How to Fill Your Own Tea Bags with Loose Leaf

Quick answer

Fill your own tea bags using non-woven drawstring bags—just spoon in loose leaf tea, seal, and brew like a standard tea bag.

How to fill your own tea bags: step by step

1. Choose your loose leaf tea: Select any loose leaf tea you enjoy. For a standard cup, use about 1 teaspoon of tea per 8 oz (240 ml) of water. Adjust to taste. Don't overfill—leaves need room to expand during brewing.
2. Open the empty tea bag: Hold the non-woven fabric bag by the drawstring tab and gently open the mouth. Place it over a small bowl or cup to catch any spills. Work over a clean surface to avoid losing tea leaves.
3. Spoon in the tea: Use a dry teaspoon to transfer the loose leaf tea into the bag. Aim for about half full to allow water to circulate. Too much tea can cause weak extraction because water can't flow through.
4. Seal the bag with the drawstring: Pull the drawstring gently until the bag closes snugly around the tea. Tie a simple knot if needed to keep it secure. Don't pull too tight—you want the leaves to move freely inside.
5. Brew as usual: Place the filled bag in your cup, add freshly boiled water, and steep for 3–5 minutes depending on the tea type. Remove and enjoy. Steeping too long can make the tea bitter, so set a timer.

Product we recommend

• Fill Your Own Tea Bags - Non-woven Fabric with Drawstrings: Non-woven fabric bags with drawstrings that let you brew loose leaf tea without a teapot. The drawstring seal keeps tea leaves inside while allowing water to circulate, so you get a full-flavoured cup with minimal mess.