Crochet Zipper Coin Purse Free Crochet Pattern

There is something incredibly satisfying about making a small, functional accessory that you can actually use every day. A coin purse might seem like a humble little project, but when you add a zipper closure and a sturdy crocheted body, it becomes something you will reach for again and again. This free crochet pattern will walk you through every step of making your own zipper coin purse from scratch, whether you are a beginner looking for a manageable first project or an experienced crocheter who wants a quick and satisfying make.

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk about why this project is such a great choice. Coin purses are the perfect size for using up leftover yarn from larger projects. They work up quickly, usually in an evening or two, and they make incredibly thoughtful handmade gifts. With the added zipper, your coins, cards, lip balm, or folded cash will stay secure no matter how you toss your bag around. The zipper also gives the finished purse a polished, professional look that makes it hard to believe it was handmade.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials together before you begin makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here is everything you will need for this crochet zipper coin purse.

Yarn: Approximately 50 to 75 yards of worsted weight yarn (weight category 4). Cotton yarn works beautifully for this project because it holds its shape well and has a slightly stiff structure that gives the purse body. Acrylic yarn also works perfectly and comes in a wider range of colors. You could even use a cotton-acrylic blend for the best of both worlds.

Crochet Hook: A 4.0 mm or 4.5 mm crochet hook works well with worsted weight yarn. If you are using a different yarn weight, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Zipper: One 6-inch or 7-inch nylon zipper in a color that complements your yarn. You can find these at any fabric store or online. Nylon zippers are flexible and easier to sew onto crochet fabric than metal ones.

Sewing needle and thread: To attach the zipper, you will need a hand-sewing needle and thread that matches your zipper or your yarn. A tapestry needle will also be useful for weaving in ends.

Scissors

Stitch markers: Optional but helpful for marking the beginning of rounds.

Lining fabric (optional): If you want a fully lined purse, cut two pieces of fabric slightly smaller than your finished crocheted panel. Fabric lining adds durability and gives the inside a clean, finished look.

Gauge

Gauge is important for this project because the finished purse needs to fit the zipper you have chosen. With worsted weight yarn and a 4.5 mm hook, you should achieve approximately 14 stitches and 16 rows to 4 inches in single crochet. If your gauge is looser or tighter, you may need to adjust the hook size or the number of stitches in the foundation chain.

Finished Dimensions

The finished coin purse will measure approximately 6 inches wide by 4 inches tall when complete, which fits a standard 6-inch zipper perfectly. If you are using a 7-inch zipper, add two extra stitches to the foundation chain.

Abbreviations

Throughout this pattern, the following abbreviations are used.

CH means chain. SC means single crochet. HDC means half double crochet. SL ST means slip stitch. ST means stitch. BLO means back loop only. SP means space. RS means right side. WS means wrong side. REP means repeat.

Pattern Notes

This coin purse is worked flat in two separate panels, which are then joined together along the sides and bottom. Working the purse in two panels rather than in the round gives you a flat, even fabric that is easy to attach a zipper to. Each panel is worked in rows of single crochet for a dense, sturdy fabric.

If you are new to sewing zippers onto crochet, do not worry. The method described in this pattern is beginner-friendly and uses simple hand stitching. You do not need a sewing machine, though you are welcome to use one if you prefer.

The Pattern

Making the Front Panel

Start by making a slip knot and placing it on your hook.

Foundation Row: Chain 22. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. You will have 21 single crochet stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Rows 1 through 20: Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1 and turn at the end of each row.

After completing row 20, fasten off and weave in the tail end. You should have a neat, dense rectangle measuring approximately 6 inches wide by 4 inches tall. If the rectangle is shorter than 4 inches, work a few more rows until you reach the desired height.

Making the Back Panel

Repeat the exact same process to make the back panel. Both panels should be the same size, so hold them together and compare before moving on.

Joining the Panels

Once both panels are complete, you will join them along three sides: the two short sides and the bottom. Leave the top open for the zipper.

Place the two panels together with the wrong sides facing each other. If you are right-handed, the piece will naturally sit in your left hand as you work across the top edge. Use a slip stitch join or a single crochet join, depending on the look you prefer. A single crochet join creates a visible ridge along the seam, which can look quite attractive as a design detail. A slip stitch join creates a flatter, more subtle seam.

To join with single crochet: Insert your hook through the corresponding stitch on both panels at once, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook. Continue across each side until the three edges are joined. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

After joining, turn the purse right side out if you used a slip stitch join. If you used a single crochet join along the outside, you can leave it as is for that intentional visible seam look.

Adding the Zipper

This is the step that transforms your crocheted rectangle into a functional coin purse, and it is easier than it looks.

Step 1: Prepare the zipper. Lay your closed zipper flat along the top open edge of your crocheted purse. The zipper should be facing up, with the zipper pull accessible. Center the zipper so there is an equal amount of crochet fabric extending beyond each end of the zipper tape.

Step 2: Pin the zipper in place. Using sewing pins or even small binder clips, secure the zipper tape to the top edge of the front panel. The edge of the crochet should align with the teeth of the zipper, and the zipper tape should rest just below the top row of stitches.

Step 3: Sew the zipper to the front panel. Thread your sewing needle with a double strand of thread and knot the end. Working from the inside of the purse, use a running stitch or a backstitch to sew the zipper tape to the top edge of the front panel. Keep your stitches small and even, catching the crocheted fabric without pulling too tightly. A backstitch will give you a stronger seam and is recommended.

Step 4: Attach the zipper to the back panel. Flip the purse over and repeat the process on the back panel. Make sure the zipper teeth are still aligned properly and the two panels sit evenly before you begin stitching.

Step 5: Test the zipper. Open and close the zipper a few times to make sure everything moves smoothly. If any stitching has caught the zipper teeth, carefully remove those stitches and re-sew them.

Step 6: Secure the zipper ends. Fold any excess zipper tape at each end toward the inside of the purse and tack it down with a few stitches. This gives the inside a clean finish and prevents the raw zipper tape from unraveling.

Optional: Adding a Lining

A fabric lining is not strictly necessary, but it does add a lovely professional touch and makes the interior of the purse much more durable. If you want to add a lining, here is how to do it.

Cut two rectangles of lining fabric, each measuring slightly smaller than your crocheted panels — approximately 5.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall. Pin the two pieces of fabric together with the right sides facing each other. Stitch around three sides, leaving the top open. Leave a small seam allowance of about a quarter inch. Clip the corners to reduce bulk, then press the seams open.

Fold the top edge of the fabric lining down by about a quarter inch on each side and press it flat. Insert the fabric lining into the purse with the wrong side facing the inside of the crocheted fabric. Use a whip stitch or slipstitch to sew the top folded edge of the lining directly to the zipper tape, just below your earlier row of stitches. This sandwiches the zipper tape neatly between the crochet fabric and the lining, hiding all of the raw edges.

Finishing Touches

Once your zipper is in and your lining is attached (if you are using one), take a few minutes to weave in any remaining yarn ends securely. Give the purse a gentle hand wash in cool water if needed and lay it flat to dry. If your yarn is cotton or a cotton blend, a light press with a steam iron on a low setting will help the fabric lie flat and give the finished purse a crisp, professional appearance.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about a simple pattern like this is how easy it is to make your own. Here are a few ideas to help you personalize your coin purse.

Color blocking: Work the first ten rows in one color and the remaining ten rows in a contrasting color for a clean, modern stripe. You can do this on one or both panels.

Textured stitch patterns: If you want to add a bit of visual interest to the purse, try working the body in a textured stitch like the moss stitch or the waffle stitch instead of plain single crochet. Just make sure the fabric remains dense enough to hold its shape.

Appliqués and embroidery: Use a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn to embroider a simple flower, initial, or geometric shape onto the front panel before assembling the purse. You could also crochet a small motif separately and stitch it onto the front for a dimensional effect.

Wrist strap: Add a simple chain or braided cord loop to one corner of the zipper for a convenient wrist strap. Simply attach a length of chain with a slip knot through the corner seam, then fold it into a loop and secure the end.

Multiple compartments: If you want a slightly larger purse with a divided interior, you can create a simple crochet divider panel and stitch it inside the purse before adding the lining.

Size variations: The proportions of this pattern scale easily. For a larger pouch, increase the starting chain and add more rows. For a tiny earring pouch or a first-aid kit holder, reduce the chain and row count accordingly. Just make sure you have a zipper that fits the adjusted size.

Yarn and Color Suggestions

Choosing the right yarn and color combination makes a big difference in how your finished purse looks and feels. For a clean, minimalist look, try a solid neutral color like cream, tan, or soft gray in a cotton yarn. The texture of the single crochet will shine through without any distraction from color.

For something more vibrant, variegated yarns can create beautiful, unpredictable color patterns across the fabric. Self-striping yarns will give you automatic stripes without any color changes on your part, which is a great choice for beginners who want a more complex look with minimal effort.

If you are making this purse as a gift, think about the recipient’s favorite colors. A pop of bright color on the front panel with a neutral zipper can look very sophisticated, while a tonal combination — like two shades of the same color — gives a polished, cohesive appearance.

Skill Level and Learning Opportunities

This pattern is rated as beginner to easy. If you can chain, single crochet, and join pieces together, you have all the skills you need. The zipper installation might feel intimidating at first, but once you have done it once, you will find that it is a straightforward hand-sewing technique that you will use on many projects to come.

For newer crocheters, this project is also a wonderful way to practice keeping your tension even across rows. Because the purse is worked flat in simple rows, you will quickly notice if your tension is drifting and have the opportunity to correct it. This kind of practice builds the muscle memory that makes future projects much easier.

Caring for Your Finished Purse

The right care will keep your coin purse looking its best for years. If you used cotton yarn, the purse can usually be machine washed on a gentle cycle and laid flat to dry. Acrylic yarn is similarly easy to care for and tends to keep its color vibrancy well through many washes. Avoid wringing the purse out or putting it in a hot dryer, as this can distort the shape.

If your zipper ever becomes stiff or difficult to operate, a tiny bit of clear beeswax or zipper lubricant applied directly to the teeth will smooth it right out.

Sharing Your Makes

Once you have finished your coin purse, it would be wonderful to share it with the crochet community. Whether you post on Instagram, Pinterest, Ravelry, or a crochet Facebook group, seeing finished projects is one of the most encouraging things for both the pattern maker and fellow crafters. If you make this purse, feel free to tag your photo and share how you customized it. Did you change the colors? Add a lining? Try a different stitch pattern? Your version might inspire someone else to try the project for the first time.

Handmade items carry something that bought objects simply cannot: the time, care, and intention of the person who made them. A crocheted coin purse is a small thing, but it is also a little piece of craft that you carry with you through your day. That is something worth making.