Crochet Shell Pattern Coin (Change) Purse Instructions ~ Designed for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

A Simply Shoebox reader and avid Operation Christmas Child shoebox packer, Pam, crochets hundreds of change purses for shoebox gifts each year.  She mentioned needing a new design so I asked her to email details of what she would like.  I decided to try and design a few for her to choose from while I waited to hear
from her. This is my first.

You'll notice that most of what I design is easy and is made in as few pieces and with as little finishing as possible.  That is why this change purse is crocheted all in one piece.

I like using baby yarn as it makes for a much less stiff finished coin purse and a bit smaller.

Shell Pattern Coin/Change Purse Crochet How-to Instructions

The two color version reminds me of a court jester outfit.

Size:

Diameter of bottom:  9 3/4”

Circumference of top opening:  2 1/4”

Looking into an opened purse.

Height:  2 3/4" with baby weight (or 3" with worsted weight) (side only, including top ruffle)

Gauge:  1 shell = 1 1/8” (or 1 1/2”); three rows (one shell, one sc, one shell) = 1 1/4” (or 1 1/2”) 

Supplies:

F hook (or G--following parenthesis variations are with this size)

Baby yarn (or light weight worsted)

Alternative:  1 Yard 1/4" ribbon.

Coin Purse Instructions

Worked in rounds; do not turn.

If using two colors, drop the first color and pick up the second color in the slip stitch at the end of each round.  Do Not cut off, just let it hang while using the second color.  Cut both and finish off after the last round.

Rounds 1 thru 4 form bottom.

Chain (ch) 4 (with color 1), slip stitch (sl st) to beginning ch to form circle

Bottom--lays flat.

Round 1:  Ch 1, work 8 sc in circle, join with sl st, ch 1

Round 2:  [2 sc in each st] around (16 sc), join with sl st, ch 1

Round 3:  [Sc in first st (st), 2 sc in next st] around (24 sc), join with sl st, ch 1

Round 4:  [2 Sc in first st (st), 1 sc in next st] around (36 sc), join with sl st, ch 1

Note:  The sides will want to roll inward, turn them outward as you crochet.

Round 5:  (color 2):  sc in first st, skip next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made),sk next 2 sts, [sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts,] around (6 shells), join with sl st in first sc

Round 6:  (color 1): ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same stitch [sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st] repeat 5 times, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk  next 2 sts, 2 dc in same stitch as first three, join with sl st in top of first ch 3, ch 1

Close up of shell.

Rounds 7 thru 10:  (alternate colors 2 & 1 if using two colors): repeat rounds 5 & 6

Round 11:  (color 2) (by using a 7 dc stitch shell it makes it a little ruffly and a better opening for reaching into for the change):  sc in first st, skip next 2 sts, 7 dc in next st (shell made),sk next 2 sts, [sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 7 dc in next st, sk next 2 sts,] around (6 shells), join with sl st, finish off

Tie end of drawstring.

Drawstring Instructions

Ch to reach approx. 16 inches, DO NOT finish off.  Weave the drawstring thru the bottom of each shell and each sc in last round.  Join ends w/sl st and sl st in next st or two for a more secure attachment (I tuck this end inside). Finish off.  Tie a knot approximately 1/2" from end of drawstring.  (Alternative:  Cut two pieces of 1/4” ribbon and weave one each direction—tie ends and finish ends so they do not fray.  I like to do this as I like how you pull on the end of each to close).

Sits nicely in the palm of a hand and the
drawstring slips over the wrist.

Is there something you would like a pattern for that I may be able to design?  Let me know in a comment below or email me at "simply blogs @ live . com" (no spaces).  Remember, it must be simple :-) and fit into a shoebox.

Another crochet pattern we've designed for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes is Stand Up Crochet Drawstring Bag (perfect for marbles).

We offer several other Crochet Tutorials perfect for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.