How to Sew Ditty Bags 2.0: Three Zippered Bags That Organize Anything
Every quilter has a tote where small things go to disappear — sewing clips, charging cords, and that seam ripper you swear you just had. Ditty Bags 2.0 is a pattern for pretty and practical zippered bags that tame that clutter. With side handles and a diagonal border, these bags are quick and easy to make, and the pattern includes complete instructions for three sizes, so you can sew a matching set for yourself or as gifts.
What Is Ditty Bags 2.0?
Ditty Bags 2.0 updates a popular pattern first released in 2012. The update improved the illustrations and instructions to make assembly easier, and added instructions for working with directional fabrics. Handles were added on both ends, the border was changed to a diagonal border you can embellish with decorative ribbon, and measurements and the process for attaching the Bag Sides were improved, so the finished bag ends up nice and square and stands up easily.
The three finished sizes are:
- Small: 3¾"H x 6½"W x 1½"D — a smart bag for your most important beauty supplies or other personal items, sized to fit easily in many purses or bags.
- Medium: 4½"H x 8"W x 2½"D — not too small and not too big, it fits neatly into a larger purse or your favorite tote and carries and protects a variety of supplies.
- Large: 6"H x 10"W x 3"D — spacious enough for bottles, brushes, and more.
Why Quilters and Sewists Love This Pattern
Zippered bags look polished, finish quickly, and get used every day. The side handles make these bags easy to pull out of a larger tote, the zipper keeps contents secure, and the diagonal border gives you a design feature to play with — contrast fabric or that decorative ribbon option. Because the pattern covers three sizes, one pattern can organize a purse, a project tote, and a suitcase.
How to Sew a Ditty Bag, Step by Step
- Choose your size and fabrics. Pick Small, Medium, or Large first. If your print is directional, follow the pattern's directional-fabric instructions when cutting so motifs sit upright.
- Cut and prepare your pieces. Cut the bag body, sides, and diagonal border to the measurements for your size, and prepare any interfacing the instructions call for.
- Build the bordered panel. Join the diagonal border to the bag body. If you like, embellish the border seam with decorative ribbon.
- Install the zipper. Attach the zipper along the top edge, taking your time — a tidy zipper makes the bag look store-bought.
- Add the handles and Bag Sides. Position a handle at each end, then attach the Bag Sides using the improved 2.0 process, which gives the bag its square, stand-up shape.
- Finish and turn. Complete the final seams, turn the bag right side out through the zipper opening, and press gently.
Practical Tips for Success
Read the new illustrations before you cut — a minute of study saves unpicking later. Test your zipper pull before the final seams so it moves freely once the bag is closed. When sewing the Bag Sides, go slowly; accuracy there is what keeps the bag square. Make the Medium first if you are new to the pattern: it is forgiving to handle and shows off the diagonal border beautifully.
Care and Storage
Empty your bag before storing it, and leave the zipper partly open so the inside airs out. Spot-clean marks promptly and let the bag dry fully before refilling it. Store finished bags lightly filled with tissue so their square shape does not get crushed in a drawer.
Project Ideas
The Small makes a thoughtful gift filled with hand cream and lip balm. The Medium is an ideal sewing-notions caddy for retreats. The Large organizes a diaper bag beautifully, or sew it in more masculine fabrics for a great toiletry bag for a guy. Sew all three sizes in coordinating fabrics for a matched travel set.
Shop the Ditty Bags 2.0 at Linda's Electric Quilters.
