Coin Purse Crochet Tutorial – A Step-by-Step Guide
There is something deeply satisfying about making a small, functional object with your own hands. A crocheted coin purse sits in that sweet spot between quick project and genuinely useful accessory — small enough to finish in an afternoon, practical enough to use every single day. Whether you are brand new to crochet or coming back to the craft after a long break, this tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know to create a charming, durable coin purse from start to finish.
This guide covers materials, terminology, stitch instructions, pattern steps, and finishing techniques. By the end, you will have a fully functional coin purse with a zipper or button closure, and enough confidence to customize the design in whatever way suits your style.
Why Crochet a Coin Purse?
Before diving into the how, it is worth appreciating the why. Crocheted coin purses make wonderful gifts, excellent beginner projects, and satisfying stash-busters for those leftover balls of yarn that are too small for a blanket but too lovely to waste. They are also remarkably quick — most makers can complete one in two to four hours depending on their experience level and the complexity of the design they choose.
Beyond practicality, a handmade coin purse carries something no store-bought version can offer: personality. You choose the color, the texture, the closure style. You can match it to a handbag, personalize it as a gift, or experiment with colorwork patterns that would feel overwhelming on a larger project. In short, it is a project that rewards you with both a finished object and a set of skills you can carry into every future crochet endeavor.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials together before you begin will make the whole process smoother. Here is what you will need for a standard coin purse measuring approximately 4 inches wide by 3 inches tall.
Yarn: Choose a cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a DK or worsted weight. Cotton is ideal for coin purses because it holds its structure well, does not stretch out of shape when carrying coins, and washes easily. You will need roughly 50 to 75 yards for a basic purse, which means almost any leftover yarn from another project will work perfectly.
Crochet Hook: A size 3.5mm (US E/4) hook works well with DK weight cotton, while a 5mm (US H/8) hook suits worsted weight. Always check the yarn label’s recommended hook size and feel free to adjust based on your personal tension.
Zipper or Button Closure: A 4-inch or 5-inch metal or nylon zipper is the most secure option for a coin purse. If you prefer a button closure, a single large button paired with a crocheted loop works beautifully and adds a decorative touch.
Lining Fabric (Optional but Recommended): A small piece of cotton fabric cut to match the interior of your purse prevents small coins from slipping through the stitches and gives the finished piece a polished, professional look. You will need a piece roughly 6 inches by 8 inches to allow for seam allowances.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing the zipper or button into place.
Scissors, Stitch Markers, and Pins: These small tools make a big difference in keeping your work tidy and your seams aligned.
Understanding the Stitches
This pattern uses only a handful of fundamental crochet stitches, so even beginners will find it very manageable. Here is a quick refresher on each one.
Chain (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects. To make a chain, create a slip knot on your hook, then pull the yarn through the loop on your hook to create each new link. The chain stitch is also used at the beginning of rows to create height.
Single Crochet (sc): Insert your hook into the designated stitch, pull up a loop so you have two loops on your hook, then pull the yarn through both loops at once. This creates a tight, dense stitch that is perfect for structural items like a coin purse.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert your hook into the stitch, pull the yarn through the stitch and the loop on your hook simultaneously. The slip stitch is used to join rounds and to move yarn across stitches without adding height.
Half Double Crochet (hdc): Yarn over before inserting your hook, pull up a loop (three loops on hook), then pull through all three loops at once. This stitch creates a slightly taller, slightly softer fabric than single crochet and is a nice option if you want a purse with a bit more drape.
Increase: Work two stitches into the same stitch to add width to your piece.
Decrease (sc2tog): Insert your hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop, then insert into the following stitch and pull up another loop (three loops on hook), then pull the yarn through all three loops. This reduces your stitch count by one.
Reading the Pattern
Throughout this tutorial, numbers in parentheses at the end of a row or round indicate the total stitch count you should have at that point. For example, “(20)” means you should count 20 stitches in that row or round. If your count does not match, stop and recount before moving forward. It is much easier to fix a mistake two rows back than ten rows back.
Abbreviations used in this pattern:
ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, sc2tog = single crochet two together (decrease), st = stitch, sts = stitches, sp = space, rep = repeat, yo = yarn over.
The Coin Purse Pattern
This pattern creates two identical flat panels that are joined together at the sides and bottom, leaving the top open for the closure. It is worked in rows rather than in the round, which makes it easy to maintain even tension and keep track of your progress.
Foundation Chain
Begin by making a foundation chain of 21 stitches. This gives you a working width of 20 stitches once you work your first row of single crochet. If you want a wider or narrower purse, simply add or subtract stitches in multiples of two to keep things symmetrical.
Row 1
Starting in the second chain from the hook, work one single crochet in each chain across. You will have 20 single crochets. Chain 1 and turn your work.
Rows 2 through 20
Work one single crochet in each stitch across every row. Chain 1 and turn at the end of each row. At the end of Row 20, you will have worked 20 rows of 20 single crochet stitches each, creating a neat, square-ish panel. Fasten off and weave in your tail.
Make a second panel that is completely identical to the first. Set both panels aside.
Shaping the Bottom Curve (Optional)
If you prefer a purse with a rounded bottom rather than a squared-off one, this step adds a gentle curve to the lower edge of each panel. With the right side facing you and your hook reattached to the bottom corner of one panel, work a row of single crochet along the bottom edge. At each bottom corner, work a decrease (sc2tog) rather than a regular stitch. This pulls the corners in slightly and creates the illusion of a curve. Repeat for the second panel.
Joining the Panels
Place the two panels together with wrong sides facing each other. Pin around the sides and bottom to hold everything in place while you join them.
Using a third strand of yarn in either a matching or contrasting color, insert your hook through both layers at the bottom corner and pull up a loop. Work single crochet through both panels all the way around the bottom and up both sides, leaving the top edge completely open. At each corner, work two or three stitches into the same point to help the corner lie flat without puckering.
When you reach the top of the second side, fasten off and weave in all remaining ends. You now have the main body of your coin purse.
Adding the Closure
Zipper Closure
Lay your finished purse body flat and open it at the top. Cut your zipper to match the width of the purse opening if necessary, or choose one that already fits snugly. Fold the top edge of the zipper tape under by about a quarter inch at each end to prevent fraying.
Pin the zipper along the inside of the top opening, aligning the zipper teeth with the top edge of the crochet fabric. Using a tapestry needle and a length of matching thread or fine yarn, whipstitch the zipper tape to the inside of the purse, working through the crochet stitches and keeping your stitches small and even. Sew both sides of the zipper in place before testing it to make sure it opens and closes smoothly.
If you want to hide the stitching, a simple fold-over edge of crochet fabric along the inside top can cover the zipper tape. Work a row or two of single crochet along the top opening on each panel separately, fold those rows to the inside, and secure them over the zipper tape with whipstitch.
Button and Loop Closure
For a button closure, sew your chosen button onto the front panel, centered about a half inch down from the top edge.
On the back panel, create a button loop by attaching a length of yarn at the top center of the back panel and crocheting a short chain — typically 8 to 12 chains depending on the size of your button. Slip stitch back into the top edge to form a loop, then work a row of slip stitches back along the chain to reinforce it. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Test the fit by slipping the button through the loop before securing everything permanently.
Lining the Purse (Optional but Recommended)
Cut two pieces of your lining fabric to match the dimensions of your crocheted panels, adding a half inch seam allowance on all sides. With right sides together, sew the lining pieces along the sides and bottom using a sewing machine or hand stitch, leaving the top open. Trim the corners diagonally to reduce bulk, then turn the lining right side out and press with an iron.
Slip the lining inside the coin purse, folding the top raw edge under by about a half inch so it sits just below the zipper or button closure. Pin it in place, then use a tapestry needle and matching thread to whipstitch the lining to the inside of the coin purse, covering any visible zipper stitching in the process. The lining not only looks beautiful but genuinely strengthens the purse and keeps small coins from catching in the crochet stitches.
Customization Ideas
Once you have completed your first basic coin purse, the design possibilities are nearly endless.
Color Stripes: Switch yarn colors every two rows to create bold horizontal stripes. Carry the unused color loosely up the side edge rather than cutting and rejoining at every color change to minimize ends to weave in.
Textured Stitches: Replace the solid single crochet fabric with a moss stitch, shell stitch, or seed stitch for added visual interest. Because the purse is so small, even a complex stitch pattern works up quickly and looks stunning.
Tapestry Crochet: Work a simple geometric motif — a heart, a star, initials — in a contrasting color using the tapestry crochet technique, where you carry the unused color inside your stitches as you work. This creates a fabric that is extra thick and very durable.
Embroidery: Once your purse is finished, add surface embroidery using a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn or embroidery floss. Flowers, leaves, abstract lines, and monograms all look lovely on the dense single crochet fabric.
Fringe or Tassel: Attach a short fringe along the bottom edge or a single tassel at the zipper pull for a bohemian touch.
Wristlet Strap: Crochet a short chain of about 60 stitches and work three rows of single crochet across it to create a narrow strap. Attach both ends to one side seam of the purse for an easy wristlet version.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The purse is pulling in at the edges. This usually means your tension is too tight. Try loosening your grip on the yarn or going up one hook size.
The fabric is floppy and won’t hold its shape. Your tension is too loose, or the yarn weight is too light for the hook size you are using. Try a smaller hook or switch to a heavier yarn.
The zipper puckers when closed. The zipper may be slightly longer than the purse opening. Ease the excess zipper tape toward the ends before sewing, or trim the zipper and bind the cut end with a few hand stitches to stop the zipper pull from sliding off.
The panels are different sizes. Inconsistent tension is the most common culprit. Try to crochet both panels in the same sitting and in the same position (seated at a table, for example, rather than lounging on the couch) to keep your tension as consistent as possible.
Caring for Your Crocheted Coin Purse
Cotton yarn is wonderfully easy to care for. Most cotton coin purses can be hand-washed in cool water with a drop of gentle soap, then reshaped while damp and left flat to air dry. If you have added a fabric lining, check the care label on your lining fabric and follow the more conservative of the two washing instructions. Avoid wringing the purse out forcefully, as this can distort the shape; instead, press it gently between two towels to remove excess water.
Avoid machine drying unless your yarn label specifically states it is safe, as heat can cause cotton to shrink and may affect the zipper.
Final Thoughts
A crocheted coin purse is one of those projects that punches well above its weight in terms of satisfaction. It is small, achievable, and genuinely functional — and every time you pull it out of your bag to pay for a coffee or tuck away a receipt, you get to feel the quiet pride of having made something yourself. The skills you practice here, foundation chains, even tension, joining panels, and adding closures, translate directly to bigger and more complex crochet projects down the road.
Whether you stick with the basic design or go all in on colorwork and embroidery, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. Crochet is forgiving, and even an imperfect coin purse made with care is a beautiful thing. So gather your yarn, find a comfortable seat, and make something lovely.
