Daydream dilly bag.

When you sign up for my newsletter, you will receive the pattern for the Daydream dilly bag. I came up with this little zippered bag pattern in my pursuit of organisation, I’m not a naturally organsied person, (I’m a creative genius I tell my husband!) so having little bags for everything helps me to keep my life in order!

A ‘dilly bag’ was traditionally an Australian Aboriginal bag made from woven plant fibres, that was hung around the neck while women gathered and carried food. It was also used for carrying personal or tribal artifacts. This is my modern take on the dilly bag. It is a quick and easy sew, and makes a lovely gift.

The pattern contains an illustrated tutorial, but I have added this photo tutorial for extra help.

1. Centre the lace across the middle of the main body of the bag and pin. Using a zig zag stitch sew across each edge. Sew a straight line across or follow the scallop edge. TIP – Lower your machine foot pressure to prevent your lace from stretching.

2. Baste close to the edge along raw edges of the lace. It might be easier to turn the bag upside down while doing this to prevent the lace from stretching. Overlock /serge the outer edges of bag.

3. Press the outer overlocked / serged edges in 1.5 cm / 5/8”. Pin the left side of bag 6mm / 1/4” away from the metal teeth of the zip, so the colour of the zip is exposed. Stitch close to edge of fold.

4. Pin the right side of bag opening to the other side of the zip. Opening the zip may help when stitching this side. Remember to backstitch at each end.

5. Stitch both ends of zip together.

6. Press the long ends of the strap in 1cm / 3/8” to the centre.

Fold the strap in half lengthwise and stitch edges together.

7. Fold strap in half and stitch to the end of zip.

8. With right sides together, place the side parts to the main part matching the notches to the centre of the zip. Pin and stitch seam at 1cm / 3/8”. Opening the zip slightly may help. Overlock/serge seams.

9. Press with the seam facing out away from zip. Topstitch close to seam on the side part.

10. Turn bag inside out, and open the zip. With right sides together and matching the centre notches, pin the lower edge of the side parts to each end of the main part of bag. Mark 1cm /3/8” in on each end. Stitch seam in between these marks.

11. On the main part of bag only, clip into the end of stitching line with a small pair of embroidery
scissors. This will help to make a neat corner.

Clip into stitching at each end.