Tip #5, Tricks of the Trade: Sailmaker's Supply

Jean's Workshop

How to Sew a Round Bottom Ditty Bag

A forgiving method for making a useful drawstring bag, even if this is your first canvas sewing project.

A Simple Project That Builds Confidence

Too many how to books make sewing a simple round bottom ditty bag feel difficult and frustrating. I have taught many people to make these bags, including people who had never sewn a stitch, using a simple method shown to me by my mentor, Alex Androsko, when I first started sewing canvas.

Ditty bags are fun to sew, useful when finished, and a great way to build the confidence needed for larger projects.

Nearly any fabric can work. Canvas, Sunbrella and nylon bag cloth are natural choices, but upholstery fabric and sailcloth can also be used. Open weave Phifertex makes a practical bag for wet swimsuits, while lightweight clear vinyl lets you see what is inside.

Why This Method Is Easier

Many instruction books tell you to sew the side seam first and then pin the circle to the sides. That approach leaves little room for error. If the diameter, fabric cuts or seam allowance are even slightly off, you can end up with too much bottom and not enough side, or too much side and not enough bottom.

Jean's solution

Cut the side piece two or three inches longer than needed. Sew it to the circle first, then trim away the extra fabric. As long as you have added enough length, the pieces will meet even if your seam allowance is not exactly 1/2 inch.

Materials and Cutting

This project makes a finished bag approximately 12 inches tall with an 8 inch diameter bottom.

You Will Need

One 15 by 29 inch fabric rectangle for the side
One 9 inch diameter fabric circle for the bottom
One grommet
About 36 inches of line

A #0 spur grommet with 1/8 inch line works well.

Sewing Instructions

Position the Bottom

Match one corner of the side piece to any point on the circle, positioning both pieces 1/2 inch in from their edges. If your fabric has a right side and a wrong side, place the right sides together.

Fabric side piece positioned with the round bottom piece before sewing — Step 1: Position the bottom

Sew Around the Circle

Begin sewing with the round piece on top. Work slowly, keep the fabric edges even at the needle, and maintain a consistent 1/2 inch seam allowance. Marking the seam allowance on the round piece can make this easier.

Stop when you return to the starting point, without sewing into the allowance reserved for the side seam. Backstitch at the beginning and end, then trim the extra side fabric, leaving a 1/4 to 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Close and Topstitch the Bag

Sew the side seam. With the bag still inside out, fold the bottom seam allowance toward the bottom and topstitch around it. Then topstitch the side seam.

Finish the Top Edge

Trim any loose threads and turn the bag right side out. Fold the top edge over 1/2 inch and sew around it to finish the raw edge.

Bottom and side seams of the ditty bag after topstitching — Picture 4

Mark the Casing and Install the Grommet

From the newly finished top edge, measure 2 inches down and draw a chalk line around the outside of the bag. At the side seam, install the grommet below this line.

Install the grommet through the seam allowance when possible. If there is not enough room, add a small piece of reinforcement fabric behind the grommet so it will not pull out.

Top edge of the ditty bag folded and stitched to cover the raw edge — Picture 5

Create the Drawstring Casing

Fold the fabric along the 2 inch chalk line to form the casing. Insert the line as you sew the casing closed, keeping the drawstring clear of the stitching and bringing both ends out through the grommet. Knot the two ends together.

Chalk line marked two inches below the top edge of the ditty bag — Picture 6

Drawstring line being enclosed inside the folded top casing — Picture 8

Completed ditty bag with the drawstring ends knotted together — Picture 9

Make It Your Own

You can use this same method to make sail bags, duffel bags, laundry bags and storage bags in nearly any size. Save the usable scraps from other sewing projects. A ditty bag takes only a small amount of fabric and time, and it is an indispensable addition to any boat.

They also make thoughtful gifts. Fill one with something useful or fun, or make one from leftover canvas that matches a customer's boat.