Windmill Bag

Windmill Bag by Nicole Riley

What Is Being Made

The Windmill Bag is a structured crochet tote bag designed by Nicole Riley. This beginner-friendly project creates a finished bag measuring approximately 12 inches in height by 9 inches in width, making it a practical accessory for everyday use. The bag combines crocheted fabric panels with fabric or felt reinforcement to create a durable, finished piece suitable for carrying small to medium items.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This pattern uses fundamental crochet techniques accessible to beginners. The construction involves crocheting rectangular panels that serve as the foundation of the bag. The crocheted pieces are then paired with fabric or felt backing for structure and durability. A key technique in this project is the use of a skip stitch rotary cutter, which creates decorative openings or texture in the crocheted fabric. The pattern also incorporates eyelet sets, which are metal hardware pieces installed through both the crocheted and fabric layers to reinforce stress points and create attachment points for the handles.

Stitches Used

The Windmill Bag pattern uses three essential crochet stitches in US terminology:

• Single Crochet (sc) – the fundamental stitch that creates a tight, dense fabric
• Chain (ch) – used to create foundation rows and transition stitches
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – used to join rounds and create seamless connections

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Red Heart Amore worsted weight yarn in two colors: Jasmine and Chamomile. One skein of each color is required, making this an economical project for yarn crafters.

Crochet Hook: A 4.0mm hook is used throughout the project, appropriate for worsted weight yarn and beginner skill levels.

Fabric and Hardware: Four pieces of fabric or felt, each measuring approximately 6 by 16 inches (sized slightly larger than the crocheted rectangles to accommodate individual tension variations), are required for the bag's structure. Four eyelet sets measuring 11.1mm, along with an eyelet tool and hammer, are used to secure the hardware. Cord measuring 2 by 36 inches total (typically two 18-inch pieces) serves as the bag handles.

Additional Tools: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a fabric rotary cutter, a skip stitch rotary cutter, a cutting board, and either a sewing machine or needle and thread for attaching the fabric components complete the tool requirements.

Pattern Notes

This is a downloadable PDF pattern from Nicki's Homemade Crafts, intended for personal use only. The pattern is classified as beginner difficulty, making it suitable for those new to crochet who understand basic stitches and techniques.