The Window Bag from Quick Tricks to Crochet Book No. 326 by Coats & Clark’s is an elegant and functional project that combines crochet artistry with practical design. This mid-century treasure showcases bold geometric patterns, intricate floral embellishments, and a structured finish enhanced with plastic inserts for stability. The bag’s distinctive design, featuring a gusseted top and a stylish zipper closure, makes it both fashionable and practical—a hallmark of vintage crochet accessories.
Crafted with J. & P. Coats “Knit-Cro-Sheen” Metallic thread, the Window Bag boasts an appealing shimmer that adds a sophisticated touch to your wardrobe. Decorative flowers and leaves adorn the sides, making it perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. This pattern offers the rewarding experience of creating a chic, vintage-inspired accessory while honing your skills with techniques like the shell stitch, gusset creation, and decorative embellishments.
If you’re a modern crafter looking to recreate vintage charm, this pattern is an ideal choice. Make sure to use a metallic crochet thread to get the same look as the original. Whether you’re experienced or new to crochet, the detailed instructions ensure you can bring this timeless piece to life with confidence and flair.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Coats & Clark’s Quick Tricks to Crochet Book No. 326 (1956). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2024. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Key Details
- Finished Size: Approximately 12 x 14 inches (bag body); handle measures 14 inches.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
Materials
- J. & P. Coats “Knit-Cro-Sheen” Metallic Thread: 3 balls No. M.12.G Black, small amounts of:
- No. M.46-A Mid Rose
- No. M.122 Watermelon
- No. M.126 Spanish Red
- No. M.48 Hunter’s Green
- Crochet Hook: Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No. 1
- Zipper: Coats & Clark’s “Trouble-Free” Zipper, 12-inch length, Black.
- Plastic Sheet: 14 x 17 inches, heavy plastic. You can buy sheets of plastic like this at craft stores. Sometimes it’s on a large roll since people use this for table covers. Sometimes you can buy it folded up in packages. Walmart sometimes has this for sell on rolls in the fabric section.
- Elastic: Round elastic, 15 inches long.
- 3/4″ Rings: Two ¾-inch rings. You can use, plastic, wood, metal or rings. The original pattern called for “bone” rings. Obviously this would not be used in modern times.
- Crystal Rhinestones: Walco sew-on rhinestones (for decoration). Alternatively you can use flatback rhinestones and glue them on.
- Scissors, needle, and thread.
Pattern
Bag Body
- With Black, chain 16 inches (approximately 96 chains).
- Row 1: Treble crochet (tr) into the 11th chain from the hook, chain 3, skip 3 chains, treble crochet into the next chain. Repeat from * until the row measures 12 inches. Cut off the remaining chain. Chain 7, turn.
- Row 2: Skip the first treble crochet, treble crochet into the next treble crochet, chain 3, treble crochet into the next treble crochet. Repeat from * across. Chain 7, turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures 14 inches long. Fasten off.
Side Circles (Make 2)
- Start with Black and chain 6. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
- Round 1: Chain 6, (treble crochet into the ring, chain 2) 17 times. Join to the 4th chain of the starting chain.
- Round 2: Chain 7, treble crochet into the next treble crochet, chain 3. Repeat from * around. Join.
- Round 3-4: Repeat Round 2, increasing the chain length in each round (e.g., chain 4 in Round 3, chain 5 in Round 4). Fasten off.
Handle
- With Black, chain 9. Join to form a ring.
- Rounds 1-14: Single crochet (sc) in each stitch around until the handle measures 14 inches. Fasten off.
Gussets (Make 2)
- Use 2 strands of Black. Chain 9.
- Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and each chain across. Chain 1, turn.
- Repeat Row 1 until the piece measures 12 inches. Fasten off.
- Using 1 strand of Black, single crochet evenly around all edges, working 3 single crochets into each corner. Fasten off.
Flower (Make 2)
- With Mid Rose: Chain 5, join to form a ring.
- Round 1: (Chain 3, single crochet into the ring) 5 times.
- Round 2: In each chain-3 loop, work: single crochet, half double crochet, 3 double crochets, half double crochet, single crochet (5 petals). Fasten off.
- Attach Watermelon, repeat petal pattern with chain-5 loops. Repeat with Spanish Red for a final round of chain-7 loops and petals. Fasten off.
Leaves (Make 5 per flower)
- With Hunter’s Green, chain 10. Slip stitch in the 2nd chain from the hook, single crochet in the next chain, half double crochet in the next, double crochet in the next 3 chains, half double crochet in the next, single crochet in the next, slip stitch in the last. Fasten off.
Assembly
- Sew plastic inserts to the bag panels and sides using overcast stitches.
- Attach side panels to the 14-inch sides of the bag body.
- Attach gussets to the top edges and sew the zipper between gussets.
- Add a decorative tassel to the zipper pull.
- Sew (or glue) rhinestones to the flower centers and attach leaves between petals.
- Secure flowers to the center of each side panel.
- Attach the handle to the bag using the rings.
Notes/FAQ
- Adjustable Size: The bag size can be modified by increasing or decreasing the foundation chain and rows.
The Window Bag is a true statement piece that brings vintage elegance into the modern day. With a mix of structured design and delicate embellishments, it’s perfect for those seeking to create a functional yet artistic accessory. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or ready to take on a new challenge, this project is as rewarding as it is beautiful.
