Coin Purse Knit Pattern FREE: A Complete Guide to Knitting Your Own Adorable Mini Purse
There is something deeply satisfying about knitting a small project that you can finish in an afternoon and immediately put to use. Coin purses sit in that sweet spot between practical and charming, and they make wonderful gifts, market stall bestsellers, or quick personal makes when you need something to carry your cash, cards, or lip balm without lugging around a full-sized bag. This free coin purse knit pattern will walk you through everything you need to know to create a beautiful, sturdy little purse from scratch, whether you are a seasoned knitter or someone who has only recently learned to cast on.
Before we get into the pattern itself, let’s talk about why knitting your own coin purse is such a worthwhile endeavor. Store-bought coin purses are often made from synthetic materials that wear out quickly, have flimsy zippers, or simply do not reflect your personal style. A hand-knitted coin purse, on the other hand, is made to last. With the right yarn and a little care, a knitted coin purse can handle years of daily use while looking better and better as the fabric softens and settles. And since this pattern is free, all you are spending is your time, a small amount of yarn, and the joy of creating something with your own hands.
What You Will Need Before You Start
One of the best things about this coin purse knit pattern is that it requires very little in the way of materials. This is a stash-busting project at its finest. If you have been knitting for any length of time, there is a good chance you already have everything you need sitting in a bag or basket somewhere in your home.
Yarn: You will need approximately 50 to 75 yards of worsted weight yarn, though this pattern can be adapted for DK or bulky weight with needle size adjustments. Cotton yarn is an excellent choice for coin purses because it is durable, holds its shape well, and is easy to wipe clean. Wool yarn also works beautifully and creates a slightly stretchier, cozier result. Acrylic yarn is a budget-friendly option that washes well. Scraps of multiple colors work wonderfully if you want to create a striped or colorblock design.
Needles: US size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles or a short circular needle for working in the round. If you prefer to knit flat and seam, a pair of standard straight needles in the same size will work perfectly.
Additional notions: A stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a zipper measuring 4 to 6 inches (available at most craft stores or online), a sewing needle and thread to match your zipper color, and scissors.
Optional: A small piece of interfacing or a stiff fabric lining to give the purse extra structure, though this is entirely optional and many knitters skip it without any problem.
Gauge: Approximately 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is less critical for this project than for garments, but if your purse comes out significantly smaller or larger than the measurements listed below, try adjusting your needle size up or down by half a millimeter.
Understanding the Basic Construction
This coin purse is knitted in the round to create a seamless tube, which is then closed at the bottom by working a three-needle bind-off or a simple gathered cast-off. The top edge is left open and a zipper is sewn in by hand. The resulting purse measures approximately 4.5 inches wide by 3 inches tall when blocked, which is a generous size for coins, folded bills, small earbuds, or a few credit cards.
If you prefer a flatter construction, the pattern can also be worked flat on two needles, knitting back and forth in rows, with the side seam sewn before the zipper is attached. Both methods produce a similar result, and the instructions below will include notes for both approaches where relevant.
The Free Coin Purse Knit Pattern
Abbreviations Used
CO — cast on
K — knit
P — purl
K2tog — knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
SSK — slip, slip, knit (a left-leaning decrease)
PM — place marker
SM — slip marker
BO — bind off
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
St(s) — stitch(es)
Rep — repeat
Rnd(s) — round(s)
Cast On and Beginning
Using your preferred method, cast on 40 stitches. The long-tail cast on is recommended here because it creates a neat, stretchy edge that will be easy to work with when you sew in the zipper later. If you are working in the round, join to work in the round by slipping the first stitch purlwise, being careful not to twist the stitches, and place your stitch marker.
If you are working flat, simply begin knitting back and forth.
Body of the Purse (Rounds 1 through 18)
Rounds 1 and 2: Knit all stitches around.
Round 3: Purl all stitches around (this creates a simple ridge that gives the purse some visual interest and a slight structure).
Rounds 4 through 6: Knit all stitches around.
Round 7: Purl all stitches around.
Rounds 8 through 18: Knit all stitches around.
If you are working flat, substitute “knit on RS, purl on WS” for the knit rounds, and “purl on RS, knit on WS” for the purl rounds to achieve the same texture. The overall effect is the same — a mostly smooth stockinette body with two decorative ridge lines near the top of the purse.
At this point your tube should measure approximately 3 inches from the cast-on edge. If you want a taller purse, simply continue knitting for additional rounds until you reach your desired height. One nice variation is to work the purse in two colors, switching after round 7 to create a colorblocked look.
Closing the Bottom of the Purse
Now it is time to close the bottom of your little purse. There are two approaches and both are easy.
Option 1 — Three-Needle Bind Off: Fold the work so that you have 20 stitches on each needle (the front half and the back half of your tube). Hold the needles parallel with the right sides of the fabric facing each other (wrong side facing out). Using a third needle, insert the tip into the first stitch on the front needle and the first stitch on the back needle simultaneously, knit these two stitches together as one, and slip them off both needles. Repeat with the next stitch from each needle, then lift the first stitch over the second to bind off. Continue across all 20 pairs of stitches. This creates a flat, tidy bottom seam.
Option 2 — Gathered Cast-Off: Cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about 12 inches. Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle. Draw the yarn through all 40 stitches on the knitting needle, slipping each stitch off as you go. Pull the yarn snugly to gather the bottom of the purse closed, and secure with a few small stitches on the inside.
Both options work well. The three-needle bind-off creates a slightly more structured rectangular bottom, while the gathered cast-off gives a slightly rounded base. Choose based on your preference and the look you are going for.
Weaving In Ends and Blocking
Once your purse body is complete, use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends on the inside of the purse. Take your time here — neat finishing is what separates a professional-looking project from a beginner’s attempt. Weave each tail in at least two different directions for security.
Block your purse by wetting it gently under cool water, squeezing out excess moisture without wringing, and shaping it on a clean towel or blocking mat. Pin it to your desired dimensions and allow it to dry completely before sewing in the zipper. Blocking makes a remarkable difference to the finished look, particularly with cotton yarn, which can look slightly uneven before wet blocking and beautifully smooth afterward.
Attaching the Zipper
This step is where many knitters feel a little nervous, but it is genuinely not difficult once you understand the process. A sewn-in zipper is the most secure and professional way to finish a coin purse, far preferable to a button or snap closure.
First, open your zipper completely and place it inside the top opening of your purse with the zipper pull on the inside (right side) of the purse. The zipper tape should line up with the cast-on edge. Use a few pins to hold it in position.
Thread a sewing needle with thread that closely matches your yarn color or your zipper tape color. Using small, even whipstitches or backstitch, sew along one side of the zipper tape from one end to the other, going through the zipper tape and into the knitting. Work just inside the cast-on edge for a neat appearance. When you reach the end, fasten off and repeat on the other side.
Fold the ends of the zipper tape neatly at each corner and secure them with a few extra stitches. Close the zipper and check that everything lines up evenly. If it does, open the zipper once more and run your needle along both sides one more time to reinforce the stitching.
If you want your zipper to be invisible from the outside, you can fold the top edge of the purse down slightly so that the knitted fabric covers the zipper tape, and sew through only the back of the stitches. This takes a little more care but produces a polished finish.
Variations and Customizations
This basic pattern is a wonderful starting point, but it is also endlessly customizable. Here are some ideas for making it your own.
Stripes: Work alternate rounds in two colors, changing every two rounds for thin stripes or every six rounds for wider bands. This is a great way to use small amounts of leftover yarn from other projects.
Textured stitch patterns: Replace the stockinette body with a simple seed stitch or moss stitch for a lovely textured surface. Seed stitch is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row and offsetting them on the next row. It is simple to execute but looks impressive. For seed stitch in the round, work K1, P1 on odd rounds and P1, K1 on even rounds.
Fair Isle or colorwork: If you are comfortable with stranded colorwork, this purse is a wonderful canvas for a small motif. Stars, simple geometric patterns, or even a small heart or flower can be worked into the body of the purse over a 10 to 15 stitch section. Keep your floats loose to avoid puckering.
Cables: A small four-stitch cable panel running up the center of the purse adds a classic, sophisticated look. Simply replace eight stitches of your stockinette body with a cable panel worked every six rounds.
Embroidery: Once your purse is finished and blocked, you can add embroidered details on the outside with a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn. Simple flowers, initials, or abstract shapes worked in satin stitch or chain stitch add a personal and decorative touch.
Adding a wrist strap: To turn your coin purse into a wristlet, use a crochet hook or knitting needles to create an I-cord measuring about 8 to 10 inches long. Attach the ends of the cord to one side of the zipper seam at the corner of the purse. You can also purchase a small D-ring and ribbon if you prefer a more polished, fabric strap.
Lining: If you plan to use your coin purse heavily or carry anything that might snag on the knitting, adding a simple fabric lining is a smart idea. Cut a piece of fabric slightly smaller than the interior dimensions of the purse, fold the edges under by half an inch, and stitch it in place by hand on the inside of the purse using small, neat slip stitches. Silk, cotton quilting fabric, and lightweight canvas all work well.
Tips for Knitting Success
Working a small project in the round on double-pointed needles can be fiddly for beginners, but a few tricks make it much easier. First, use bamboo or wooden needles rather than slippery metal ones — the slight grip of wood keeps your stitches from falling off as you maneuver the needles. Second, keep your tension even by always pulling the yarn firmly when you cross from one needle to the next, as this prevents the loose “laddering” that sometimes appears in double-pointed needle work.
If you find double-pointed needles frustrating, try the magic loop method using a long circular needle (at least 32 inches). This method allows you to knit a small circumference in the round using a single needle, and many knitters find it more intuitive than managing four or five separate needles.
Regarding yarn choice, it is worth spending a little time considering the end use. If you plan to use your coin purse inside a larger handbag where it will experience a lot of friction, a tightly plied yarn in a darker color will wear best. If it is a gift or a display piece, you can experiment with more delicate fibers, metallic threads, or hand-dyed skeins that show off the texture beautifully.
Finishing Touches and Care
Once your coin purse is fully assembled with the zipper attached, give it a final press with a damp cloth to neaten up any wonky stitches. If the fabric feels at all stiff from sizing or has an unfamiliar smell (common with new cotton yarn), a gentle hand wash with a small amount of wool wash or dish soap will freshen it up beautifully.
Store completed purses flat or stuff them lightly with tissue paper to help them hold their shape. If you are making multiple coin purses as gifts or to sell, a small handwritten care tag tied through the zipper pull is a thoughtful detail. Simply note the fiber content and washing instructions — most knitted purses can be hand-washed in cool water and laid flat to dry.
Sizing the Pattern Up or Down
The pattern as written creates a coin purse that is approximately 4.5 by 3 inches. To make a larger pouch suitable for cosmetics or a small wallet, cast on 60 stitches instead of 40 and continue working in the pattern until the piece measures 4.5 to 5 inches tall. Use a 6-inch zipper.
To make a very small purse — sweet for children’s toys or as earring storage — cast on 28 stitches and work until the piece measures about 2 inches tall. A 3-inch zipper, which you can find in miniature form at most sewing suppliers or online, will work for this smaller version.
Why This Pattern Makes a Perfect Gift
Handmade gifts carry a warmth and intentionality that purchased gifts cannot replicate, and a hand-knitted coin purse is practical enough that the recipient will actually use it. A set of two or three coin purses knitted in complementary colors makes a beautiful gift for birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, or as a thank-you for a friend who helped with a move or watched your cat for a week. Because the project uses so little yarn, you can make several in a single evening or weekend without spending much at all.
If you are interested in selling your knitted goods, coin purses are a perennial market favorite. They photograph well, they are light and easy to ship, and they have a wide appeal across all ages. A small collection of coin purses in varied colors and textures displayed in a basket makes an attractive stall or market table display, and at a price point of eight to fifteen dollars, they are affordable impulse purchases that move quickly.
Your Next Steps
Now that you have the full free coin purse knit pattern in hand, gather your materials and find a comfortable spot to sit. Cast on your 40 stitches, knit your 18 rounds, close that bottom seam, and attach your zipper. You will be surprised by how quickly the whole project comes together, and by how much pleasure a small, well-made thing can bring.
Knitting has a way of turning idle time into something tangible and lasting. Each stitch is a small act of making, and the finished purse is proof that you can take raw materials and create something both beautiful and useful from nothing but yarn and needles. There is genuine magic in that, and this little coin purse pattern is one of the most accessible ways to experience it.
If you make this purse, consider sharing a photo with friends or in a knitting group online — it is always lovely to see the different interpretations and color choices that knitters bring to the same basic pattern. Happy knitting!
