10+ Coin Purse Knitting Patterns: Your Complete Guide to Crafting the Perfect Small Accessory (Page 3 of 3)

Welcome back to the final installment of our three-part series on coin purse knitting patterns. If you’ve been following along from the beginning, you already have a solid foundation in the basics and intermediate techniques. Now we’re diving into the patterns and insights that will take your small accessory game to the next level. Whether you’re finishing a knitting marathon or jumping straight to page three for the advanced content, you’re in the right place.

This page covers some of the most creative, functional, and satisfying coin purse patterns available, along with tips for customizing your work, choosing the right closures, and turning your finished pieces into thoughtful handmade gifts.

Why Knitted Coin Purses Never Go Out of Style

Before we get into the patterns themselves, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate just how enduring the knitted coin purse really is. In an era of digital payments and minimalist wallets, the small handmade pouch has experienced a genuine renaissance. Knitters on social media regularly share their finished coin purses to enormous engagement, and beginner knitters consistently cite them as one of the most satisfying first projects because the work-to-reward ratio is nearly perfect. You spend an evening or two and walk away with something both beautiful and useful.

Knitted coin purses also make exceptional gifts. They’re personal in a way that a store-bought item simply cannot be. You can tailor the yarn color to someone’s favorite palette, incorporate their initials with simple duplicate stitch embroidery, or choose a fiber that feels luxurious against their fingers every time they reach for a coffee money. The thoughtfulness embedded in a handmade piece is something that never goes unnoticed.

And practically speaking, coin purses serve more purposes than their name suggests. People use them to store earbuds, lip balm, folded notes, medication, and jewelry while traveling. Some knitters make them specifically as project bags for their stitch markers and needles. A few rows of well-chosen yarn can become something a person carries with them every single day.

Pattern 8: The Reversible Double-Knit Coin Purse

Double knitting is a technique that produces a two-layer fabric simultaneously, with each layer showing a different color on its right side. The result is a coin purse that is completely reversible, with no wrong side to worry about and a satisfyingly thick, structured fabric.

For this pattern, you will need two contrasting colors of fingering or sport weight yarn, a set of US 1 or US 2 double-pointed needles or a short circular needle, and a zipper or large snap closure in a neutral color.

Cast on an even number of stitches, typically 40 to 48 for a standard purse size. The double knit setup alternates knit stitches in Color A with purl stitches in Color B across every row, always slipping the yarn to the front before purling and to the back before knitting. This creates two separate layers that are joined only at the cast-on edge. Work in this manner for approximately three inches, then begin decreasing on both layers simultaneously to shape the top opening before binding off and seaming the sides.

The magic of this construction is that you can slide it inside-out whenever the mood strikes you. Make one side in navy and the other in a warm mustard yellow, and you effectively have two purses in one. The double-layered fabric is also naturally more durable and resistant to stretching, which makes it ideal for coins and other heavy small items.

Pattern 9: The Linen Stitch Market Purse

The linen stitch creates a tight, woven-looking fabric that is sturdier than standard stockinette and has a beautifully textured surface. It works particularly well for coin purses because it holds its shape without relying on a stiff lining or interfacing.

Choose a cotton or linen-blend yarn in a natural or earthy tone for the most authentic look. The structure of the stitch pairs especially well with plant-based fibers, which have a natural crispness and slight sheen that accentuates the woven pattern. You will need US 2 to US 3 needles and a small frame closure, which is the type that clicks open with two rounded metal pieces at the top.

The linen stitch is worked over an even number of stitches: knit one, bring yarn to front, slip one purlwise, bring yarn to back, and repeat to end. On the wrong side, purl one, bring yarn to back, slip one purlwise, bring yarn to front, and repeat. This creates a surface that looks almost like woven cloth when you hold it up to the light.

Work a rectangle approximately four inches by three inches, fold it in half, and seam the sides. Attach the frame closure by threading the edge of the knitting through the channel of the frame and folding it over, securing with small hand stitches. The frame closure gives this pattern a vintage quality that pairs beautifully with the old-fashioned look of the linen stitch.

Pattern 10: The Colorwork Fair Isle Coin Purse

Fair Isle colorwork is one of knitting’s most beloved traditions, originating from a small island in the Shetland archipelago where knitters developed an intricate stranded technique using multiple colors in the same row. A coin purse is an ideal canvas for practicing Fair Isle because the small size means you can complete a full colorwork project quickly without committing to the weeks of work that a sweater would require.

For this pattern, select three to four coordinating colors of fingering weight yarn. Traditional Fair Isle palettes lean toward warm ochres, deep reds, navy, and ivory, but modern interpretations look just as stunning in cool pastels or bold jewel tones. You will need US 1 or US 2 double-pointed needles to knit in the round, which is the ideal method for colorwork because it means you always work on the right side of the fabric and can read your chart without ever turning it.

Cast on 60 stitches and join in the round. Work a small cuff in ribbing to stabilize the opening, then follow your chosen colorwork chart, carrying the unused yarn loosely across the back of the work to maintain an even tension. The classic OXO motif is a beautiful starting point: a simple row of X shapes alternating with O shapes, repeated around the circumference of the purse. More ambitious knitters can seek out traditional peerie patterns, which are small border motifs worked in just two colors that create an intricate lace-like appearance.

After completing the body of the purse, work a series of decreases to close the bottom, using the Kitchener stitch or a three-needle bind-off to join the bottom seam invisibly. Finish with a zipper or a decorative button loop closure at the top.

Pattern 11: The Modular Hexagon Coin Purse

Modular knitting involves creating individual geometric shapes that are joined together as you work, rather than knitting a flat piece and seaming it afterward. The hexagon coin purse uses this technique to create a faceted, three-dimensional pouch that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Start by casting on stitches for one hexagon face, working in a simple garter stitch or seed stitch for texture. Pick up stitches along one edge of the first hexagon and knit the second face directly onto it, then continue picking up and joining faces until you have a complete six-sided form. The final face is worked last, and because the purse closes at the top, you leave the top hexagon open to create the opening.

This pattern works beautifully in a single solid color, where the geometry of the construction becomes the main visual interest. It also lends itself to scrap yarn projects, where each face is a different color, turning the purse into a small patchwork object. Use a DK or worsted weight yarn for a slightly larger version that can hold a folded bill along with your coins.

Pattern 12: The Japanese Temari-Inspired Round Purse

Temari are traditional Japanese embroidered balls used in folk art, and this coin purse pattern borrows their rounded shape and their tradition of surface decoration. The base construction is straightforward, worked in the round with increases to create a dome shape for the front and back of the purse, but the real artistry comes in the finishing.

Knit two identical circular pieces in a solid dark color, then use contrasting yarn threaded on a tapestry needle to embroider geometric lines across the surface in the temari style. Simple running stitch lines radiating from a center point, or a grid of intersecting lines wrapped with a second color, give the finished purse the appearance of an intricately designed art object.

Join the two circles with a slip stitch crochet seam around the edge, leaving an opening at the top for a zipper. The crochet seam adds a decorative ridge that echoes the geometric embroidery, pulling the whole design together. Choose a zipper in a metallic gold or copper to complete the refined aesthetic.

Choosing the Right Yarn for a Coin Purse

Not all yarns perform equally well in a coin purse. Because the item will be handled frequently, stuffed into bags and pockets, and subjected to the weight of metal coins, the fiber you choose matters more than it might for a decorative item that stays on a shelf.

Wool is an excellent choice for most coin purse patterns because it is naturally elastic, resilient, and able to hold a stitch definition that keeps colorwork and textured patterns looking sharp. A superwash treated wool is even more practical, as it can be gently machine washed when the purse inevitably picks up dirt and grime from the inside of a bag.

Cotton and linen are ideal for structured patterns like the linen stitch purse because they have very little stretch, which keeps the fabric firm and prevents it from distorting under the weight of the contents. They are less springy than wool, however, so they can feel a bit stiff to work with on small needles.

Avoid yarns with a very high silk or bamboo content for heavily used purses, as these fibers, while beautiful, tend to pill and abrade more quickly than wool or cotton. They are lovely for a special-occasion purse you will not use every day, but for a daily carry item, durability should be your first priority.

Yarn weight also matters considerably. Fingering and sport weight yarns produce a denser, tighter fabric on small needles, which means the purse will be sturdier and less prone to items poking through the knitted fabric. DK weight is acceptable for patterns with a naturally firm construction, like seed stitch or garter, but worsted weight or above can make a coin purse that feels a little chunky and baggy unless the pattern is specifically designed for it.

Closure Options and How to Attach Them

The closure you choose changes both the function and the character of a coin purse more than almost any other design decision. Here is a breakdown of the most popular options and when to use each one.

A metal frame closure, often called a kiss clasp or purse frame, gives any coin purse an instant vintage appeal. These frames are available in brass, silver, and antique gold finishes, and they click open with a satisfying snap. Attaching them requires threading the knitted fabric through the channel of the frame and securing it with small whip stitches, but the process is not difficult and the result looks very professional.

Zippers are practical and secure, making them the right choice for purses that will hold small loose items like pills, earrings, or cash. Sewing a zipper into a knitted fabric requires a bit of patience, as the fabric needs to be pinned carefully before sewing to avoid distortion. A cotton or linen yarn holds a zipper seam more reliably than a stretchy wool.

Button and loop closures are the simplest option and allow you to use a decorative button as the focal point of the design. Choose a button with some visual interest, such as a wooden carved button, a vintage glass button, or a hand-painted ceramic one, and the closure itself becomes a design feature. Crochet a small button loop or knit an i-cord loop and attach it to the opposite edge.

Magnetic snaps are a modern, clean option that work particularly well with structured purses. They require a small piece of interfacing or stabilizer sewn to the back of the knitting to distribute the pull of the magnet, but they open and close effortlessly and give a polished, ready-to-wear finish.

Customization Ideas to Make Each Pattern Your Own

One of the greatest joys of working from a pattern is knowing that what comes off your needles does not have to look identical to the original. Even a simple coin purse offers dozens of opportunities for personalization.

Add a tassel or pom pom to a zipper pull to give the purse some personality and make it easier to open. Use a contrasting color for the ribbing at the top opening. Work a simple monogram using duplicate stitch after finishing the knitting. Add a small wristlet loop using twisted i-cord or a piece of ribbon. Line the inside with a scrap of printed fabric for a pop of color every time you open it. Embroider small flowers, stars, or geometric shapes on a plain stockinette surface.

The small scale of a coin purse also makes it an excellent testing ground for techniques you have been wanting to try. If you have been curious about entrelac, shadow knitting, or slip-stitch colorwork, a two-inch-by-three-inch rectangle is a completely risk-free place to experiment. The worst outcome is a purse you like slightly less than you hoped, and even that will still be usable and handmade.

Gifting Handmade Coin Purses

A knitted coin purse is one of those handmade gifts that people genuinely use and appreciate. It communicates care without requiring hours of explanation. When giving one as a gift, consider tucking something small inside: a few coins from a meaningful trip, a folded note, a small piece of candy, or a tiny card with a personal message. The act of opening the purse for the first time becomes a small ritual in itself.

For teachers, wrap the coin purse around a small jar of specialty tea or a bar of artisan chocolate. For new graduates, fill it with a few dollar bills as a playful nod to financial independence. For friends who travel, pair it with a small notebook and pen. The purse is so versatile that it functions as both the gift and the gift wrap simultaneously.

If you are knitting coin purses in batches for a craft fair or holiday market, consider making a small card that describes the yarn fiber, care instructions, and a line or two about the pattern inspiration. Shoppers at craft markets genuinely value this information, and it helps your work stand out from mass-produced alternatives.

A Final Note on the Joy of Small Projects

There is something deeply satisfying about finishing a project in a single sitting or a long weekend. In a crafting world that sometimes celebrates the epic, the enormous, and the year-long, the coin purse quietly insists that small things have their own kind of perfection. Each stitch is still a stitch. Each color choice still matters. Each finish still requires care and attention.

If you have worked your way through all three pages of this collection, you now have more than ten complete pattern concepts in your toolkit, along with the technical knowledge to customize them, the material guidance to choose the right yarn, and the finishing skills to attach any closure you like. The only thing left is to pick up your needles and begin.

Happy knitting, and may every purse you make find exactly the right hands to carry it.