Today, we’re going to create an adorable “Zip-Itself” zipper coin purse using just a zipper and your favorite ribbon—any kind will work! Whether you want to go for a delicate lace design, a bright and bold pattern, or a fun print, this project is super versatile and perfect for using up leftover ribbon you have on hand. The purse’s unique shape makes it a stylish little accessory that’s perfect for keeping your coins, earbuds, or other small items safe. So, grab your materials, and let’s get sewing to create something truly one-of-a-kind!
This awesome zipper coin purse is such a cool and innovative handmade creation! You can zip it up to make a cute tetrahedron-shaped coin purse, and when you unzip it, it turns into a long ribbon. How cool is that?
This small zipper change purse is made from two simple materials that you can easily get from the shop – ribbon and a zipper. If you want to line this small zipper coin pouch, you’ll need an additional fabric strip or more ribbon. However, I personally think that this cute little coin purse looks fine without the lining.
I came across this Zip-Itself small zipper coin pouch when I was searching for the tetrahedron coin purse (click for the pattern and tutorial), and I love the idea. I knew I was going to delve into the details of the design and make it one day… And now, I’ve done it and I’m sharing the tutorial on how to sew a coin purse with zipper and ribbon below.
I’m excited to show you the hand-sewing method in the tutorial, but feel free to use a sewing machine if you find it quicker and easier.
What’s Next
- Start sewing and share your completed handmade on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us, @craftpassion, so that we are able to admire your creations.
- Not sewing it now? Pin it to Pinterest and save it for future To-Sew List.
- Share with your sewing groups for a sew-along event.
- Learn more about the basics of hand sewing and how to choose a sewing machine for beginners.
- Browse more free sewing patterns to sew, especially in our Bag & Purse Sewing Patterns Library.
HOW TO SEW A ZIP-ITSELF ZIPPER COIN PURSE
This cute little triangle coin purse is truly an amazing and creative handmade design… zip it up to a tetrahedron-shaped coin purse, and unzip it 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 small little purse, then you need an additional fabric strip or more ribbon, but I personally think that this small change pouch looks fine without the lining.
Enjoy sewing them!
Materials
- Zipper (nylon) – 20″, 1pc.
- 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.)
- Ribbon – short length for the purse loop.
- Lining fabric strip (3/4″) – 20″, 1pc. (optional)
Tools
- Sewing needles.
- Matching threads
- Pins
- Marker
- Warm iron (optional, use only with lining)
Instructions
MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO SEW ZIP-ITSELF COIN PURSE
Get ready the materials and tools as per quantities stated above
a. Measure 2 3/4″ from zipper’s bottom stop, including the bottom stop.
b. 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.
c. 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 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 😉
a. Bend the zipper tape down at the end, adjust it to make the edge smooth.
b. Continue sewing the ribbon. Pin the ribbon on the tape will make sewing easier.
a. 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.
b. 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.
a. 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.
b. Mark both points.
a. Judge the shape from a different angle to check if it is balanced. b. 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.- a. Arch the longer zipper tape at the marking, the zipper ends should meet and intersect at the other marking.
b. Place a ribbon loop on the intersection point of the zipper, pin.
c. 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.
d. 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.
a. Fold and press the raw edges to make a 1/2″ wide fabric strip.
b. Slip stitch along the stitching lines of the ribbon.
A full lined Zip-Itself coin purse in tetrahedron shape is completed.
Siew nai lim
Saturday 27th of August 2022
Tqvm for this lovely tutorial. I am having problem understanding the last part. I have tried many times but it still ends up as a rectangle.. Please enlighten me.
Thks a lot
Sally
Friday 9th of October 2020
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?
Craft Passion
Friday 16th of October 2020
Hi Sally, this purse needs 20" zipper, 18" is not enough to complete the coin purse.
Jenni Davis
Thursday 11th of February 2016
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
Marie
Friday 29th of January 2016
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.
Emily
Thursday 11th of December 2014
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!
Craft Passion
Thursday 11th of December 2014
I don't prohibit anyone to sell their own handmade at this moment, but the permission is subject to revise in future.