Crochet Coin Purse Pattern: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Beyond

There is something undeniably satisfying about making a small, functional item with your own hands. A crochet coin purse sits right at that sweet spot between quick enough to finish in an afternoon and impressive enough to make a wonderful handmade gift. Whether you are brand new to crochet and looking for your first real project, or you are an experienced crocheter who wants a fast and rewarding make, this pattern has everything you need to create a beautiful, durable little purse that will last for years.

In this guide, you will find a full crochet coin purse pattern with clear instructions, a materials list, helpful tips for customization, and answers to the most common questions beginners ask. By the end, you will have not only a finished purse but also a deeper understanding of the techniques involved, so you can adapt the pattern to create your own variations in any size, color, or style you like.

Why Crochet a Coin Purse?

Before we dive into the pattern itself, it is worth pausing to appreciate why crochet coin purses are such a beloved project in the crafting world.

First and foremost, they are small. That means they use very little yarn, which makes them a perfect stash-buster project. If you have partial skeins sitting in a basket collecting dust, a coin purse is one of the best ways to put that leftover yarn to use. Even a single ounce of yarn is often enough to complete a small purse.

Second, they work up quickly. Most people can complete this pattern in a single sitting of two to three hours. For someone who tends to abandon larger projects out of frustration or impatience, a coin purse offers the instant gratification that keeps you motivated and coming back to crochet again and again.

Third, they make wonderful gifts. A handmade coin purse feels personal and thoughtful without requiring the weeks of work that a sweater or blanket demands. You can match colors to the recipient’s personality, add embellishments, or make a whole set of them in coordinating shades as a gift set. Birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, bridesmaids’ gifts — the occasions are endless.

Finally, and perhaps most practically, they are actually useful. People carry coins, lip balm, earbuds, small medicines, or even folded bills in coin purses every day. A handmade version made from quality yarn is sturdier and more charming than most store-bought options.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials together before you start is one of the simplest habits that makes the crocheting process smoother and more enjoyable. Here is what you will need for this crochet coin purse pattern.

Yarn: Any worsted weight yarn (size 4) works well for this pattern. Cotton yarn is especially recommended because it holds its shape beautifully, has a pleasing texture, and tends to be quite durable for items that will see regular use. Mercerized cotton gives a slight sheen that looks lovely. That said, acrylic yarn works perfectly well too, particularly if you want something more stretchy or if you are working from your stash. You will need approximately 50 to 75 yards of your main color, and a small amount of a contrasting color if you want a two-tone design.

Hook: A size 3.75mm (F/5) or 4.0mm (G/6) crochet hook works well with worsted weight cotton. If you are using a lighter cotton yarn, such as a size 3 weight, drop down to a 2.5mm or 3.0mm hook. Always check your gauge before beginning, as hook size can vary between makers.

Zipper: A 6-inch or 7-inch zipper in a coordinating or contrasting color. Nylon zippers tend to be easier to sew onto yarn than metal ones, especially for beginners.

Yarn needle: For weaving in ends and, if you choose, for sewing the zipper by hand.

Sewing needle and thread: A color that matches your zipper tape works best for attaching the zipper cleanly.

Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors will give you clean cuts.

Stitch markers: Helpful for keeping track of your round beginnings, especially if you are working in continuous rounds.

Optional: A small piece of fabric or felt cut to the interior dimensions of the purse can be glued or sewn inside as a lining, which gives the purse a polished, professional finish.

Understanding the Stitches

This pattern uses only basic stitches, making it accessible to beginners. Here is a quick refresher on each stitch you will encounter.

Chain (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects. To make a chain, start with a slip knot on your hook, yarn over, and pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. Each chain creates one link.

Slip stitch (sl st): A very short stitch often used to join rounds or to move your working yarn to a different position without adding height. Insert your hook, yarn over, and pull through both loops in one motion.

Single crochet (sc): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop so you have two loops on your hook, then yarn over again and pull through both loops. This is the stitch you will use most in this pattern.

Half double crochet (hdc): Yarn over first, then insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), then yarn over and pull through all three loops. This stitch is slightly taller than a single crochet and creates a denser fabric.

If you are new to crochet, it is worth practicing these stitches for a few minutes before beginning the pattern. A small swatch of single crochet stitches will help you get a feel for your tension and confirm that your gauge is in the right range.

Gauge

Gauge matters more for wearable items like sweaters than for a small accessory like a coin purse, but it is still worth checking. For this pattern worked in single crochet with worsted weight cotton and a 3.75mm hook, you should aim for approximately 18 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches (10 cm). If your gauge is slightly off, the finished purse will simply be a little larger or smaller than described, which is perfectly fine for this kind of project. Adjust your hook size if you prefer to match the dimensions exactly.

Finished Dimensions

This pattern will produce a coin purse that measures approximately 4.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall when finished. This is a comfortable size that fits easily into a pocket or handbag and can hold coins, folded bills, cards, or small everyday essentials.

The Crochet Coin Purse Pattern

Foundation

Begin by creating the base of the purse, which is worked in rows to create a flat rectangle.

Chain 21.

Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. You will have 20 single crochets. Chain 1, turn.

Rows 2 through 18: Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn at the end of each row.

After row 18, do not turn. Instead, you will now work around all four sides of the rectangle to create the side edges of the purse.

Working Around the Rectangle

This section joins the rectangle into a three-dimensional shape by crocheting around its perimeter.

Rotate your work so you are looking at the short edge of the rectangle. Work 18 single crochets evenly along this side edge, inserting your hook into the row ends as you go. At the corner, work 2 single crochets into the corner stitch to turn cleanly.

Work across the opposite long edge, making 20 single crochets. Work 2 single crochets into the corner, then work 18 single crochets up the remaining short edge.

Join with a slip stitch to the first stitch of this round. This completes the perimeter.

Building the Sides

You are now going to work in continuous rounds to build up the sides of the purse from the base.

Round 1: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch throughout), single crochet in each stitch around. Slip stitch to join.

Rounds 2 through 10: Repeat Round 1.

After 10 rounds, you will have a small pouch shape. The opening at the top is where your zipper will be attached.

Fasten off and weave in all ends using your yarn needle. Block the piece lightly if desired by spritzing with water and shaping with your hands, then allowing to dry flat. This step is especially helpful with cotton yarn and will give your coin purse a neater appearance.

Optional: Two-Color Variation

For a two-toned purse, work the base and first five rounds in your main color, then join your contrasting color and work the remaining five rounds before the zipper. This creates a beautiful color-blocked effect and uses up even smaller amounts of yarn. Simply cut your first color, join the second with a slip stitch, and continue as usual. Weave in the color change ends carefully to keep the inside of the purse tidy.

Attaching the Zipper

Attaching a zipper to a crochet project feels intimidating the first time, but with a little patience it becomes straightforward. Here is a simple, reliable method.

Begin with your zipper closed. Place the closed zipper face-down inside the opening of the purse so that the zipper pull sits along the top edge. Align the zipper tape with the top opening of the purse, making sure equal amounts of the zipper extend on each side. Use a few straight pins or clips to hold it in place while you sew.

Thread your sewing needle with thread that matches your zipper tape. Using a whip stitch or a backstitch, sew the zipper tape to the crochet fabric, passing your needle through the zipper tape and through the top stitches of the purse opening. Work slowly and evenly, keeping your stitches close together for a secure hold.

Once one side is sewn, open the zipper carefully and sew the other side in the same manner. When both sides are complete, close the zipper to check that everything lines up properly. If one side is slightly misaligned, you can gently remove the stitches and re-sew. Do not be discouraged — zipper placement takes a little practice, and even a slightly imperfect zipper will be functional and charming.

Knot your thread securely on the inside and trim any excess. If you prefer to sew the zipper with a yarn needle using matching yarn instead of thread, that works beautifully as well and can give a more handmade, intentional look to the finished seam.

Adding a Lining

A fabric lining is an optional but lovely finishing touch that protects the interior of the purse and prevents small items from slipping through the stitches. Cut a rectangle of fabric that matches the interior dimensions of your finished purse — approximately 4 inches by 6.5 inches when unfolded. Fold the rectangle in half with right sides facing and sew along the two short sides, leaving the top open. Trim the corners, turn right-side out, and press with an iron. Fold the top raw edges inside by about half an inch and press again.

Slip the lining inside the purse and use a whip stitch with matching thread to attach the folded top edge of the lining to the inside of the purse, just below the zipper tape. This step significantly elevates the professional appearance of the finished piece and makes it feel genuinely polished.

Customization Ideas

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this pattern is how easily it can be adapted. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Change the size. To make a larger purse suitable for folded bills or a smartphone, simply start with more foundation chains and add more rows before working in the round. To make a tiny jewel purse for rings or earrings, reduce your starting chain to 11 or 13 and use a finer yarn with a smaller hook.

Add a wrist loop. Chain 20 to 25 stitches, join to the corner of the purse with a slip stitch, and fasten off. A simple loop like this transforms your coin purse into a wristlet.

Try surface crochet or embroidery. Once the purse is finished, you can add decorative stitching to the exterior in a contrasting color. Flowers, initials, geometric shapes, or simple lines can make each purse feel truly one-of-a-kind.

Crochet with two strands. Holding two strands of fingering or sport weight yarn together creates a fabric similar in thickness to worsted, but with a gorgeous subtle color variation if the two strands are slightly different shades.

Use tapestry crochet. If you are comfortable with color changes, tapestry crochet allows you to work a pattern or image directly into the body of the purse. Small motifs like hearts, stars, initials, or simple geometric designs look stunning worked in two colors.

Tips for a Neater Finish

A few small habits make the difference between a coin purse that looks handmade in the best possible way and one that looks rushed or uneven.

Always weave in your ends as you go rather than leaving them all until the end. Threading the tail through several stitches in alternating directions before trimming will keep it from working loose over time.

Keep your tension consistent. Tight tension produces a denser fabric that is more structurally sound for a pouch that will hold items. If your stitches feel loose or floppy, try dropping down one hook size.

Block your finished piece before attaching the zipper. Blocking opens up the stitches, evens out the tension, and gives the purse a much crisper, more defined shape. Cotton yarn responds especially well to blocking.

Use sharp scissors to trim your yarn ends close to the fabric without cutting into the surrounding stitches. A sharp pair of embroidery scissors is ideal for this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of yarn is best for a crochet coin purse?

Cotton yarn is widely considered the best choice because it is sturdy, easy to clean, holds its shape without stretching, and has a smooth surface that shows stitch detail clearly. Mercerized cotton is especially lovely. That said, wool, acrylic, or any yarn you love will also work beautifully.

Can a beginner make this pattern?

Absolutely. If you know how to make a chain and a single crochet, you have everything you need to complete this project. The pattern uses no complex shaping or advanced stitches. The only step that may feel new to a beginner is attaching the zipper, which is a sewing skill rather than a crochet one — and it becomes easy with a little patience.

How do I clean a crochet coin purse?

For cotton yarn, hand washing in cool water with a gentle soap is ideal. Gently press out excess water without wringing, reshape the purse, and lay it flat to dry. If your yarn is labeled machine washable, you can also place it in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a gentle cycle in cold water.

Can I use a different closure instead of a zipper?

Yes. A button and loop closure is a great alternative and is easier to attach. Crochet a small loop at the center of one edge of the opening, sew a button to the opposite edge, and you have a simple and charming closure. A magnetic snap is another option that gives a sleek, modern look.

How long does it take to crochet a coin purse?

Most crocheters finish the crochet portion in about one to two hours. Adding the zipper and optional lining brings the total project time to roughly two to three hours, depending on your pace. It is an ideal project for an evening in front of the television or a lazy weekend afternoon.

Making Multiple Purses as Gifts

Once you have made your first coin purse and grown comfortable with the pattern, you will likely find yourself wanting to make more. The repetitive, predictable nature of the pattern makes it easy to work on while watching a film or listening to a podcast, and because each purse takes such a small amount of yarn, you can make a whole collection from a single skein in several colors.

Consider making a set of three in coordinating colors as a gift — one for coins, one for lip products, one for jewelry when traveling. Tuck a small note inside each one explaining that it was handmade just for the recipient. That personal touch is something no store-bought gift can replicate.

If you enjoy making gifts in batches, this pattern is excellent for craft fairs and markets as well. Small handmade goods with a practical purpose tend to sell well, and a coin purse at an accessible price point invites impulse purchases from people who might not otherwise buy handmade goods.

Final Thoughts

A crochet coin purse is one of those beginner-friendly patterns that never gets old. It is small enough to finish quickly, useful enough to be genuinely appreciated, and flexible enough to become a