How to Crochet a Cute Unicorn Coin Purse: Free Pattern

ByLina Morgen

How to Crochet a Cute Unicorn Coin Purse: Free Tapestry Pattern

Are you looking for a magical, fun, and highly functional crochet project? This adorable crochet unicorn coin purse is the perfect combination of whimsical design and practical utility. Perfect for holding loose change, stitch markers, lip balm, or keys, this coin purse makes an amazing handmade gift for kids and adults alike.

In this tutorial, we will use a beginner-friendly tapestry crochet technique to build the unicorn’s facial features and horn directly into the fabric. Do not worry if you have never tried tapestry crochet before—this guide covers everything you need to know to achieve clean color transitions and a beautifully structured finished piece.

Materials & Abbreviations

Suggested Materials

  • Yarn: Fingering weight (Category 1, Super Fine), 100% cotton yarn in the following quantities:
    • White: Approximately 1.05 oz (131 yards)
    • Pink: Approximately 0.35 oz (44 yards)
    • Black: Approximately 0.18 oz (22 yards)
    • Lilac & Beige: Scrap amounts for the accent flowers
  • Crochet Hook: 2.00 mm hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
  • Hardware: 3.1-inch (8 cm) metal kiss-lock purse clasp frame
  • Notions: Tapestry needle, sewing needle, pink sewing thread, contrasting color sewing thread (for basting), pins, stitch marker, tape measure, and scissors

Gauge

34 stitches x 30 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet using tapestry crochet technique.

Finished Size

Approximately 4.7 inches wide x 3.9 inches tall (12 cm x 10 cm) when laid flat.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • ch: chain
  • sc: single crochet
  • dec: decrease (single crochet two together)
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • Rnd(s): round(s)
  • rep: repeat
  • st(s): stitch(es)
  • MR: magic ring

Understanding Tapestry Crochet

This pattern uses the tapestry crochet technique. In tapestry crochet, you carry the inactive yarn color along the top of your previous stitches and crochet over it with your active working yarn. This keeps the carried yarn hidden inside the stitches until you need to switch colors. This technique creates a dense, sturdy fabric that is perfect for purses and prevents the carried yarn from tangling on the inside.

To switch colors seamlessly, work your stitch until you have two loops of the old color left on your hook. Yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops to complete the stitch. Your next stitch will now be in the new color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Main Coin Purse Body

The body of the coin purse is worked in continuous spiral rounds starting from the bottom. Do not join rounds unless specifically instructed. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.

With Pink yarn, make a magic ring.

  • Rnd 1: Ch 1, 8 sc inside the ring. (8 sts)
  • Rnd 2: From this round on, carry and wrap the Black yarn. Leave a 4-inch tail of Black yarn (do not knot). Work 2 sc in each sc around while crocheting over the Black yarn. (16 sts)
  • Rnd 3: (Sc 1, 2 sc in next st) rep 8 times. (24 sts)
  • Rnd 4: (Sc 2, 2 sc in next st) rep 8 times. (32 sts)
  • Rnd 5: (Sc 3, 2 sc in next st) rep 8 times. (40 sts)
  • Rnd 6: (Sc 3, 2 sc in next st) rep 10 times. (50 sts)
  • Rnd 7: (Sc 4, 2 sc in next st) rep 10 times. (60 sts)
  • Rnd 8: (Sc 4, 2 sc in next st) rep 12 times. (72 sts)
  • Rnd 9: (Sc 5, 2 sc in next st) rep 12 times. (84 sts)
  • Rnd 10: (Sc 6, 2 sc in next st) rep 12 times. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 11-13: With Pink, sc in each of the 96 sts. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 14 [Eyes Part 1]: With Pink sc 32, with Black sc 4, with Pink sc 4, with Black sc 2, with Pink sc 11, with Black sc 2, with Pink sc 4, with Black sc 4, with Pink sc 33. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 15 [Eyes Part 2]: With Pink sc 32, with Black sc 1, with Pink sc 2, with Black sc 6, with Pink sc 14, with Black sc 6, with Pink sc 2, with Black sc 1, with Pink sc 32. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 16 [Eyes Part 3]: With Pink sc 35, with Black sc 1, with Pink sc 25, with Black sc 1, with Pink sc 34. (96 sts)

Cut the Black yarn, leaving a 4-inch tail. Drop the Black tail and begin carrying the White yarn starting from the first stitch of Round 17. Carry the White yarn through to the end of the purse body pattern.

  • Rnd 17 [Horn Part 1]: With Pink sc 44, with White sc 8, with Pink sc 44. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 18: With Pink sc 43, with White sc 11, with Pink sc 42. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 19: With Pink sc 43, with White sc 12, with Pink sc 41. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 20: With Pink sc 44, with White sc 12, with Pink sc 40. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 21: With Pink sc 51, with White sc 6, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 22: With Pink sc 45, with White sc 5, with Pink sc 4, with White sc 3, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 23: With Pink sc 46, with White sc 7, with Pink sc 43. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 24: With Pink sc 47, with White sc 8, with Pink sc 41. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 25: With Pink sc 52, with White sc 5, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 26: With Pink sc 48, with White sc 3, with Pink sc 4, with White sc 2, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 27: With Pink sc 49, with White sc 5, with Pink sc 2, with White sc 1, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 28: With Pink sc 50, with White sc 6, with Pink sc 40. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 29: With Pink sc 54, with White sc 3, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 30: With Pink sc 51, with White sc 2, with Pink sc 3, with White sc 1, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 31: With Pink sc 52, with White sc 3, with Pink sc 41. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 32: With Pink sc 53, with White sc 4, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 33: With Pink sc 56, with White sc 1, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 34: With Pink sc 55, with White sc 1, with Pink sc 40. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 35: With Pink sc 56, with White sc 1, with Pink sc 39. (96 sts)
  • Rnd 36: With Pink sc 96. (96 sts)

Sl st in the next stitch. Fasten off and weave in all yarn ends securely.

Crochet Ears (Make 2)

The ears are crocheted in continuous spiral rounds starting from the tip. Use Pink yarn.

  • Rnd 1: Ch 1, 8 sc inside a magic ring. (8 sts)
  • Rnd 2: Sc in each of the 8 sts. (8 sts)
  • Rnd 3: (Sc 1, 2 sc in next st) rep 4 times. (12 sts)
  • Rnd 4: Sc in each of the 12 sts. (12 sts)
  • Rnd 5: (Sc 2, 2 sc in next st) rep 4 times. (16 sts)
  • Rnd 6: Sc in each of the 16 sts. (16 sts)
  • Rnd 7: (Sc 2, dec 1) rep 4 times. (12 sts)
  • Rnd 8: Sc in each of the 12 sts. (12 sts)

Sl st in the next stitch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Accent Flowers (Make 1 in Lilac, 2 in Beige)

Create these tiny, simple flower accents to place at the base of the unicorn’s horn.

  • Rnd 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 1, 12 sc inside the ring. (12 sts)

Sl st in the first sc to close the circle. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Finishing & Assembly

Step 1: Attaching the Ears and Flowers

Find the front of your coin purse where the unicorn facial features (eyes and horn) are worked. Position the ears on either side of the horn. They should be sewn approximately 2 stitches away from each side of the white horn, and about 2 rounds above the eyes. Use your tapestry needle and the long yarn tails to sew them securely into place.

Next, sew the three tiny flowers along the bottom base of the unicorn’s horn to look like a flower crown. Place the Lilac flower in the center, flanked by the two Beige flowers. Securely knot and weave in all yarn ends on the inside of the purse.

Step 2: Sewing on the Metal Kiss-Lock Clasp

To sew the metal frame onto your crocheted purse, follow these steps:

  1. Center the unicorn face on the front of your clasp. Pin the top edge of the crochet purse inside the metal channel of the clasp.
  2. Using a sewing needle and a contrasting sewing thread, baste (temporarily sew) the purse edge into the frame holes. This keeps the purse centered and prevents it from shifting as you work the final seam.
  3. Once aligned, use a sewing needle and pink sewing thread to stitch the purse permanently to the metal clasp, sewing through the pre-drilled holes in the frame. Double your thread for extra durability.
  4. Remove the contrasting basting thread and trim any loose ends.

Tips for a Perfect Crochet Coin Purse

  • Cotton is King: Using 100% cotton yarn is highly recommended. Cotton lacks the stretch of acrylic or wool, which helps the coin purse maintain its shape and stiffness even when filled with heavy coins.
  • Tension Control: Maintain consistent, tight tension. If your stitches are too loose, the carried yarn may peek through, or the purse might stretch out of shape.
  • Lining the Purse (Optional): For a professional finish, you can sew a simple fabric lining using cotton fabric before attaching the metal clasp. This protects your crochet stitches from stretching over time and keeps small items securely inside.

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