We asked, what does “ditty bag” mean and where did the term originate?

The ditty bag is a small bag in which a sailor keeps small tools and equipment, also personal articles according to John Rogers in Origins of Sea Terms.

The ditty bag and the sea bag were the first projects for an apprentice either in the sail-maker’s trade or as a working seaman. The reason for this is that these items incorporated primary skills in making and repairing sails. Besides learning the techniques of seaming, making twine grommets and sewing eyelets, the bags were an essential part of the sailor’s sea-going wardrobe.

There are innumerable variations of the ditty bag; some are very intricate but most are simple and functional. Loui Bartos’ article, The Sailor’s Tradition Ditty Bag and Ditty Box, goes into much detail of the history and origins of the bag and even features a diagram for those that would like to try their hand at making their own ditty bag for their next sailing!