6 Free & Delightful Coin Pouch Patterns – Ideal for Charity Fundraising

Don’t make the mistake of thinking coin pouches are obsolete! They’re still in use today–and they make wonderful charity fundraising projects

It’s easy to believe that in today’s debit card, Apple/Google/Samsung/Etc. Pay world, no one ever uses cash anymore.

It’s certainly true that you need cash for fewer and fewer purchases these days, particularly in the United States. (I suspect that’s rapidly spreading through other parts of the world as well; when I visited Great Britain in 2022, I never once had to use cash.)

That is not to say, however, that printed currency and coins are entirely useless. In fact, every time I visit a marching band contest (just to use one example), I find myself using cash one way or another.

All of this is to say that, while you might believe that no one needs or uses coin pouches anymore, a few minutes in an out-of-the-way venue–that is, something aside from your normal shopping journeys–will likely tell you otherwise.

And if you have kids in your life, you already know that cash is still needed. Young children, after all, can’t have checking accounts, and they don’t use debit cards. (Without a checking account, can you even use digital currency like Apple Pay? I’m genuinely asking here, I don’t know. 😆)

This means that knitting coin pouches is still a great idea, and they remain fabulous projects for charity fundraising. And the cuter and more fun they are–especially when they’re meant for kids–the better!

With that said, I hope you’ll delight in this charming collection of free knitting patterns for coin pouches!

Charming Patterns for Coin Pouches That Sell

1. Felted Coin Purses

• What you’ll need to make it: About 120 yards worsted weight wool yarn (in 2 to 3 colors); US Size 10.5 DPNs and circular needles; 7-inch zipper and matching thread; sewing needle; stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: These pouches are a great use for leftover wool yarn, as well as being a great way to practice a little bit of colorwork (as well as felting). Stylish and simple.

2. Beaded Double Rib Smocked Coin Purse

• What you’ll need to make it: 100 yards sport weight yarn; US Size 2 needles; 106 seed beads size 6/0; fabric for lining; 8 or 9-inch zipper; sewing needle and thread; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Between the pretty beads and the elegant smocking, this pattern creates an exceedingly stylish and classy coin pouch.

3. Creeper Coin Purse

• What you’ll need to make it: 44 yards fingering weight yarn (mostly green with a bit of black); US Size 4 needles (plus one additional needle for a 3-needle bind-off, can be no larger than size 6); short invisible zipper; small amount of fabric for lining; needle and thread

• Why you’ll want to: Lots of kids love to play the video game “Minecraft,” which means they’ll find this “menacing” coin pouch mesmerizing. (And if you refer to it as a “pouch” rather than a “purse,” the boys will likely flock to it as well.)

4 – 6. Pinwheel Purse, Folded Purse, and Snapdragon Purse

• What you’ll need to make them:
  • For Pinwheel Purse: 50 to 100 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 0 needles; darning needle
  • For Folded Purse: 60 to 125 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 6 and 3 needles (including 2 DPNs for I-cord creation); button; sewing needle and thread; darning needle
  • For Snapdragon Purse: small amount of fingering weight yarn; US Size 0 needles; buckram fabric (can be purchased at craft stores or Amazon); sewing needle and thread; darning needle

• Why you’ll want to: Oh, just Frankie Brown showing off her amazing bag designs again. Every one of these adorable coin pouch patterns have special twists that make them irresistible. The Pinwheel and Folded Purse designs fold together in clever ways, and the Snapdragon Purse “snaps” open when you press the sides and “snaps” closed when you release them.

Any of these delightful pouches are bound to sell well at a craft fair or bazaar… and they can make charming gifts as well!