Crochet Coin Purse: Free Pattern with a Sewn-In Zip

The pattern

The pouch (one piece, folded)

1. Foundation: Ch 25.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (24)
3. Rows 2–22: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (24)

You now have a rectangle about 4½ × 7 in. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Seaming

1. Step 1: Fold the rectangle in half, wrong sides together, so the two short ends meet. The fold is the bottom of the purse.
2. Step 2: Whip stitch up each side seam with the tail, going through both loops of the edge stitches.
3. Step 3: Leave the top completely open — that's where the zip goes.

Sewing in the zip

Take this slowly; ten careful minutes is the difference between neat and homemade.

1. Step 1: Open the zip fully and lay the purse flat, right side up.
2. Step 2: Slide the zip under the top edge so the teeth sit just above the crochet, with the fabric tape hidden behind. Pin or clip it in place along one side.
3. Step 3: With sewing thread (not yarn) and a backstitch, sew along the zip tape about 3 mm from the teeth, passing through both the tape and the crochet stitches.
4. Step 4: Repeat on the other side, checking before you start that the zip closes without the crochet edges overlapping the teeth.
5. Step 5: Tuck the raw zip ends inside and stitch them down flat.

Make it your own

• Earbud case: ch 15 and work 14 rows for a tiny version.
• Pencil case: ch 45, work 24 rows and use an 8 in zip.
• Stripes: change colour every two rows.
• Charm: thread a small crochet charm through the zip pull.

Common questions

What length zip do I need?

Slightly shorter than the opening — a 5 in zip for a 4½ in purse works because the tape ends tuck inside. A zip longer than the opening can't be fitted without shortening it.

Can I make it without a zip?

Yes. Work four more rows on one side as a flap and add a button, or thread a drawstring through a row of ch-2 spaces near the top.

Why does my zip look wavy?

The crochet was stretched while pinning. Lay both flat, pin at the centre first, then at each end, then in between — the same way you'd ease a sleeve.

Which yarn is best?

DK cotton. It's thin enough for a neat zip seam and firm enough that the purse keeps its shape.

Once you've sewn one zip, you'll add them to everything. 🧵