There’s something incredibly satisfying about brewing a cup of tea you’ve made from scratch, not just the leaves, but the tea bag itself.
Whether you’re chasing sustainability, looking to save money, or just love a good DIY project, making your own tea bags is simple, affordable, and customisable.
Here’s everything you need to know to start your own tea bag DIY adventure.
Why Make Your Own Tea Bags?
Let’s be honest, most store-bought tea bags are convenient, but they come with a few downsides:
- Plastic content: Many commercial tea bags are sealed with plastic or made entirely from plastic mesh, which can leach microplastics into your brew.
- Limited flavour: You’re often stuck with mass-produced blends that don’t match your personal taste or dietary needs.
- Waste: Store-bought tea bags add to landfill, especially those wrapped in individual plastic or foil sachets.
By going the DIY route, you can:
- Customise your blends
- Choose eco-friendly, compostable materials
- Save money
- Avoid artificial flavourings or hidden additives
What You’ll Need for Tea Bag DIY
Before you dive in, you’ll need a few basic materials. You probably already have some of these in your kitchen or sewing kit:
Materials
- Unbleached paper (coffee filters, muslin cloth, or cheesecloth work well)
- Cotton string or kitchen twine
- Loose leaf tea or herbs
- Stapler or needle and thread (optional)
- Scissors
- Small spoon or scoop
If you’re trying to go completely zero waste, use reusable cloth tea bags made from muslin or organic cotton.
How to Make Tea Bags at Home (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a basic DIY method using coffee filters, one of the easiest options for beginners.
Option 1: Coffee Filter Tea Bags
Step 1: Cut a coffee filter into a rectangle (about 10cm x 6cm).
Step 2: Add 1–2 teaspoons of your tea blend in the centre.
Step 3: Fold the long sides of the filter toward the middle and then fold in the short ends.
Step 4: Tie with a piece of cotton string. Leave a bit of string hanging for easy steeping.
Optional: Staple or sew a little paper tag at the end if you want to get fancy.
Option 2: Reusable Muslin or Cheesecloth Tea Bags
Reusable tea bags are great if you want to cut back on single-use waste.
Step 1: Cut your fabric into squares (about 8cm x 8cm).
Step 2: Place 1–2 teaspoons of loose tea in the middle.
Step 3: Gather the edges and tie with cotton string or sew it closed.
Step 4: After steeping, rinse and air-dry. You can reuse these many times.
Best Loose Leaf Tea Blends for DIY Bags
Part of the fun is creating your own blends. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Relaxation: Chamomile, lavender, lemon balm
- Morning energy: Black tea, ginger, cinnamon
- Detox: Green tea, dandelion root, mint
- Cold remedy: Peppermint, echinacea, dried citrus peel
Want a fun twist? Add dried fruit bits, rose petals, or spices like cardamom and cloves.
Storing Homemade Tea Bags
Once your tea bags are made, you can store them in:
- An airtight jar
- A tin container
- A paper bag stored in a cool, dry place
Keep away from direct sunlight or moisture to preserve freshness. Label with the date and ingredients if you’re making multiple blends.
Shelf life: About 6–12 months depending on the ingredients.
Tea Bag DIY FAQs
What can I use instead of a tea bag?
If you’re out of bags entirely, try:
- A tea infuser or strainer
- A French press
- Simply pouring the tea through a sieve
Are DIY tea bags safe to use?
Yes, as long as you use food-safe materials like unbleached coffee filters, natural cotton, or muslin. Avoid dyed or synthetic fabrics.
Can I use tissue paper or paper towel for a tea bag?
No. These aren’t food-safe for steeping in hot water and can break apart or leach chemicals.
How much tea should I put in each bag?
About 1–2 teaspoons of tea is ideal per cup. Herbal teas can be a bit more forgiving.
Can I compost DIY tea bags?
Yes, if made from unbleached paper or natural cloth. Just remove staples or tags if they contain metal or synthetic materials.
Do DIY tea bags hold up in boiling water?
They hold up well if properly sealed and made from quality material like coffee filters or muslin. Let the water cool slightly before pouring if you’re worried.
Are reusable tea bags better?
Reusable tea bags reduce waste and are more eco-friendly, especially if made from organic, undyed cotton.
Can I wash and reuse paper tea bags?
Not really. Paper breaks down after use. If you want reusability, go for cloth bags.
Can I make DIY tea bags as gifts?
Absolutely! Package them in a jar or box, add tags or labels, and tie them with twine. Great for birthdays, Christmas, or eco-friendly gift baskets.
TL;DR: Most common questions about safety, materials, and sustainability come down to using food-safe, natural fabrics or papers and storing tea bags properly.
Homemade Tea Bags are Simple, Sustainable and Personal
Making your own tea bags isn’t just a crafty project, it’s a practical way to cut down on waste, save money, and control exactly what goes into your cup. Once you’ve tried it, you might never go back to store-bought bags again.