Crochet Coin Purse With Zipper Pattern: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

There is something deeply satisfying about making a small, functional accessory by hand. A crochet coin purse with a zipper is one of those projects that manages to check every box — it is quick enough to finish in an afternoon, useful enough that you will actually reach for it every day, and charming enough to give as a gift. Whether you are a beginner who has just mastered the basic stitches or an experienced crocheter looking for a fun weekend project, this pattern will walk you through everything you need to know from the very first slip knot to the final zipper installation.

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let us talk about why this particular project deserves a spot in your queue.

Why You Will Love Making a Crochet Coin Purse With a Zipper

Most crochet coin purse patterns use a button or snap closure, and while those are perfectly lovely, a zipper adds a level of practicality that is hard to beat. Coins and small items stay secure inside, the purse opens and closes smoothly with one hand, and the overall look feels more polished and finished. Once you learn how to sew a zipper into a crocheted piece, you will find yourself adding zippers to all sorts of projects — pouches, makeup bags, and travel organizers.

Beyond the functional benefits, this project is a fantastic stash buster. It uses only a small amount of yarn, which means you can use up those leftover skeins that have been sitting in your craft bin. You can also play with color combinations, stripes, or even colorwork if you want to get creative. Every purse you make can look completely different, which keeps the project fresh no matter how many times you return to it.

Materials You Will Need

Gathering the right supplies before you begin will make the whole process smoother. Here is everything you need to complete this crochet coin purse with zipper pattern.

Yarn: Approximately 50 to 75 yards of worsted weight yarn (size 4). Cotton yarn is highly recommended for this project because it creates a firm, structured fabric that holds its shape well and looks clean and crisp. Mercerized cotton in particular gives a lovely sheen. That said, any worsted weight yarn you love will work — just be aware that acrylic yarn will produce a slightly softer, more flexible purse.

Hook: A 3.75mm or 4.0mm crochet hook. Go with the smaller hook if you want a tighter, denser fabric that is less likely to let tiny items fall through the stitches. You can swatch first and adjust as needed.

Zipper: One 6-inch zipper. You can find these at any fabric or craft store, or order them online in virtually any color. Match your zipper to your yarn for a seamless look, or go for a contrasting color to make it a deliberate design choice.

Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and, if you prefer, for hand-sewing the zipper.

Sewing needle and thread: You will use these to attach the zipper. Choose thread that matches your zipper tape for the neatest result.

Scissors: A small, sharp pair works best for snipping yarn tails close to the fabric.

Optional: Stitch markers, lining fabric and fusible interfacing if you want to add an interior lining.

Understanding the Stitch Pattern

This pattern uses a combination of single crochet and slip stitch to create a dense, coin-friendly fabric. The body of the purse is worked in the round for the majority of the construction, giving you seamless sides, and then the two panels are worked flat at the top to create the opening where the zipper will be sewn.

If you are new to reading crochet patterns, here is a quick rundown of the abbreviations used throughout.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
st — stitch
rep — repeat
BLO — back loop only
YO — yarn over

Working in the back loop only (BLO) is optional in this pattern, but it creates a beautiful ridged texture on the outside of the purse that gives it a handmade, artisanal quality. If you prefer a smoother surface, simply work through both loops as you normally would.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for this project since it is a small accessory with no fitting requirements, but for reference, the intended gauge is approximately 16 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches in single crochet with worsted weight yarn and a 3.75mm hook. If your finished purse turns out larger or smaller than you like, simply adjust your hook size accordingly.

Finished Dimensions

The finished purse measures approximately 4 inches wide by 3 inches tall, which is the ideal size for coins, earbuds, a lip balm, a few folded bills, or a spare key. If you want a larger pouch, you can easily add more foundation chains and increase the height by working additional rows.

The Pattern: Crochet Coin Purse With Zipper

Step 1 — Create the Foundation

Begin by making a magic ring or ch 12 and join with a sl st to form a ring.

If you chose to chain: Ch 12. Work 3 sc in the second chain from the hook, then sc across to the last chain, work 3 sc in the last chain. Now rotate your work and sc back down the other side of the foundation chain. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should have 24 stitches total at the end of this round.

If you chose the magic ring: Ch 1, work 12 sc into the ring, close the ring, and then join with a sl st. This gives you an oval-shaped starting base. Most crocheters prefer the chain foundation for a coin purse because it creates a naturally flat oval that becomes the bottom of the pouch.

Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Step 2 — Build the Sides

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in BLO in each stitch around. Join with sl st. (24 sts)

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in BLO in each stitch around. Join with sl st. (24 sts)

Continue in this manner, working sc in BLO in every stitch around, until you have completed 14 rounds total from the foundation. This will give you a purse body that is approximately 3 inches tall.

At this point, do not close the last round. You will now work the top edge flat.

Step 3 — Create the Top Opening Panels

You are going to divide the opening into two flat panels, a front panel and a back panel, so that the zipper can be sewn neatly between them.

Front Panel:

Turn your work so that you are working across only half of the stitches, which is 12 stitches. Ch 1, sc across 12 stitches. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc across 12 stitches. Turn.

Work 2 more rows in sc for a total of 4 rows on the front panel. Fasten off and leave a 6-inch tail.

Back Panel:

Rejoin your yarn at the stitch directly opposite from where you ended the front panel. This should be the center back of the purse. Ch 1, sc across the remaining 12 stitches. Turn.

Work 4 rows of sc just as you did for the front panel. Fasten off and leave a 6-inch tail.

Step 4 — Edging the Opening (Optional but Recommended)

For a cleaner edge where the zipper will attach, work a single row of slip stitches along the top of both panels. This creates a firm, neat edge that makes zipper installation much easier.

To do this, rejoin your yarn at the corner of one panel with a sl st, then sl st across the top of that panel. Fasten off. Repeat on the second panel.

Alternatively, you can work a row of single crochet along the top edge, which will add a decorative border and give the zipper a little more fabric to grip.

How to Attach the Zipper

This is the step that intimidates most crocheters, but it really is simpler than it looks. Take your time, use pins to hold everything in place before you start sewing, and the result will look tidy and professional.

Preparing the Zipper

Lay your purse flat on a work surface. Open the zipper all the way. Place one side of the zipper tape face down along the top edge of the front panel, with the zipper teeth pointing inward toward the body of the purse. The edge of the zipper tape should align with the top of the crochet edge.

Use sewing pins or clips to hold the zipper in place. Make sure the zipper pull is positioned about a quarter inch in from the left edge of the panel so that it sits comfortably and does not get caught in the crochet stitches when you zip the purse.

Sewing the Zipper by Hand

Thread your sewing needle with a length of thread that matches your zipper tape. Knot the end. Using a simple backstitch, sew the zipper tape to the top edge of the front panel. Work your needle through the crochet stitches just below the top edge, catching the zipper tape on each stitch. Keep your stitches small and even for the cleanest result.

When you reach the end of the zipper, knot your thread and trim the tail. Close the zipper to check that it runs smoothly, then attach the second side of the zipper to the back panel in exactly the same way.

Once both sides are sewn, open and close the zipper several times to make sure everything is aligned and moves freely. If the zipper pulls slightly to one side, you can adjust by adding a few extra stitches to correct the tension.

A Note on Sewing Machines

If you have a sewing machine with a zipper foot, you are welcome to machine-sew the zipper instead. This is faster and the stitches will be very uniform. Just be careful to work slowly and avoid stitching through the zipper teeth. Most crocheters find hand-sewing easier for this type of project because it gives you better control over small, curved pieces of crochet fabric.

Adding an Interior Lining (Optional)

A fabric lining takes this coin purse to the next level. It gives the inside a finished look, helps the purse hold its structure, and makes it easier to find small items at the bottom. Here is how to add one.

Cut two rectangles of cotton lining fabric, each measuring about 4.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall. These measurements are slightly larger than the purse to allow for a seam allowance. If you want extra structure, iron a piece of lightweight fusible interfacing onto the back of each fabric rectangle before you begin.

With right sides facing, sew along the bottom and both side edges using a quarter-inch seam allowance, leaving the top open. Trim the corners diagonally to reduce bulk, then turn the lining right side out and press it flat.

Slip the lining inside the crocheted purse so that the wrong sides are touching. Fold the top edge of the lining fabric down by about a quarter inch and use a few hand stitches to tack it to the zipper tape on the inside of the purse. This covers the raw edge of the zipper tape and gives the interior a clean, sewn look.

Tips for Customizing Your Crochet Coin Purse

One of the best things about a small project like this is how endlessly customizable it is. Here are some ideas to make your purse uniquely yours.

Color blocking: Crochet the bottom half of the purse in one color and the top half in a contrasting color. Change colors mid-round for a clean stripe, or carry both yarns to create a gradient effect.

Stripes: Work each round in a different color, alternating between two or three shades. This is an excellent way to use tiny amounts of leftover yarn from other projects.

Surface texture: Try working in half double crochet instead of single crochet for a slightly looser, softer fabric. Or experiment with the moss stitch (alternating ch 1, sc) for a beautifully open texture that still works well for a coin purse.

Embellishments: Once the purse is complete, you can add a crocheted flower, a button, or a woven thread tassel to the zipper pull for a personalized touch. A simple tassel made from a few strands of yarn knotted through the zipper pull hole takes only a minute and makes the purse feel extra special.

Size variations: As mentioned earlier, adding more foundation chains and extra rows will scale this pattern up to a larger pouch. A 9-inch zipper and approximately double the yarn will give you a makeup bag size pouch that uses the exact same construction method.

Finishing and Care Instructions

Weave in all remaining yarn tails using your tapestry needle, burying them inside the fabric by running the needle through several stitches in different directions. Trim the tails close to the surface.

If your purse looks a little uneven or the stitches are not quite as crisp as you would like, blocking can make a significant difference. For cotton yarn, wet blocking works beautifully. Simply soak the finished purse in cool water for a few minutes, gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing, and then reshape the purse with your hands and lay it flat to dry. Cotton will relax and even out, and the finished piece will look remarkably clean and professional.

For washing, hand wash your coin purse in cool water with a gentle detergent. Avoid putting it in the washing machine, especially if you have added a fabric lining, as the agitation can distort the shape of the crochet fabric and cause the lining to bunch. Lay flat to dry.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The zipper puckers or bunches: This usually happens when the zipper is longer than the opening. If your zipper is a half-inch or so too long, fold the excess to the inside and stitch it down. For future projects, measure your opening carefully before purchasing the zipper.

The sides of the purse curl outward: This is common with single crochet worked in the round. Blocking will usually solve this. If it persists, try going down one hook size.

The crochet fabric is too loose and coins fall out: Switch to a smaller hook or try a tighter stitch like moss stitch worked more tightly. Cotton yarn with a smaller hook also produces a noticeably denser fabric than acrylic.

The zipper slides down on its own: This is a zipper quality issue rather than a crochet issue. Add a small lobster claw clasp or a ring to the zipper pull so you have something to grip, or replace the zipper with a higher quality one.

Gift Ideas and Ways to Use This Purse

A handmade crochet coin purse with a zipper makes a thoughtful, personal gift for almost anyone. Fill it with a gift card and a few wrapped chocolates for a birthday present. Tuck one into a stocking at Christmas filled with small treats. Make a matching set in two coordinating colors for a bride-to-be or a best friend. Sell them at craft fairs — they tend to sell quickly because they are immediately recognizable as useful, and people love the idea of a handmade everyday accessory at an accessible price point.

Beyond storing coins, these little pouches are wonderfully versatile. Use one as an earbud or cable organizer in your bag. Keep one in your gym bag for a locker key and a few bills. Store hair ties, bobby pins, and small beauty products in one on your vanity. Keep a few in your car for parking meter change. The uses are genuinely endless for something this compact and functional.

Final Thoughts

This crochet coin purse with zipper pattern proves that small projects can be every bit as rewarding as large ones. In a few hours, you go from a ball of yarn to a fully functional, genuinely beautiful accessory that you made with your own hands. The skills you practice here — working in the round, managing tension across a small piece, and installing a zipper — will serve you well in countless future crochet projects.

If you make this purse, consider experimenting with the color, the stitch texture, or the size to make it your own. Crochet at its heart is about creativity and play, and a small project like this is the perfect canvas for trying something new without a big commitment of time or materials. Happy crocheting, and enjoy every stitch.