This Zip Itself coin purse is truly an amazing and creative handmade design… zip-up to a tetrahedron shaped coin purse, unzip to a long ribbon. This zip-itself coin purse is made from 2 simple materials that you can get from the shop easily – ribbon and zipper. If you wish to line the Zip-Itself Coin Purse, then you need additional fabric strip or more ribbon, but I personally think that this Zip-Itself Coin Purse looks fine without the lining.
I accidentally saw this Zip-Itself coin purse when I did a search for the tetrahedron coin purse and I love the idea. I knew I am going to scratch my head and drill into the detail of the design and make it one day… Here it is, I have got it done and share the Zip-Itself Coin Purse pattern and tutorial here.
I am showing the hand sewing method on the tutorial page but you may opt to machine sew if you find it is faster and easier in this way. Get the detailed tutorial by clicking the tutorial page.
Zip-Itself Coin Purse
Materials:
1. Zipper (nylon) – 20″, 1pc.
2. Ribbon (1/2″ or 5/8″)- 20″, 1pc. (Note: you can use grosgrain, woven, satin ribbons, or other alternative materials like lace, ric-rac, fabric strip, soft twill tape, etc.)
3. Ribbon – short length for the purse loop.
4. Lining fabric strip (3/4″) – 20″, 1pc. (optional)
Tools:
1. Sewing needles.
2. Matching threads
3. Pins
4. Marker
5. Warm iron (optional, use only with lining)
Get ready the materials and tools as per quantities stated above.
Measure 2 3/4″ from zipper’s bottom stop, including the bottom stop.
Lay the ribbon slightly over the marking. If the ribbon has a direction (in this case, the Pucca doll), the bottom edge should point to the zipper.
Backstitch the ribbon to the zipper, about 1/32″ from the teeth in order for the slider to get through.
Note: I sewed with a longer stitch on the wrong side but a shorter stitch on the right side for the backstitch. Scroll down to the lining step and you will see the stitches on the wrong side. Due to the short stitch on the right side and the way the needle pick up the zipper tap, it didn’t show a lot like backstitch from the back, but I swear that it is backstitch 😉
Bend the zipper tape down at the end, adjust it to make the edge smooth.
Continue sewing the ribbon. Pin the ribbon on the tape will make sewing easier.
Continue sewing until you reach about 4″ – 5″ from the top stop of the zipper.
Your actual ribbon should look longer than this, I trimmed some away before taking this picture.
Unzip the zipper.
Come back to the start point. Arch the tape at the marking, pin the ribbon to the tape as shown.
Sew ribbon to the tape of the other side of the zipper.
Trim off the extra length, fold the raw edge of the ribbon and slip stitch the ribbon to the tape by following the curve.
A nice smooth curvature determines the beauty of the purse.
Continue backstitching the ribbon to the zipper tape until you are about 1″- 2″ away from the top stop.
Zip-up the zipper and the purse is formed through an upward spiral closure.
Press the top edge of the purse to find the top corners of the tetrahedron shape, which is usually the center of the bottom corners.
Mark both points.
Judge the shape from a different angle to check if it is balanced.
Once you are satisfied with the shape and marking, unzip the zipper for the next step to continue sewing the ribbon to complete the purse.
Arch the longer zipper tape at the marking, the zipper ends should meet and intersect at the other marking.
Place a ribbon loop on the intersection point of the zipper, pin.
Sew to complete the coin purse. Trim off the extra length of the ribbon and insert the raw edge of the ribbon, slip stitch to the tape.
Whipstitch the zipper edges at the back of the purse.
[Update: Thanks to Grandma G’s suggestion to add more information in the photo that is self-explanatory.]
If you would like to line your purse in order to hide the stitches, do the following.
Fold and press the raw edges to make a 1/2″ wide fabric strip. Slip stitch along the stitching lines of the ribbon.
A full lined Zip-Itself coin purse in tetrahedron shape is completed.
Can you please help me, my zipper is 18″ do I still stop 4-5″ before zipper stop, or do I still maintain the ratio, or do I do exactly what you have said?
Hi Sally, this purse needs 20″ zipper, 18″ is not enough to complete the coin purse.
Hello, Ive just made one of these for my daughter. She loves it, especially the fact that when completely opened out it makes the letter L (her name starts with L). My only issue is the final shape. I didnt quite get the same shape as yours. I found the last three steps a little confusing.
Otherwise, great tutorial. Jen
I sat down and just started!! What a lovely idea, so easy once you’ve made the first one. I am going to make more for gifts! Thank you.
Hi! I have made these coin purses many times and love them! I was wondering if it is permissible to make and sell them in small amounts using this tutorial? Thanks!
I don’t prohibit anyone to sell their own handmade at this moment, but the permission is subject to revise in future.
I’m already made it….. Thank u so much for sharing this tutorial………^_^
I love this little coin purse, but i do not understand the last step. Thank you for sharing this tutorial.
Many has problem understand the last part by reading the tutorial, but once you hands on to it, you will get the idea of which zipper tape goes to where. Please give it a try, it is not as difficult as it may look. If you still have problem on it after reaching this part, please send me a photo of your question, I will solve it for you.
Hello, I can`t understand your numbers: 7/8, 3/4 and so on.
Can you send me the material list in cm (for Germans, sorry).
Is your tutorial in inch details?
I would be very happy if you can help me.
Best Regards
Conny
Hi Cornelia, most of my tutorial comes in Imperial unit. You may use the conversion link on the header to convert the measurement into cm. 7/8 and 3/4 is the fraction of the inch, 3/4 means 0.75 in decimal. Hope this helps.
So is this supposed to be hand sewn?
I’m confused about your back stitching and lost at the turn around at the top when it’s time to come back
Thanks. I want to make one so bad
What an adorable pyramid bag!! Came here from your facebook page; I’d like to give this a go in chainmaille; thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas!!
Thankyou for the tutorial, now I can make it myself…
Thank you for the tutorial! I made a larger purse with two separate spirals, which was a bit challenging, but your tutorial helped a lot to get started. thank you.
Thank you very much for your detailed tutorial. Took me a while to make these (as I was not very precise with my measurements & had to undo stitches several times) but succeeded in the end! My family’s amazed when I ask them to zip up the purses! I haven’t lined them yet but was thinking of using bias tape/binding as I don’t have leftover material? I also made your macaron coin purses & my kids loved them. Keep the tutorials coming & thanks again.
Judy, you really made my day by telling me this. Thank you very much and I am so happy to know this!!!
Absolutely adorable! Is there any websites where I can buy the ribbons?
Thank you for your instructions. I just love this zip purse. I found a zip and grosgrain ribbon which I inherited from my mother in law who died aged 82 in 1990 (I have loads of old bits). Yesterday the last stage re crossing over the short side and long side, was foxing me but today I can see how it fits together clearly. My zip was perhaps longer than 20ins though so the top opening is not at the right angle to the base to make it a tetrahedron. Nevertheless I am thrilled with the results and will buy the correct size zip and have another attempt.
Hi,
I bought a couple of rectangular zipper coin purses a few years ago for my girls. I love the idea making a purse with different materials. I’m so glad to find this instruction. I had already made five purses. This purse makes a great stocking stuffer! Plan to make more with a different theme. Thank you!
Too cute 🙂 Is there a video tutorial?
Sorry, Jane, no video tutorial.
This is soooo cute!! I’m going to make this soon, but where can I buy the ribbons like the ones you showed?
You really need to shop around to find them, I bought from the local craft shop here.
This looks amazing. Thanks a lot for such nice tutorial. I am curios though can we make this using 18′ zip. I seem to have lot of 18′ zip and not finding 20′ in the craft store. What proportion need to change while working with 18.
Made one! I love it although it’s not very tetrahedron… 🙂
Thank you for your detailed tutorial!
Clau
Hi,
That’s a very interesting shape, cute and useful as well. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be trying to make it soon.
Hello,
I love the patterns. All of them…Thank you…
Berra
Hi there, I am a little confused and wondered if you could help. i got to the last step, but my zipper is not at the top but at the side. I cant figure out how to do your last step (the one before the lining step. Please help.
thanks!
Hi Kenya, please take a photo of your purse and send to me via the “contact us” form. I need to have a look at your purse before I know what is wrong. Thanks.
Hi, I’m a begining sewer and thought this would be a cute fun project, I did fine until the last couple of steps, I pressed the purse together and marked the corners with pins, then it states to judge the shape, it doesn’t look anything like yours, it does look like the picture of when you zip it up, is there a step missing or am I just not bright enough to figure it out? Please help. Thanks
Teresa, please send me a few photos via the contact form so that I can take a look on your purse.
Muy encantadores, gracias por estas ideas.
Translation (by Google):
Very lovely, thank you for these ideas.
Does the width of the ribbon matter? or the width of the zipper? I have a huge box of ribbon and zippers just waiting for a the perfect project. Thanks for the tutorial!
The ribbon width does matter. Try to use back the same width mentioned here to maintain the right proportion. Use other width may require different zipper length.
I just made this, and it is so cute! My 8 year old daughter will be giving it to a friend as a birthday gift tomorrow. I had a little trouble figuring out the last few inches, but once I realized that the zipper had to come back on itself it fell into place. Thank you, I really like this!
Can I make this using 1″ ribbon? I have the cutest ribbon I’d love to make this with but it’s 1″.
Hi Christine, I haven’t tried 1″ ribbon before. From my understanding, the height of the purse with 1″ ribbon will be higher than the one done with 1/2″ or 5/8″ ribbon. I am afraid that it will be out of proportion but I could be wrong. Grandma G, mom of Jessica of How About Orange managed to sew one with 7/8″ ribbon with this tutorial but using sewing machine. I was surprised to see that the proportion is good and it is shown here. Perhaps, a 1″ ribbon can be done too. Let us know if you have tried it. Thanks.
Thank you so much for the tutorial! As soon as I found it I grabbed a zipper and a ribbon and made one. Thanks to the clear instructions my first attempt worked out great!
thanks for sharing. for long time i search this pattern because i want to make it by myself. i want to make as soon as possible, and hope succesfull. 🙂
I read in the comments that you said this could be sewn on a machine except for the ribbon ends…I am a pretty good sewer but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to do that. The trouble starts when I try to make the first turn at the bottom of the zip stop (picture 3)and continues when I go around the other corners where the zip is arched. Please help!
If the zipper stop at the first turn caused an issue, then skip using machine to sew for that area. Sew the rest with machine then come back with hand sewing the zipper stop and arch area later. Hope this suggestion sounds ok to you 🙂
Wow! How cute and cool!
Hi! wonderful tutorial !!!
I tried to make a little purse and it turned out very nice…(so nice that my husband asked to make another one for him!) Your instructions are very clear and the photos are really useful. thanks!
Hi! Thank you for this amazing tutorial!!! I would like to try this but would want to make a slightly bigger pouch to store more coins. How should the measurements of the zipper and ribbon and measurement from the zipper stop be altered?
Great tutorial! You’ve been featured on the Quality Sewing Tutorials blog.
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Thank you for your tutorial! It took my daughter to finally help me. I made it!Thanks again
love your blog! I am a new follower
Welcome 🙂
I love these little things! So cute! I posted a photo and link on my Friday Friends! on my blog. Thak you so much for taking the time to make this tutorial so we can learn your secrets. A video would be great, though. I have read the instructions about 6 times now, and I finally think I’m ready to try it. Thanks again.
Thanks for linking, Gramma G.
I loved making my first zipper change purse from a found 20 inch zipper. Now I have only been able to find 22 inch zippers in my little town. Can the pattern be altered and still come out as a triangle? Thanks
Hi Diane,
You can use 22″ zip, sew the base with a 3″ length instead of 2 3/4″.
Enjoy sewing!!!
You rock. I have been trying to conjure up a zipper pouch like this for a while. Thank you!
Hi! This is a really great idea! Would you consider making a video tutorial? As a new sew-er, I am having great difficulty figuring out the instructions, but I think if I saw it being done, it would be soooooo helpful! Thanks again for the great idea and tutorial!
I would like to see a video of this also if possible, but will keep practicing till I get it right. I am not giving up giving up on this as I know once I get it I will be one of those that goes DUH! It is such a cute purse, I will keep pluggin away at it till I get it right. Thank You the instructions are great it is just me.
This is really fun! I made one of the tetrahedrons – didn’t turn out quite right, but it enabled me to get the idea. It came out like a flat bias square – still quite cute. I will definitely try again and polish my curves!
Now I have a question for some of the more mathematically minded readers – this tetrahedron used a 20 inch zipper and a 2 3/4 inch base (measured from the stop.)
I have a lot of 22, 24 and 30 inch zippers, and rather than cut off the ends and risk losing the zipper pull, I’m wondering how to measure for the initial base measurement and the final turn back measurement so I get as much length as possible from each different size of zipper? Does that make sense to anyone but me? Can anyone give me a hint as to how to go about figuring that out?
edie
too right brained for math at night!
Good question… in fact I used the math way to get the base width for a start.
Just divide your zipper length by 7 to get the approximate base width. Increase the ribbon width accordingly to get the correct proportion if your based is bigger than 3.5″, {imagine}….. a big base with short height….. based width is determined by the zipper length whilst the height is determined by the ribbon width when the number of rounds of the zipping is a constant.
Please let me know if I confused you if it sounds too technical.
Actually, I almost think that makes sense to my addlepated brain! LOL!I knew the ribbon width would affect the height but the missing factor was how to figure the divisor. Using this I can also figure that if I want a bigger bag I can multiply the width I want by 7 and buy continuous zipper off a roll and dye or paint it. Woohoo! A whole slew of ideas is opening up. Thanks heaps!
Edie
You got it 🙂
Thank You for the tutorial… I made my first one last week, I read and reread your instructions after the part where you zip up the purse just before arching the long zipper back, but couldnt get it…then I read your replies to the comments and managed to somewhat figure it out but my purse turned out straight, like a mini version of your pencil case…I quite liked it nevertheless…even my husband was amused and kept zipping and unzipping it for 15 minutes…I made another one yesteraday, and didnt bother trying to make it tetrahedron, just did what I had done last time…imagine my amazement when I zipped it up and it was a tetrahedron shaped purse just like in your pics! I sat with it, looked at your instructions again and realised where I went wrong the whole time! I think this is one of those things you keep getting better at the more you practice.
Anyway, I think this is a great project to do while watching tv or even travelling, not a lot of stuff to carry and handle, just a zipper, ribbon , needle and thread. I think this will be a staple tv project for me, I’ll just keep churning them out, they’ll be great for impromptu gifts for children and adults alike…thanks so much for taking the time and posting this tutorial!
Nabiha, I love your story and the adventure into sewing this coin purse. I was so happy when you said that you have found the “magic” within the tutorial to make the project a success. Keep it up 🙂
I LOVE the ribbon you used, is it available for purchase online???
I am not sure as I bought them from local craft shop. May be you can contact Haha Plaza to see if they can source for you.
I am desperate for a coin purse! Yesterday I made a bag out of zippers for all those goofy little customer cards, but right now my change is in a ziploc baggie. Does not appeal to anyone’s sense of beauty. But I have a 20 inch zipper and LOTS of ribbon to choose from (when my mother went into nursing care, my sisters made me take all her sewing stuff, and mom absolutely hoarded things like zippers). I can’t wait to make this! I’m not good at hand sewing, so I’m going to attempt the long straight parts by machine… we’ll see how it goes! This is making me very happy!
I am as excited as you when reading your comment. Please share with us after you have gotten them done!!!!
I finished it! I love it! I used what I had, namely a khaki-colored 22 inch zip (metal teeth, actually) and some peach-and orange striped 5/8 grosgrain. They aren’t my colors, but it’s what I had on hand that wasn’t too precious, in case it didn’t work out well. But it did work, and I was able to do a LOT of it on the machine (not the tight curves, but everything else). I experimented with fusible webbing and a felt strip for lining, but I’m not happy with it- the webbing is not consistently dependable. I will have to sew it down or glue it when I get a chance. However, the purse is at work right this very minute, holding all those coins, and everyone who sees it wants one. Thank you again for an excellent tutorial. I will be making another as soon as I find the ribbon I can’t live without!
I am so happy that you have made it though it is only your test piece. Hope to see some of the photos of you future piece 🙂
I like so much!!!! thanks
♥♥♥
Thanks for sharing your cute tutorial…I have posted about it on my Freebies blog if thats okay…Khris
These are so cute. This grannie hopes to try one this weekend. I was wondering why you hand sew? Can you use the machine?
Yes, you may use machine sew but when come to the curves to fold in the ribbon ends, you still need hand sewing.
i am trying to make this and I am lost on the instructions, i cant find how to carry on with the sewing after i unzip the zipper, it just leaves me hanging and i dont understand, can you please help me? i need to make 15 of these for a retreat and have one half of one sewn, and there I am left with just no understanding. thanks
Please use the contact form to submit your photo to show me where do you have problem.
You are great its wonderful tutorial. Thank you for your sharing
Every time, I think I have it, I don’t. I feel like such a loser.
It’s a bag with an open top.
What step did I miss that causes it to zip itself closed???
I hate when you failed. Please show me where caused it?
Okay, I got it. I refuse to let something everyone can can *see* beat me, LOL!
My issue was with the photo above where you show adding the ribbon, then the one just below it. I didn’t have zipper teeth on both sides of the ribbon. “Arch the longer” is what through me… Once I could get my head around the big picture, I got it. Thanks!
Glad that you finally break through the “code”… happy sewing and enjoy the zzzzzipping 🙂
I LOVE IT!!! I cant wait to make this but I can’t seem to find a 20″ zipper, local crafts store only carries 18″ and 22″ any idea on how to make adjustments so I can work with either of this two measurements? I’m guessing I need to make the markings at the beginning and end a little longer but how much longer I don’t know, please help me! I will like to make a couple of these as favors for an upcoming party I’ll have.
Again, LOVE IT!
You can use 22″ and trim off the extra. Or, you can make the beginning a little longer, 3″ instead of 2 3/4″ and follow the tutorial for the rest.
Thanks, I’ll give it a try
Great instruction, cute purse. Mine however did not get that super nice tetrahedron shape. I guess i should have used the measuring tape 🙂
My first attempt is here:
http://yngla.blogspot.com/2011/08/ganska-onodigt-tamligen-opraktiskt-men.html
I am not sure if it is due to the wider ribbon. But overall, it looks great 🙂
I just had to try this change purse a second time and this time success! I wrote about my progress and process, with of course a link back here to your blog. Hate to leave any negativity so this second blog post feels so much better! Thanks again for the tutorial!
The second one looks much better. The more you sew the better it will be 🙂
Hello!
I found this tutorial through How About Orange, thankfully just before I was to run errands for the day because I added ribbon and a zipper to my list. I started yesterday and am almost finished with sewing, but…my ribbon is 3 1/2″ shorter than the zipper and my zipper matches up with itself. Help?
Look like something is not right some where. If your coin purse can form a tetrahedron shape with the ribbon, then probably the zipper is just the extra length, you can clip it off.
Please show me a few photos if possible so I can take a look what’s going on, unzip and zipped form, to craftpassion[at]live{dot}com.
Wow. These are so cute. They’ll make great mom friend gifts! And, I think that I have ribbon already, too… Thank you!
I was very taken by the little change purse, in fact, I did a rush job on making one — I posted about it on my blog, and I hope you don’t mind… I did provide a link here to your tutorial. I did try!
this is freaking genius! thank you so much for sharing! now i know what to do with cute ribbon i have…and also, finally make a coin purse for myself! 🙂
I am happy to know this 🙂 🙂
I’m sorry to sound really dumb, but I’m not sure I’m doing something right here. I start stitching the ribbon at the end of the tape (like shown in the picture) correct? Then This is where I’m messing up. I don’t understand what to do once I get to the end of the zipper stop. How do I get it to look nice and smooth like the picture to go continue sewing ribbon around to the other side of the zipper? I really am sorry to ask such a dumb question but I’m just learning to sew and thought this would be an easy project to start with. Thanks for any help!
When you get the the zipper stop, just push the tape down, cross the zipper ends to smooth out. Glide the ribbon around the stop, pin to secure then sew. 🙂
Hey my sweety i was searching an easy tutorial of zip-it purse from a few months..but your tutorial is awesome..perfect for a new stitcher 🙂
thank you soooo much..you are always helping for all..keep sharing awesome tutorials..lots of Love
Khadija ~
Glad to know that, Khadija 🙂
Hi! I am LOST…I am able to zip up the purse to form a tube, but it looks like mine is shorter than yours, although I started with a 20″ zipper and a 2 3/4″ strip of zipper to start. Can you show me more pictures of arching the zipper at the top of the purse to finish it off?
This purse is SO adorable…I hate it that I’m having so much trouble!!
Thanks!
Lea Ann
Don’t feel bad Lea Ann, I am having a problem with the arching part of this pattern as well. It’s adorable though and I will persist but am watching daily to see if a more detailed picture is added for us who just aren’t getting it! Once we see the picture, I know it will be an instant Ah-Ha moment but yes, an additional explanation about the turning would be much appreciated. You are not alone! Much success to you and Craft Passion, thank you so much for your great patterns! What a talent!
You are on the right track, Lea Ann. It should look like a tube when you zip the purse all the way up before the arching on the top zipper to make the tetrahedron {pic 9} (point your mouse over the picture to see the picture no.)
When you are almost done with the ribbon {pic 8}, you will find that the bottom zipper is longer than the top zipper. After gauging the tetrahedron shape (pic 10} of your purse and make the marking, the longer zipper is to arch at the marking to the top to meet and intersect with the shorter zipper. The same arching like you did at the beginning of the purse {pic 5}. The cute Pucca doll on the ribbon might give you some clue on where I did arching {pic 12}
hihi..tried out this wonderful tutorial.. sooo cute.. thanks for sharing..
Hi YaN, I am glad to know this and hope that I have a chance to see your purse 🙂
I really like the ribbon you used. And the coin purse is really cute and nifty! Where did you get the ribbon?
Now there is no need to purchase a purse. You can stitch you own at home. Thanks for this wonderful tutorial.
Exactly 🙂
I found you via CraftGossip. I just completed one of these! So cute! Thanks for the tutorial!
Grandma G, thanks for this wonderful comment first thing in the morning of Monday!!!! I am so happy to know this. Wish that I can have a look on the purse you did 🙂
I’ll email you a pic tomorrow! 🙂
Oh great!!! Thanks!!!
I really should have a community gallery set up soon so that you all can upload the photos to share 🙂
This is amazing! I love it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Vanina, hope you will make a bunch of them soon.
That is the cutest little purse I’ve seen in ages! and you got to make some friends! As usual you have beautiful, easy-to-understand photos and gorgeous fabric choices. You have a great talent!
Sara, you always leave a sweet comment that make me dobetter!!! Thanks for the motivation, I need it to run to my next milestone!!!!
WOW! This is SOOO cool!!! I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-zip-itself-tetrahedron-coin-purse/2011/07/27/
–Anne
Anne, as always, thanks for linking in Craft Gossip Sewing 🙂 I feel honored!
This is just wonderful.I am very excited to try it myself.Thanks for sharing.
I am glad to know this, Manisha 🙂
Stumbled. I love this! I found a zip-itself purse at a yard sale and always wondered how it was made. Now I have to try it.
I was as curious as you when I first saw this purse from a photo…. after have it done, I am so happy!!!! I believe you will too!!!!
Another great tutorial – I can’t wait to give it a try!
Thank You!
Liz
Thanks, Liz!!!! I got hooked up with it and I am thinking of making a bigger size now!!!!
this is brilliant! Thanks for sharing.
Patty, thanks 🙂