10+ Coin Purse Knitting Patterns (Page 2 of 3)
Welcome back to our ongoing collection of coin purse knitting patterns! If you found your way here from page one, you already know just how satisfying it is to knit up a tiny, functional accessory that makes a big impression. These little projects are perfect for using up yarn scraps, practicing new techniques, and gifting to friends and family who will genuinely be delighted by something handmade. On this page, we’re diving deeper into the world of miniature knitted purses with more patterns, tips, and inspiration to keep your needles moving.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first small project or an experienced knitter ready to explore more intricate designs with cables, colorwork, or decorative closures, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s get started.
Why Coin Purses Are One of the Best Knitting Projects
Before we jump into the patterns, it’s worth taking a moment to talk about why coin purses deserve a permanent spot in your knitting rotation. Unlike larger projects such as sweaters or blankets, a coin purse can typically be finished in an afternoon or a weekend. That makes them endlessly rewarding, especially during those periods when you want to see real, tangible progress quickly.
They’re also incredibly versatile in terms of yarn weight and needle size. You can use fingering weight yarn for a delicate, fine-textured purse, or go up to worsted weight for something with more structure and body. And because the finished object is small, you can experiment with colorwork or textured stitch patterns without committing to a large time investment. If a design doesn’t quite work, it’s easy to frog and start again without losing hours of work.
Coin purses also make excellent gifts. A handmade coin purse shows thoughtfulness and care, and the recipient can use it in countless ways — holding coins, of course, but also earbuds, lip balm, small jewelry, medicine, or even tiny tools. It’s a gift that blends beauty with function.
Pattern 6: The Classic Ribbed Coin Purse
Ribbing is one of the first stitch patterns most knitters learn, and it translates beautifully to coin purses. The elasticity of ribbed fabric means your purse will hug its contents snugly, and the textured stripes give the finished piece a neat, polished look.
What You’ll Need
For this pattern, you’ll want approximately 50 yards of DK or worsted weight yarn in any color you love. A set of double-pointed needles or a short circular needle in the appropriate size for your yarn (typically US 5–7 for DK to worsted), a stitch marker, a tapestry needle for finishing, and a zipper or button closure.
How to Make It
Cast on 32 stitches and join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round. Work in 2×2 ribbing (knit 2, purl 2) for approximately 3.5 inches. On the next round, switch to a simple stockinette stitch for 2 rounds to create a clean turning ridge, then begin decreasing by working k2tog evenly around until only 8 stitches remain. Thread your yarn tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Seam the bottom edge, weave in ends, and attach your chosen closure.
The beauty of this pattern is how easily you can adjust the width and depth simply by casting on more or fewer stitches or working more or fewer rows. It’s a true blank-canvas pattern that rewards personalization.
Pattern 7: Cable-Knit Coin Purse
If you’ve been wanting to try cables but felt intimidated by larger projects, a coin purse is the ideal place to start. The cables show up beautifully in a small project, and since you’re working with just a few stitches, it’s easy to keep track of where you are in the pattern.
What You’ll Need
You’ll need about 60 yards of worsted weight yarn in a smooth, light-colored yarn (lighter colors show cable definition better), US 7 straight needles, a cable needle, a tapestry needle, and a button or snap for closure.
How to Make It
Cast on 28 stitches. Work 4 rows of seed stitch for a neat border, then set up your cable panel in the center 12 stitches while keeping 8 stitches on each side in reverse stockinette. A simple 4-stitch cable crossing every 6th row creates a classic rope cable that looks incredibly impressive for how little effort it actually takes. Work the body to approximately 4 inches from cast-on, then work 4 more rows of seed stitch to mirror the cast-on border. Bind off and seam the sides. Add a decorative button on the front flap.
The result is a small purse that looks like it belongs in a boutique. Pair it with a neutral yarn like cream or oatmeal for a timeless aesthetic, or use a jewel tone like teal or burgundy for something with more personality.
Pattern 8: Fair Isle Coin Purse
Fair Isle colorwork is a traditional technique from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, and it produces the most gorgeous, intricate-looking patterns from what is actually a fairly simple two-color knitting method. On a coin purse, a small Fair Isle motif becomes a wearable piece of folk art.
What You’ll Need
Approximately 30 yards each of two contrasting fingering or sport weight yarns — one light and one dark work best for clear pattern definition. US 2–3 double-pointed needles or a magic loop setup on circular needles, a stitch marker, and a small frame purse clasp or zipper.
How to Make It
Cast on 48 stitches with your main color and join in the round. Work a few rounds of k1, p1 ribbing in your main color, then begin your Fair Isle motif. Classic motifs for coin purses include geometric diamonds, small snowflakes, simple hearts, or repeating X and O patterns. Chart your design on graph paper (or use free online resources) so that the motif repeats evenly around the circumference of your purse.
The key technique in Fair Isle knitting is stranding — carrying the unused color loosely across the back of the work while you knit with the active color. The floats on the inside of the purse actually add a bit of structure and body to the fabric, which is a happy side effect when making something that needs to hold its shape. Work your motif over roughly 2.5 to 3 inches, then finish with matching ribbing and seam the bottom. Attach your clasp and enjoy the compliments.
Pattern 9: Textured Seed Stitch Coin Purse
Seed stitch is one of those wonderfully reliable stitch patterns that always looks intentional and polished. By alternating knit and purl stitches across every row (with the alternation reversing on each subsequent row), you create a pebbly, textured fabric that lies flat, resists curling, and has a satisfying density. It’s also reversible, which makes it practical for a coin purse since both sides are visible during everyday use.
What You’ll Need
About 45 yards of DK weight yarn in any fiber you enjoy. US 5 or 6 straight needles, a tapestry needle, and a small zipper in a complementary color.
How to Make It
Cast on 25 stitches. Work in seed stitch (k1, p1 across every row, starting with a purl on wrong-side rows so the stitches alternate correctly) until your piece measures approximately 5 inches. Fold the piece in half and seam the two sides. Insert a zipper along the top opening — hand-sewing the zipper in place with a sharp tapestry needle and matching thread gives the cleanest result. Trim any excess zipper length if needed.
The finished coin purse will have a charming handcrafted texture that feels wonderful to hold. Because seed stitch doesn’t bias or curl, the purse will maintain a clean rectangular shape without any blocking required. This makes it one of the most beginner-friendly patterns in this collection.
Pattern 10: Drawstring Coin Pouch
Drawstring closures have a certain timeless, treasure-bag charm that never gets old. This design is worked in the round from the bottom up and finished with a simple eyelet round through which a cord or ribbon is threaded to cinch the top closed. It’s as functional as it is charming.
What You’ll Need
About 50 yards of fingering or sport weight yarn — this pattern looks especially lovely in variegated yarns, since the small circumference lets the color changes cycle through quickly and create beautiful striped effects. US 2–3 double-pointed needles or a small circular needle, a stitch marker, a tapestry needle, and approximately 20 inches of ribbon or twisted cord for the drawstring.
How to Make It
Using Judy’s Magic Cast-On or a simple circular cast-on, pick up 8 stitches and begin knitting in the round. Increase every other round by knitting into the front and back of stitches evenly around until you have 40 stitches total. Knit in stockinette (or any textured stitch you prefer) until the body of the pouch measures about 3 inches from the base. On the next round, work a simple eyelet round: (k2tog, yo) repeated all the way around. Work 4 more rounds in stockinette or seed stitch to create a cuff above the eyelets, then bind off loosely. Thread your ribbon or cord through the eyelet holes, tie a knot at both ends to prevent fraying, and your pouch is ready to use.
The rounded base gives this version a slightly different silhouette from rectangular coin purses, making it feel more like a small pouch or bag. It’s wonderful for coins, earrings, crystals, or any small collection of items you want to keep together.
Tips for Adding Linings to Knitted Coin Purses
One of the most useful finishing techniques for knitted coin purses is adding a fabric lining. Knitted fabric, by nature, has stretch and small gaps between stitches. A lining addresses both of these potential issues: it prevents small items like coins from slipping through the fabric, it reinforces the structure of the purse, and it gives a clean, professional finish to the interior.
To line a knitted coin purse, trace the shape of your finished purse onto a piece of fabric with about a half-inch seam allowance on all sides. Cotton or cotton-blend fabric works beautifully because it doesn’t stretch and is easy to sew. Cut two pieces, sew them together along the sides and bottom with your seam allowance, then trim the corners at a diagonal to reduce bulk. Fold the top raw edges down and press. Slip the fabric lining inside your knitted purse, aligning the top edge with your bind-off edge, and whipstitch it in place using a tapestry needle and matching thread. The whole process takes less than 20 minutes and elevates the look and function of your finished piece considerably.
Choosing the Right Closure for Your Coin Purse
The closure you choose can completely change the character of your finished coin purse. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular options and when each one shines.
Zippers are practical and secure. They keep contents safe from spilling and give the purse a structured, modern look. You can find zippers at any fabric or craft store in a huge range of colors and lengths. Metal zippers add a vintage feel, while nylon zippers are lightweight and flexible. The main consideration is that sewing a zipper into a knitted piece takes a bit of care and practice, but the results are well worth it.
Frame purse clasps are the type you often see on vintage coin purses — a hinged metal frame that snaps open and closed. They’re available in gold, silver, and antique finishes, and they give your knitted purse an immediate heirloom quality. They’re typically glued into place or sewn onto a fabric lining that’s attached to the knitting.
Buttons are charming and easy. A button closure with a simple loop of yarn or a crocheted chain creates a casual, folk-art aesthetic. You can use buttons to match your yarn color, or choose contrasting ones for a pop of personality. Vintage buttons, especially those in wood, horn, or bone, add a wonderful organic quality to handknit accessories.
Magnetic snaps are discreet and easy to use. They’re available at most fabric stores and simply press through the fabric (or lining) and secure with a small metal backing. They’re a great choice for purses you want to open and close quickly.
Drawstrings, as we discussed above, offer a timeless, low-tech closure that requires no hardware at all — just a length of ribbon or cord and a few well-placed eyelets.
Yarn Suggestions for Coin Purse Knitting
Choosing the right yarn can make a significant difference in how your finished coin purse looks and how long it lasts. Because coin purses are handled frequently — pulled in and out of bags, rubbed against coins and keys — durability is worth considering alongside aesthetics.
Wool and wool blends are excellent choices because they’re naturally resilient, hold their shape well, and felt slightly with use, which can actually strengthen the fabric over time. Superwash wool is treated so it won’t full in the wash, which is convenient for an item that will need occasional cleaning. Merino wool in particular is both soft and strong, making it a popular choice for small accessories.
Cotton is another solid option, especially for summer purses or those meant for someone with a wool sensitivity. Cotton has very little stretch, so cotton coin purses hold their shape reliably. The tradeoff is that cotton can feel slightly stiffer than wool.
Linen is an increasingly popular choice among knitters who love natural fibers. Linen yarn softens beautifully with use and washing, and it has a lovely drape and subtle sheen. It’s particularly nice for warmer months.
Acrylic yarn is practical for gifting since it’s machine washable and widely available in an enormous range of colors. Modern premium acrylic yarn has come a long way in terms of feel and drape, and it holds up extremely well to daily use.
Making Coin Purses in Batches: Ideas for Gifting and Selling
Once you’ve got a few coin purse patterns in your repertoire, you may find that you want to knit them in batches. This is especially appealing if you sell handmade items at craft fairs or online, or if you’re a prolific gift-giver with a long holiday shopping list.
The key to efficient batch knitting is preparation. Wind your yarn into cakes or balls ahead of time, cut your zipper lengths in advance, and organize your hardware so you’re not hunting for buttons or clasps mid-project. Working on several purses of the same pattern at once means you stay in the flow of the stitch pattern and finishing process, which speeds things up considerably.
For craft fair sales, offering coin purses in coordinating sets of two or three in complementary colors is a popular and visually appealing option. You can also display them with a small card explaining the yarn content and care instructions, which buyers always appreciate.
For gifts, consider personalizing each purse to the recipient — a Fair Isle motif for someone who loves traditional crafts, a bright variegated yarn for a friend with a bold personality, or a neutral-toned cable purse for someone who prefers classic elegance.
Next Steps
You’ve now got a solid collection of patterns and techniques to work with, and there’s more to come on the next page. Page three will round out this collection with even more creative designs, including some that incorporate crochet trim, beaded edgings, and woven fabric panels. We’ll also cover how to adapt existing patterns to different yarn weights, and share a troubleshooting guide for common coin purse finishing problems.
In the meantime, cast on one of the patterns from this page and enjoy the process. Coin purses knit up so quickly that you might just find yourself finishing one before bedtime and immediately reaching for your yarn basket to start another. That’s the particular magic of small knitting projects — they’re hard to put down, and even harder to stop making.
