
• Clip the threads.

Hemming the top:

• Fold the top edge down (about the 1 1/2 inches and:
• Turn it under the same amount again. 
• You will sew it in the next step.
• The pictures show one sewn and one not sewn.  

Method: This is the draw string.

• Carefully turn the bag right side out without disturbing the hem.
• Begin sewing at the seam ( through all the layers,  leaving the bag open as you sew,)  across the top just below the top edge.
• Stitch all the way around until you meet up with the beginning stitch.  Don't trim the threads or back stitch.
• ​ Mine are a little too long so I would cut them about 9 inches.
• Trim off what you don't want. 
• Tie each end in a knot. 

Method:

• Spread the draw strings out as shown.
• Dab some glue on the center of the glass jewels.
• Stick the string in the glue.
• Center the button over the string and press.

Filling the tea bag:

• Fill the desired amount of tea into the bag.
• Add 1 or 2  glass jewels. 
• Close the bag.

Please note: I used 1 glass jewel but later added another one to balance it out better.

I have been wanting to make these weights for sometime.  I do not like removing the string from my tea that has fallen into the cup and how the tea bag rises to the top of the water.  These are easy to clean by shaking out the leaves, rinse the bag under running water and let them air dry.  It reminds me of the old days.  I am using  these decorated cans to store them in and for gift packaging.  I thought they were very stylish.  If I were to win the Shopbot challenge I would make my own wooden buttons and many things that would require precision cutting.  I can't draw but I sure could use a pattern to cut my own stuff.  

Thank you for stopping by and do have a safe and happy December.
Sunshiine