
Easy Crochet Coin Purse Pattern (FREE)
If you’ve been looking for a quick, satisfying project that uses up your yarn scraps and actually comes in handy every single day, this easy crochet coin purse pattern is exactly what you need. Whether you’re brand new to crochet or you’ve been at it for years, this little project is approachable, fun, and finishes in just a couple of hours. Best of all, it’s completely free — no email sign-up required, no strings attached.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need: a full written pattern, a materials list, stitch guide, tips for customizing your coin purse, and ideas for gifting or selling your finished pieces. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Coin Purse Pattern
Small projects get a bad reputation sometimes. People assume they’re less impressive or less worth the time than a big blanket or an intricate sweater. But there’s something deeply satisfying about a project you can start and finish in an afternoon. This coin purse is one of those projects.
It’s the perfect size to tuck into a bag for on-the-go crocheting. The stitch pattern is simple enough that you can work on it while watching a movie or chatting with friends, but the finished product looks polished and put-together. It’s the kind of thing people see in your hand and immediately say, “Did you make that?”
Beyond the fun of making it, coin purses are genuinely useful. You can use one to organize loose change, carry lip balm and a few cards, store earbuds, or keep small first-aid supplies in your bag. They make wonderful gifts for birthdays, holidays, or just because. If you enjoy selling your crochet work, small items like this are popular at craft fairs and in online shops because they’re affordable for buyers and quick for you to produce.
Materials You’ll Need
One of the best things about this pattern is that it doesn’t require much. You likely already have most of what you need sitting in your stash.
Yarn: Approximately 50–75 yards of worsted weight yarn (size 4). Cotton yarn works especially well for coin purses because it holds its shape and has a nice, structured drape. That said, any worsted weight yarn will work. This is a perfect stash-buster project — feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Hook: A 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook. If you find your tension is particularly tight, go up to a 5.5 mm. If you tend to crochet loosely, try a 4.5 mm. The goal is a fairly firm fabric so your stitches don’t gap.
Notions:
A zipper that is 6 inches long (or 7 inches if you want a slightly roomier opening). Zippers in coordinating or contrasting colors both look great — it’s a style choice.
A yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Scissors.
Stitch markers (optional but helpful).
Sewing needle and thread that matches your zipper tape color.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern is written using standard US crochet terminology.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
st(s) — stitch(es)
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
BLO — back loop only
If you’re familiar with single crochet and half double crochet, you’re ready to make this purse. If you’re newer to crochet and want a quick refresher, there are some notes on each stitch below.
Single crochet (sc): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have two loops on your hook), yarn over again and pull through both loops. One single crochet made.
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), yarn over once more and pull through all three loops. One half double crochet made.
Back loop only (BLO): Instead of inserting your hook under both loops of a stitch, insert it only under the back loop — the one furthest from you. Working in BLO creates a ridged texture that looks beautiful and gives the purse a bit of added sturdiness.
Pattern Notes
This coin purse is worked in rows, which means you’ll be making two flat rectangles and seaming them together. This construction makes it very easy to control the size and to attach the zipper neatly.
The finished dimensions are approximately 4 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall when made with worsted weight yarn and a 5.0 mm hook. If you’d like a larger or smaller purse, you can adjust the starting chain and the number of rows — more on that in the customization section below.
Gauge is not critical for this project, but a rough guideline is 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet with worsted weight yarn and a 5.0 mm hook.
The Pattern
Front and Back Panel (Make 2)
Foundation chain: Chain 16.
Row 1 (RS): Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (15 sc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in BLO across all 15 stitches. Turn.
Rows 3–16: Repeat Row 2.
After completing Row 16, fasten off and leave a tail of about 8 inches for seaming. Make a second panel exactly the same way.
You should have two rectangles that measure approximately 4 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall.
Assembling the Purse
Hold your two panels together with wrong sides facing each other. This means the right sides (the sides you want visible on the outside of the finished purse) face outward.
Using your yarn needle and the tail you left when fastening off, whip stitch or slip stitch through both layers along the bottom edge and both side edges, leaving the top edge completely open. This is where your zipper will go.
Work your seam stitches close together so there are no gaps. Pull your yarn snugly but not so tight that the edges pucker. Once you’ve gone around all three sides, weave in both yarn tails securely.
Attaching the Zipper
This is the step that intimidates most crocheters, but it’s truly not as scary as it looks. Take your time, and you’ll end up with a clean, professional finish.
Step 1: Lay your coin purse flat with the top open edge facing you. Open the zipper halfway.
Step 2: Line up one side of the zipper tape with the top edge of the front panel. The zipper teeth should sit just inside the edge of the crochet fabric. Pin or clip the zipper in place.
Step 3: Thread your sewing needle with a length of thread that matches your zipper tape. Using a simple running stitch or whip stitch, sew the zipper tape to the top edge of the front panel. Work close to the edge of the crochet fabric, catching several stitches with each pass of the needle to keep the zipper secure. Keep your stitches small and even for the neatest appearance.
Step 4: Repeat on the other side of the zipper, attaching it to the back panel in the same way.
Step 5: Test your zipper. Open and close it a few times to make sure everything sits comfortably. If any spots feel loose, reinforce them with a few extra stitches.
If the zipper is longer than the width of your purse, simply fold the excess tape to the inside at each end and tack it down with a couple of stitches before you begin attaching. You can also use a lighter to very carefully melt the end of a nylon zipper to prevent fraying — just do this slowly and carefully away from your finished crochet.
Finishing
Weave in any remaining ends. Give your purse a gentle blocking if you used cotton yarn — simply dampen it slightly, press it into shape with your hands, and allow it to dry flat. This evens out the stitches and gives the finished purse a polished, professional look.
That’s it. Your crochet coin purse is complete!
Customizing Your Coin Purse
Once you’ve made one of these, you’ll start seeing possibilities everywhere. Here are some ways to make it your own.
Change the size. The math is simple. Each stitch adds about a quarter inch to the width, and each two rows adds roughly half an inch to the height. Want a purse that holds a few folded bills along with your coins? Add six more stitches to your starting chain and four more rows to your panel. Need something tiny for just a few coins and a lip balm? Reduce the chain to 12 and stop at 12 rows. Just remember to adjust your zipper size to match.
Play with texture. The back loop only stitch used in this pattern already creates a lovely ridged texture, but you can swap it out for other stitch patterns. A moss stitch (alternating sc and ch 1 with an offset) creates a slightly open, woven look. A simple spike stitch adds interest without much extra complexity. You could also try working the rows in half double crochet instead of single crochet for a slightly taller, squishier fabric.
Add color. Color changes at the beginning of a row are easy and add a lot of visual impact. You could make wide stripes (change every four rows), thin stripes (change every two rows), or even a gradient effect if you have a set of coordinating yarn colors. Tapestry crochet is another option for more experienced crafters — you can work a simple geometric motif or even letters or initials right into the fabric.
Try different yarn weights. This pattern translates beautifully to fingering weight or sport weight yarn worked on a smaller hook. A thinner yarn gives you a more delicate, fine-looking purse. Just know you’ll need more rows and stitches to reach the same dimensions, and your zipper will likely need to be shorter. On the other end of the spectrum, bulky yarn on a larger hook makes a chunkier, more casual pouch — great for stashing earbuds or a small first-aid kit in a gym bag.
Use specialty yarn. Metallic yarn, faux leather cord, and ribbon yarn all produce interesting effects. A coin purse made with a subtle metallic thread worked alongside your main yarn looks elegant and festive. Jute or hemp cord produces a more rustic, organic aesthetic.
Embellish. Once the purse is finished, you can add a button, a small charm on the zipper pull, or a crocheted flower or appliqué stitched to the front. Embroidery stitches worked over the crochet fabric in a contrasting color can add florals, geometric shapes, or even a simple monogram.
Tips for a Polished Finish
Tension matters more than you think. Loose tension creates a floppy purse that won’t hold its shape. If your fabric feels too loose, tighten up your tension or go down a hook size. You want the fabric to feel firm and structured when you hold it in your hand.
Weave in ends carefully. On a small project like this, you don’t have much room for bulky woven-in ends. Weave your yarn tail in one direction, then turn and weave back in the opposite direction for a few stitches. Trim close to the fabric. For extra security, especially if you’re using a slippery yarn like silk or bamboo, add a tiny drop of clear fabric glue to the woven tail.
Press before assembling. Give your two rectangles a light press with an iron or a wet cloth before you seam them together. Flat, evenly sized panels are much easier to seam neatly than curled ones.
Take your time with the zipper. The zipper installation is what separates a coin purse that looks handmade in the best sense from one that looks rushed. Use enough pins or clips to keep everything in place before you sew. Sew slowly and keep your stitches even.
Gifting and Selling Your Coin Purse
Because this pattern is free and the materials are inexpensive, coin purses are an economical gift to make in multiples. A set of three or four in coordinating colors makes a thoughtful gift for a friend, packaged in a little gift bag or tied with twine. You could fill one with chocolate coins for a fun holiday gift, or tuck a gift card inside one as a cute alternative to an envelope.
If you sell your crochet work, coin purses are a perennial craft fair bestseller. They’re at a price point that feels accessible to buyers — most people are happy to spend ten or fifteen dollars on something handmade that they’ll actually use. They display beautifully hanging from a small rack or displayed open in a basket. Make a variety of colors and patterns so there’s something for everyone.
If you sell the finished items you make using this pattern, you’re welcome to do so. Just please don’t copy and sell the pattern itself.
Yarn Recommendations for This Pattern
If you’re shopping specifically for this project rather than using stash yarn, here are a few types of yarn that work especially well.
Cotton yarn is the top recommendation. It’s durable, washable, holds its shape well, and comes in a huge range of colors. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton and Paintbox Simply DK Cotton are both widely available and come in wonderful color ranges.
A cotton-acrylic blend gives you the structure of cotton with the softness and color range of acrylic. This is a great middle-ground option.
Pure acrylic worsted weight yarn works perfectly well. It’s budget-friendly, easy to find, and available in every color imaginable. It’s slightly stretchier than cotton, so your purse may be a touch softer in structure, but it still works beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different zipper length? Yes. If your zipper is slightly longer than your purse is wide, fold the excess to the inside and tack it down. If it’s a little shorter, that works too — just center it along the top edge and leave a small gap at each end.
Can I make this without a zipper? Absolutely. You could skip the zipper and add a button closure instead. Work a small buttonhole (chain 2, skip 2 stitches) near the top of one panel during your last row, then sew a button to the corresponding spot on the other panel. A magnetic snap closure is another option that requires no sewing at all.
My two panels are slightly different sizes. What do I do? Don’t worry too much. Crochet fabric has enough give that slightly mismatched panels will still seam together just fine. To prevent this in the future, count your stitches at the end of every row and keep your tension consistent.
Can I work this in the round instead of flat? Yes, though it changes the construction slightly. You could work an oval or rectangular base and then work rounds upward to create a seamless body, then attach the zipper at the top. This eliminates the side seams but requires a bit more planning.
What’s the best way to wash this purse? If you used cotton yarn, you can hand wash it or machine wash it on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Reshape it while damp and allow it to dry flat. Acrylic yarn is also machine washable. Avoid putting it in the dryer, as heat can warp the zipper.
One Final Thought
There’s real joy in making something small and useful from scratch. This coin purse pattern is one of those humble little projects that quietly becomes a go-to — something you make over and over in different colors, gifting them to friends, selling them at markets, or keeping a fresh one in every bag you own.
The best part about a pattern like this is that it grows with you as a crocheter. The first time you make it, you’ll be focused on your tension and counting your stitches carefully. By the fifth or sixth time, your hands will know what to do, and you’ll be confidently adding color changes, experimenting with stitch patterns, and working out your own variations.
If you make this pattern, I’d love to see how yours turns out. Share it on social media and tag it so others can find it and be inspired. Happy crocheting!