A coin purse is a small yet charming item that makes for a perfect beginner project in the world of quilt making. Whether you’re new to sewing or a seasoned crafter looking for a quick gift idea, this tutorial will guide you through creating a functional and stylish coin purse using popular quilt patterns. It’s also a great way to use fabric scraps and experiment with design.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process from cutting your fabric pieces to sewing and assembling the final product. We’ll also incorporate essential quilting techniques to give your coin purse both durability and personality. Let’s dive into this easy quilt project and create something beautiful and practical.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only have a finished coin purse but also more confidence working with small-scale quilt patterns. You can personalize your purse with colors, patterns, and even embellishments. It’s a fantastic entry point into the broader world of quilting.
Materials Needed to Make a Coin Purse
Before starting, gather all necessary materials to ensure a smooth sewing experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Outer fabric (cotton preferred)
- Lining fabric
- Lightweight batting or fusible fleece
- Zipper (6” or 7”)
- Quilting ruler, rotary cutter, cutting mat
- Sewing machine, thread, pins or clips
Using quilt techniques in a small project like this is ideal for trying out new quilt patterns. Since the coin purse is a compact item, you can play with bold designs without committing to a large-scale piece. This is also a perfect opportunity to test out color combinations or leftover fabrics from previous quilt projects.
Choose fabrics that contrast nicely or go with a theme — floral, geometric, or vintage. Batiks and high-quality quilting cottons work best for this type of project. Always pre-wash your fabrics to avoid shrinkage later on.
Cutting Your Fabric: Exact Measurements
Precision is key when working with quilt patterns, especially for small projects like this one. Here are the fabric measurements you’ll need to cut:
- Outer Fabric: Cut (2) pieces – 5.5” wide x 4.5” tall
- Lining Fabric: Cut (2) pieces – 5.5” wide x 4.5” tall
- Batting or Fleece: Cut (2) pieces – 5.5” wide x 4.5” tall
If you want to add a patchwork quilt design to the outer fabric, piece together smaller squares first (e.g., (6) 2” squares sewn into a rectangle), then trim the final patchwork unit to 5.5” x 4.5”. This adds a personal touch while keeping the purse functional.
Don’t forget to also cut a small tab of fabric (about 1” x 2”) if you want to add a keyring or loop. This is optional but adds utility. Now that all your pieces are ready, we’re set to begin the sewing and quilting.
Quilting the Outer Layers
Place your outer fabric on top of the batting or fleece and quilt them together using your preferred method. You can do straight-line quilting, free-motion, or even hand quilting depending on your style.
Use your sewing machine to create evenly spaced quilting lines. A walking foot can help keep the fabric layers from shifting. This part not only adds structure to your coin purse but gives it that cozy quilt feel we all love.
You’re essentially mini-quilting your outer panels here, so feel free to get creative with the quilt patterns. Diagonal grids, chevrons, or meandering stitches all look wonderful on small projects like this.
Attaching the Zipper
Now comes the zipper installation. Place one piece of quilted outer fabric right side up. Align the zipper face down along the top edge, and then place one lining piece right side down on top of the zipper. Clip or pin in place.
Using a zipper foot, sew along the top edge with a 1/4” seam allowance. Open the fabric layers and press them away from the zipper. Repeat the same process with the remaining outer and lining pieces on the other side of the zipper.
Topstitch along the zipper edge to keep the fabric from catching in the zipper. It gives a neat, finished look and helps the zipper lie flat. This is a skill you’ll use in many other quilt accessory projects too.
Sewing the Coin Purse Together
Unzip the zipper halfway (important!) so you can turn the bag right-side out later. Match outer pieces right sides together and lining pieces right sides together. Clip all the way around.
Sew with a 1/4” seam allowance around the entire perimeter, leaving a 2” gap at the bottom of the lining for turning. Be careful around the zipper ends — go slow to avoid breaking your needle.
Trim the corners for less bulk, but don’t cut into the stitches. Your skills in aligning seams and patterns from previous quilt work will shine through here. A clean finish reflects your quilting precision.
Turning and Finishing the Purse
Carefully turn the coin purse right-side out through the gap in the lining. Push out the corners using a blunt tool, like a chopstick or turning tool. Check the seams for any gaps.
Fold in the raw edges of the lining gap and sew it closed with a small straight stitch. Then push the lining into the main body of the purse and press everything neatly.
Now zip it up and admire your work! This purse is compact yet shows off the quilt patterns and techniques beautifully. It’s a satisfying project with practical results, ideal for gifting or personal use.
Personalization and Variations
One of the best parts of making your own coin purse is the endless personalization. Add embroidery, applique, or a monogram to make it truly yours. Even experimenting with different quilt patterns adds a fresh touch.
You can also create themed purses for holidays or special occasions. A Christmas fabric combo with a star quilt motif, for example, makes for a great stocking stuffer.
Change the size by adjusting the initial fabric cuts. Want a pouch for makeup, cards, or earbuds? Use this same tutorial, just with larger measurements and perhaps a boxed bottom for depth.
Using Quilt Patterns Creatively
Incorporating quilt patterns into small accessories is a great way to explore your creativity without the commitment of a large quilt. Try using traditional blocks like log cabin, flying geese, or pinwheel to create dynamic exteriors.
Mini block patterns look great on a coin purse, and many quilting apps now offer downloadable templates that are sized for small projects like this. This makes designing even more fun and accessible.
Use a single mini block as the front panel or create a repeating layout. These small details make a big impact and are perfect for using up scraps left over from larger quilt projects.
Final Thoughts
This Coin Purse – Tutorial combines essential sewing skills with the artistic freedom of quilting. Whether you’re practicing a new quilt technique or making a last-minute gift, this project delivers both functionality and flair.
By using structured quilting methods, you ensure your coin purse is not only beautiful but durable. And thanks to the small size, it’s the perfect project to finish in a single afternoon.
Don’t forget to explore new quilt patterns and make each purse unique. Keep experimenting, and most of all—enjoy the process of turning fabric into something special.