7 Coin Purse Free Knitting Patterns and Paid — Page 2 of 2

Welcome back to part two of our roundup of coin purse knitting patterns! If you missed the first page, we covered some wonderful beginner-friendly designs that are perfect for quick weekend projects. Here on page two, we’re diving deeper into the collection with more patterns that range from charmingly simple to elegantly detailed. Whether you’re knitting for yourself, filling a handmade gift basket, or looking for a small project to use up your yarn stash, these coin purse patterns are exactly what you need.

Let’s jump right in.

Why Knit a Coin Purse?

Before we get into the patterns themselves, it’s worth pausing to appreciate just how versatile and satisfying a knitted coin purse can be. In a world dominated by mass-produced accessories, a handmade purse carries something extra — intention, personality, and skill. Even the smallest knitted item can become a treasured keepsake when made with care.

Coin purses are also one of the smartest projects you can pick up as a knitter. They use minimal yarn, which means they’re ideal for using up leftover bits from bigger projects. They knit up quickly, often in just a few hours, which makes them deeply satisfying for knitters who don’t always have long stretches of time to dedicate to their craft. And because they’re small, they’re highly portable — you can tuck your project into your bag and work on it wherever you are.

They also make extraordinarily thoughtful handmade gifts. A knitted coin purse slipped into a birthday card, tucked into a holiday stocking, or presented at a bridal shower feels personal in a way that a store-bought item simply doesn’t. Add a few coins inside or a small piece of jewelry, and you have a complete, meaningful present.

Now, onto the patterns.

Pattern 5: The Cabled Snap Purse

This pattern is a lovely step up for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to explore texture. The cabled snap purse features a simple four-stitch cable that runs vertically along the front panel, giving it a classic, almost vintage appearance. It closes with a metal snap frame, which adds a polished, professional finish that most recipients would never guess came from a handmade project.

The pattern is worked flat on straight needles and then seamed on the sides, making it straightforward even if you’re new to cables. You’ll need a cable needle and a basic understanding of how to slip stitches, but the actual technique is guided clearly through each row. The snap frame is attached at the end using a simple whipstitch, and the pattern includes detailed instructions on how to do this neatly.

For yarn, a DK weight cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend works beautifully here because it holds the cable definition well and creates a firm fabric that keeps its shape. The pattern is available as a free download through Ravelry, though you’ll need a free account to access it. Dimensions are approximately 4 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall — perfect for tucking into a handbag or backpack.

This is one of those patterns that looks far more complicated than it actually is, which means you’ll feel enormously proud handing it over as a gift.

Pattern 6: The Mini Seed Stitch Pouch

Sometimes the most elegant designs are the simplest, and the mini seed stitch pouch is a wonderful example of that truth. Seed stitch — alternating knit and purl stitches — creates a beautifully textured fabric that has a subtle, almost pebbly surface. It’s reversible, lies flat without curling, and gives even plain yarn a sophisticated look.

This particular pattern creates a small rectangular pouch that folds over and fastens with a button closure. The flap features a small eyelet that loops over a wooden or shell button sewn to the body of the purse. It’s a clean, understated design that would work well in almost any color, though neutral tones like oatmeal, charcoal, or dusty rose really let the texture shine.

The pattern works up in worsted weight yarn on US size 7 needles, and an average knitter can complete it in two to three hours. It’s entirely worked flat, so no circular needle experience is necessary. The pattern is available for free on several knitting blogs, and searching “seed stitch coin purse free knitting pattern” will bring up multiple versions. Some bloggers have adapted it to include a zippered lining, which adds durability and a pop of color when the purse is opened.

The mini seed stitch pouch is ideal for gifting in multiples. Make a set of three in coordinating colors, tie them together with a ribbon, and you have a charming handmade gift that took minimal time but looks anything but rushed.

Pattern 7: The Colorwork Fair Isle Coin Purse

For knitters who love color and pattern, a Fair Isle coin purse is an absolute joy to make. This type of pattern uses stranded colorwork — carrying two colors of yarn across each row — to create geometric or floral motifs that look intricate and beautiful. Because the purse is so small, you only need to follow a short chart, which makes it an excellent introduction to colorwork for those who have been hesitant to try it on a larger project.

Fair Isle coin purses are typically knitted in the round on double-pointed needles or a short circular needle, creating a tube that is then folded and seamed at the bottom. The colorwork chart usually wraps all the way around the purse, so both sides carry the pattern. These purses are often finished with a zipper or a snap frame.

The paid version of this pattern, available on Etsy and Ravelry from several independent designers, typically includes a full-color chart with symbol key, written row-by-row instructions as an alternative to the chart, yarn weight and color quantity recommendations, and tips for managing float tension (which is key to making stranded colorwork look neat and professional). Prices for paid patterns typically range from around two to five dollars, which is extremely reasonable for the level of detail provided.

If you’d like a free starting point, search for “stranded colorwork coin purse” on Ravelry or Pinterest, where several designers have shared their charts at no cost. Be aware that free colorwork patterns sometimes assume more background knowledge than free beginner patterns do, so having a basic understanding of colorwork before diving in will make the experience much smoother.

A finished Fair Isle coin purse in a traditional palette of red, cream, and navy looks truly stunning and is the kind of handmade item that people keep for years.

Tips for Adding a Lining to Your Knitted Coin Purse

One question that comes up repeatedly among knitters working on coin purse patterns is whether to add a fabric lining. It’s a great question, and the answer depends on how you plan to use the purse.

If you’re creating a coin purse that will actually hold coins, a lining is a very good idea. Coins are small and can push through the gaps in knitted fabric, especially if you’re working with a looser gauge or a more open stitch pattern. A lining also protects the knitted fabric from the constant friction of coins shifting around inside, which extends the life of your work.

Lining a coin purse is easier than many knitters expect. You simply cut a piece of fabric slightly smaller than the interior of the purse, fold the edges under, and use a needle and thread to slip stitch the lining into place along the top edge. Cotton quilting fabric, satin, and even interfacing-backed cotton work well. Satin gives the interior a beautiful, luxurious feel when you reach inside — a lovely detail that the recipient will notice and appreciate.

If the idea of hand-sewing a lining feels daunting, fabric glue designed for use with textiles is also an option, though hand-sewing generally gives a cleaner, more durable result.

Choosing the Right Closure for Your Coin Purse

The closure you choose can dramatically change the look and functionality of your finished coin purse, so it’s worth thinking about before you cast on rather than after.

Zipper closures are the most secure option and are ideal for anyone who will actually be using the purse to carry coins or small valuables. Zippers come in an enormous range of colors and lengths, and you can find metal-toothed or nylon-coil versions depending on the aesthetic you’re going for. Installing a zipper in a knitted item requires a little patience but is very manageable once you’ve done it once. The key is to pin or baste the zipper in place before sewing so it doesn’t shift.

Snap frames, also called purse frames or kiss-lock frames, give knitted coin purses a delightfully old-fashioned, elegant look. They’re the kind of closure you see on vintage change purses, and they have a satisfying click when they open and close. Attaching a snap frame involves sewing the top edges of the purse to the channels of the frame, and most frames come with sewing holes already built in. They’re available in gold, silver, bronze, and antique brass finishes.

Button and loop closures are the simplest option and work beautifully for purses with a flap design. A small button sewn to the body of the purse and a yarn loop or crocheted loop attached to the flap creates an utterly charming closure that looks handmade in the best possible way.

Magnetic snap closures are another option that sits somewhere between a zipper and a button in terms of security. They’re flat, they’re easy to attach, and they give the purse a modern, minimalist feel.

Yarn Recommendations for Coin Purse Projects

Because coin purses are worked at a relatively small scale, the yarn you choose has a big impact on the final result. Here are some guidelines to help you make a great choice.

Cotton yarns are the classic choice for coin purses because they’re sturdy, hold their shape, and come in a beautiful range of colors. Cotton doesn’t have the elasticity of wool, which means your stitches will look very defined and crisp. Look for a tightly spun cotton DK or worsted weight yarn for the best results.

Wool and wool blends are also excellent choices, particularly for colorwork designs or cabled patterns where stitch definition matters. Wool has natural bounce and elasticity, which can make colorwork easier to manage because it’s more forgiving of slight tension variations.

Acrylic yarns are a budget-friendly option and are available in an almost unlimited range of colors. They’re also machine washable, which is a practical consideration for coin purses that will be used daily. Look for a higher-quality acrylic with a smooth, even twist for the most polished result.

Novelty yarns — metallics, tweeds, and yarns with a slight sheen — can add a festive or sophisticated touch to a coin purse. A little metallic thread held alongside a cotton yarn, for instance, creates a subtly sparkly fabric that looks beautiful for gift giving.

Avoid very chunky or thick yarns for coin purse projects. They tend to create a fabric that’s too thick and stiff to work well with most closures, and the resulting purse may be too bulky for practical use.

How to Block a Knitted Coin Purse

Blocking is one of those steps that newer knitters sometimes skip, but it makes a significant difference in the finished appearance of your work. Blocking evens out your stitches, opens up any stitch patterns, and helps the purse lay flat and hold its shape.

For most coin purses, wet blocking is the simplest method. Soak the finished knitted piece in cool water for about fifteen minutes, then gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing. Lay the piece flat on a blocking mat or a clean towel, shape it to the correct dimensions with your hands, and let it dry completely. This usually takes several hours or overnight.

For wool yarns, steam blocking is also an option. Hold a steam iron a few inches above the knitted fabric and allow the steam to penetrate the fibers, then shape the piece with your hands. Don’t press the iron directly onto the knitting, as this can flatten the texture of stitch patterns like cables or seed stitch.

Cotton and acrylic yarns also benefit from blocking, though they may take longer to dry and may not hold their shape quite as dramatically as wool. Even a light blocking will improve the overall look of the finished piece.

Gifting Your Knitted Coin Purse

One of the greatest joys of knitting small projects like coin purses is the ease of gifting them. They’re lightweight, easy to package, and carry a personal warmth that makes them feel special regardless of how long they took to make.

For a polished presentation, tuck your finished purse into a small organza bag or a kraft paper box with a bit of tissue paper. Add a handwritten tag that includes the fiber content of the yarn — this is genuinely useful information for the recipient who will eventually need to care for the item. You might also include a small note about how you made it, or why you chose the particular colors or pattern. These details transform a handmade item into a story.

Coin purses also make wonderful charitable donations. Many organizations that support women and children accept handmade goods, and a collection of small, cheerful coin purses can be a meaningful contribution. Check with local shelters, community organizations, or charitable knitting groups for opportunities to donate.

Final Thoughts

We hope this two-part roundup has given you plenty of inspiration for your next small project. Whether you’re drawn to the classic simplicity of seed stitch, the intricate charm of Fair Isle colorwork, or the polished elegance of a cabled design with a snap frame closure, there is a coin purse pattern here for every skill level and every aesthetic.

The beauty of knitting small accessories like these is that they ask so little of you in terms of time and materials while giving so much back in satisfaction and usefulness. A coin purse is a complete project from start to finish, requiring only a small commitment but rewarding you with something genuinely beautiful and functional.

Cast on, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your finished makes with the knitting community — your version of these patterns might be exactly the inspiration someone else needs to pick up their needles for the first time.

Happy knitting!