These small zipper bags are ideal for traveling and are great for using up fabric scraps. These are some of the first projects I worked on since they come together quickly and allow me to practice my bag-making skills in small shots. For example, the corduroy bag I made matches my duffle bag and has an envelope fold base, which I had never done before. I love the size and shape of the denim ditty; it’s 7″ long, 4″ wide, and 3″ tall, making it the ideal size for sewing supplies or toiletries. Even better, I had all the supplies I needed in my “leftover” pile so it was basically free (depending on how you do the accounting).

I ordered a packet of cork fabric scraps from Sallie Tomato and had enough to make a lovely all-cork open wide ditty bag that is big enough for my travel toiletries. I love working with cork. I lined this bag but with cork, it’s not necessary because the fabric doesn’t fray.

UPDATE Feb 2024: My most recent creation is the pink corduroy/flowered cork one that I made for Karla to match a tote that’s in progress. I scaled the bag based on the size of cork I had leftover. I’ve been experimenting with zipper installation techniques lately, but have yet to land on a favorite. This bag uses a fold-over at the open edge and a trailing end with a cork zipper tab at the closed end.

UPDATE Feb 2024 Part 2: I was getting ready for a weekend away with my sister when I realized I didn’t have the exact right ditty bag I needed for my cochlear supplies, so I whipped up the cork and clear vinyl version in about 30 minutes. So fun! I’m not sure about the zipper installation, that piece still needs some work, but the bag worked out great for the short trip.