Free Knitting Pattern: Knit Change Purse

There is something deeply satisfying about knitting a small, practical object that you will actually use every single day. A change purse sits at that perfect intersection of function and craft — small enough to finish in an evening or two, useful enough to carry everywhere, and personal enough to make a meaningful handmade gift. This free knitting pattern for a knit change purse walks you through everything you need to create a tidy little zippered pouch that holds coins, cards, earbuds, lip balm, or anything else you like to keep close at hand.

Whether you are a beginner looking for a confidence-building project or an experienced knitter wanting a quick and satisfying make, this pattern is for you. It uses basic stitches, minimal materials, and produces a result you will be proud to show off. Let’s get started.

Why Knit a Change Purse?

Before diving into the pattern itself, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate why a knitted change purse is such a wonderful project. Unlike larger items like sweaters or blankets, a small purse like this comes together quickly. You can knit the entire thing in a single sitting if you have a few hours free. That means you get the full reward of casting on, working through the pattern, and finishing a completed object without weeks of commitment.

Small knitted accessories also make incredibly thoughtful gifts. A handmade change purse tells the recipient that you spent time thinking about them, chose colors they would love, and put real care into every stitch. It is personal in a way that a store-bought gift simply cannot be. At the same time, because the project is small, you can make several of them in the time it takes to knit a single scarf, which makes them ideal for holiday gift-giving seasons.

From a practical standpoint, knitted fabric has a lovely softness and flexibility that works beautifully for small pouches. It stretches just enough to accommodate the contents without looking stretched out, and over time it develops that wonderful lived-in quality that only handmade items have.

Materials You Will Need

One of the best things about this pattern is that it requires very little in the way of supplies. You may already have everything you need sitting in your stash right now.

Yarn: Approximately 50 to 75 yards of a smooth, worsted weight yarn (also labeled as number 4 medium weight). Cotton or cotton blend yarns work particularly well for this project because they hold their shape and have a slight structure that keeps the purse looking neat. Wool works beautifully too, especially a superwash wool if you want something machine washable. Avoid very fuzzy or textured yarns for your first attempt, as they can make it harder to see your stitches and sew in the zipper neatly. This is a great stash-buster project, so dig through your leftover skeins and pick a color that makes you happy.

Needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm) straight or double-pointed knitting needles, or a short circular needle if you prefer. The exact needle size matters less than achieving the correct gauge, so check your yarn label and swatch if you are particular about final dimensions.

Zipper: One 7-inch zipper in a coordinating or contrasting color. Zipper tapes come in a huge range of colors, so this is a wonderful opportunity to add a pop of color or keep everything tonal. You can find zippers at any fabric or craft store, or order them online in bulk if you plan to make several purses.

Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.

Sewing needle and thread: To attach the zipper. A thread that matches your yarn color will give the neatest finish, but a contrasting thread can look intentionally decorative.

Scissors.

Optional: A small piece of iron-on interfacing or stiff fabric to line the inside of the purse if you want extra structure. This is not required but can give your finished purse a more polished, professional look.

Gauge

Approximately 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using worsted weight yarn and US size 7 needles.

A gauge swatch is especially worth knitting for this project because the zipper is a fixed length and your knitting needs to match it. If your gauge is significantly off, your purse will not fit the zipper correctly. Take a few minutes to knit a small swatch, wash it and block it the way you plan to treat the finished purse, and measure it. Adjust your needle size up or down until your gauge is close to the numbers above.

Finished Dimensions

Approximately 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall, not including the zipper.

Abbreviations

Before working through the pattern instructions, here is a quick reference for the abbreviations used throughout.

CO — cast on
BO — bind off
k — knit
p — purl
st(s) — stitch(es)
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
rep — repeat
pm — place marker
sl m — slip marker

Pattern Instructions

This change purse is worked flat in two identical panels, then seamed along the sides and bottom. The zipper is sewn in along the top edge. If you would prefer to work in the round, notes are included below the main pattern.

Casting On

Using your chosen yarn and US size 7 needles, cast on 32 stitches. A long-tail cast on works beautifully here because it creates a tidy, slightly stretchy edge that will make seaming easier later. If you are not comfortable with the long-tail cast on, any cast on you prefer will work fine.

Panel (make two)

Row 1 (RS): Knit across all 32 stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across all 32 stitches.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 (stockinette stitch) until your work measures 4 inches from the cast on edge, ending with a WS row (a purl row).

Bind off all stitches loosely on the RS. A loose bind off is important here — if your bind off is too tight, the top edge of the purse will pucker when you sew in the zipper. If you tend to bind off tightly, try going up one needle size for the bind off row only.

Repeat to make the second panel.

Finishing the Panels

Weave in your ends on both panels before seaming. It is much easier to do this now than after the purse is assembled. Thread your tapestry needle, run the tail through several stitches on the wrong side, give it a gentle tug to make sure it is secure, and trim closely.

Block both panels if your yarn benefits from blocking. Pin them out to the correct dimensions, spritz with water or steam lightly, and let them dry completely. Even a quick blocking session makes a noticeable difference in the neatness of the finished fabric.

Seaming

Place both panels with wrong sides together (right sides facing out). Using your tapestry needle and a length of matching yarn, seam along the two side edges and the bottom edge using mattress stitch or whip stitch, whichever you are most comfortable with.

Mattress stitch creates an almost invisible seam and is worth learning if you have not tried it before. Working from the right side, insert your needle under the horizontal bar between the first and second stitch on one panel, then under the corresponding bar on the other panel. Continue in this way along the entire seam, pulling the yarn every few stitches to close the seam neatly. The two panels will seem to zip together as if by magic.

Whip stitch is faster and completely acceptable, especially if you plan to line the inside of the purse where the seam will be hidden.

Leave the top edge open — this is where the zipper will go.

Attaching the Zipper

This is the step that many knitters feel most nervous about, but it is simpler than it looks. Take your time, pin everything in place before sewing, and you will have a beautifully finished purse.

Step 1: Close the zipper and lay it flat. Place the purse on top of it with the opening aligned along the zipper tape. The zipper pull should sit just inside the opening at one end. Use sewing pins to pin the zipper tape to the inside top edge of the purse on both sides, making sure everything is evenly aligned. The zipper teeth should run just below the top edge of the knitting when you fold the zipper tape inside.

Step 2: Thread your sewing needle with thread that matches your yarn. Beginning at one end of the zipper, use a small, neat backstitch to sew the zipper tape to the knitted fabric. Sew through the knitting and the zipper tape, keeping your stitches as even and close together as possible. Work your way along the full length of one side, then repeat on the other side of the zipper.

Step 3: At each end of the zipper, fold any excess zipper tape neatly to the inside and tack it down with a few stitches so it stays hidden.

Step 4: Open and close the zipper several times to make sure it moves smoothly and nothing has been caught in the stitches. If the zipper feels stiff, running the teeth over a wax candle or beeswax block will loosen it up beautifully.

Optional Lining

Lining your change purse is an optional but lovely finishing touch. It prevents small items from poking through the knitted fabric and gives the purse a more polished, structured feel.

Cut two pieces of lining fabric to match the size of your knitted panels, adding a quarter inch seam allowance all around. Sew the lining pieces together along the two sides and the bottom, leaving the top open. Trim the corners diagonally to reduce bulk, then turn the top edge down and press it flat.

Slip the lining inside the finished purse, tucking the top folded edge just below the zipper. Use a sewing needle and thread to whip stitch the lining in place along the inside of the zipper tape. This keeps the lining firmly in place and covers any visible zipper stitching from the outside.

Working in the Round (Optional)

If you would prefer to avoid seaming entirely, this purse can also be worked in the round as a tube.

Cast on 64 stitches and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Knit every round (this creates stockinette in the round) until your work measures 4 inches from the cast on edge. Bind off all stitches.

Seam one end of the tube closed using mattress stitch. The other end remains open for the zipper. The knitting will naturally fold so that the seam sits at the bottom of the finished purse.

Customizations and Variations

One of the joys of a small, simple pattern like this one is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste or the preferences of whoever you are making it for.

Color blocking: Use two or three different yarn colors, switching every few rows or working each panel in a different color. Even a single stripe near the top of the purse looks fresh and intentional.

Texture: Substitute a simple textured stitch pattern for plain stockinette. Seed stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches across every row) creates a lovely bumpy texture that holds its shape well and looks beautiful in solid yarn. Moss stitch or a simple rib are also lovely options.

Embroidery: Once your purse is finished, add a simple embroidered motif to the front panel. A small flower, a monogram initial, or a geometric pattern stitched in contrasting yarn or embroidery floss can transform a simple pouch into something truly special.

Felted version: If you have a pure wool (non-superwash) yarn in your stash, you can knit the purse larger than specified and felt it by running it through a hot washing machine cycle. Felting creates a dense, sturdy fabric that holds its shape beautifully and does not need a lining. You will need to cut the opening after felting and sew in the zipper once the fabric is dry.

Crocheted accents: Even if you primarily knit, adding a simple crocheted border around the zipper opening gives it a neat, professional look and can be done with just a slip stitch and a crochet hook.

Tips for Success

A few small things can make a big difference in how your finished purse turns out.

Wash and block your swatch before measuring your gauge. Yarn can relax and change size after washing, and you want to know the finished dimensions before you start the project, not after.

Use sharp scissors to cut your yarn ends. Blunt scissors can leave a fuzzy, ragged tail that is harder to weave in neatly.

Do not skip the pinning step when attaching the zipper. Taking two minutes to pin everything in place before you start sewing will prevent the fabric from shifting and ensure a straight, even seam.

If you are a beginner, practice the mattress stitch on a scrap swatch before working it on your purse. It is a technique that feels awkward the first time and completely natural by the fifth.

Choose a zipper color before you choose your yarn. Zippers often come in more limited color ranges than yarn does, so it is easier to match your yarn to the zipper than the other way around.

Gifting Ideas

A knitted change purse is one of the most versatile handmade gifts you can make. Here are a few ways to tailor it for different people in your life.

For a teenager or young adult, go bold with bright colors, a metallic or rainbow zipper, and maybe a small charm attached to the zipper pull.

For a coworker or teacher, choose a sophisticated neutral like charcoal, navy, or camel, paired with a sleek gold or silver zipper. It looks polished and understated.

For a child, use a bright primary color and line the inside with a fun printed cotton. Kids love using their own little zippered pouch for trading cards, small toys, or pocket money.

For a holiday gift set, make three or four purses in coordinating colors and package them together in a small basket or gift box. It looks abundant and thoughtful without taking very long to put together.

Storing and Caring for Your Knitted Change Purse

A little care goes a long way in keeping your finished purse looking its best.

If you used a machine-washable yarn, the purse can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay it flat to dry rather than hanging it, as the knitted fabric can stretch when wet.

For wool purses, hand wash gently in cool water with a small amount of wool wash or mild dish soap. Do not wring or agitate the fabric, which can cause felting. Roll the purse in a clean towel to remove excess water, then reshape it and let it dry flat.

If the zipper becomes stiff over time, a touch of beeswax or a zipper lubricant from any fabric store will smooth it right out.

Final Thoughts

A knitted change purse is exactly the kind of project that reminds you why you love knitting in the first place. It is quick enough to feel satisfying, useful enough to earn a permanent place in your bag, and simple enough to work on while watching a film or listening to a podcast. The skills you use — casting on, working stockinette, seaming, and sewing in a zipper — are foundational techniques that will serve you in countless future projects.

Print out this free pattern, gather your materials, and cast on tonight. You will have a finished purse before you know it, and you will almost certainly want to make another one right away. Happy knitting.