Share: 

Handcrafted ditty bags require sewing skills

Participants step back in time for Lewes History Museum maritime project
August 29, 2019

The Lewes History Museum and Lewes Historical Society sponsored a hands-on maritime project Aug. 19 at the museum. Participants sewed ditty bags, or sea bags, which were a vital part of a sailor’s personal kit for centuries. The bags, historically made by sailors, would teach them vital sewing skills needed on a sailing ship. The bags carried a sailor’s personal belongings, tools, and clothing, and would often travel with them from ship to ship. As the 19th century progressed, the bags became elaborately decorated pieces of maritime folk art. It took participants more than three hours to sew the bags.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter