Organize your coins and small treasures with this cute and easy-to-follow crochet panda coin purse pattern featuring a fun & lovable design.
The thrill of crocheting something both adorable and functional never gets old! This time, I was drawn to the idea of making a panda coin purse-it's small, cheerful, and carries that cute factor we all love. The pattern brings playful personality to life using simple colors: black and light blue yarns create the iconic panda face, while soft pink can be added for rosy cheeks if you want to add an extra touch of charm. Its size makes it perfect for carrying loose change or tiny essentials while being a great gift for kids or anyone who loves whimsical accessories. What I found remarkable about this pattern is its beginner-friendly approach.
Learn Unique Free Crochet Panda Coin Purse to Showcase Your Talent
Using straightforward techniques like the magic ring, single crochet (sc), slip stitches (sl st), and half double crochet (hdc), each stitch combines beautifully to shape the panda's face and fine details like its ears and eyes. These versatile stitches mean you're not just making a coin purse-you're also unlocking skills that can be used for other projects like crochet appliqués, stuffed animals, or even small bag embellishments. Best of all, it's a quick-to-make project that's perfect for both new and experienced crocheters eager to complete something fast.
What You Will Learn
- How to crochet a magic ring to create a solid and polished foundation
- Constructing facial features using single crochet and slip stitches
- Switching colors smoothly to crochet character details like eyes and ears
- Shaping small, tight objects suitable for soft toys or decorative items
What You Can Make With These Skills
- Crochet animal-inspired coin purses (like cats or bears!)
- Adorable appliqués for bags, hats, or sweaters
- Cute keychains or bag charms
- Soft toy projects for kids or home decor
Crochet Panda Coin Purse Pattern
Materials
- Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in:
- Light blue (main body, ears, face patch, eyes)
- Black (ears, eyes, facial details)
- Pink (blush, optional)
- Crochet hooks: 2.5 mm-3.0 mm (for a tight gauge)
- Coin purse metal frame (Approximately 5-6 cm wide)
- Yarn needle (for sewing parts, weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Small amount of stuffing (optional, for ears if preferred)
- Sewing thread and needle (to secure purse to frame, if needed)
- Hot glue (optional, for added security of parts)
Special Techniques
- Amigurumi in rounds: Work in continuous spirals unless specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch.
- Sewing to frame: Use strong sewing thread and a sharp needle to securely sew the crocheted fabric to the metal frame.
- Surface embroidery: For features like mouth, nose, and blush, use embroidery or surface crochet as described.
Pattern sTEP-BY-sTEP
1. PANDA PURSE BODY (Make 1)
- Start with a magic ring (MC) in light blue.
- Round 1: 8 sc in ring. (8)
- Pull ring tight, sl st to first sc. Place marker.
- Round 2: [Inc] in each st around. (2 sc in each, 16)
- Round 3: [Sc, inc] around. (24)
- Round 4: [Sc, inc, sc] around. (32)
- Round 5: [3 sc, inc] around. (40)
- Rounds 6-16: Sc in each st around. (40 per round)
(The purse base and body are now complete-about 5-5.5 cm diameter.)
- Round 17: (Top edge shaping)
a. Ch 1, sl st in first 3 sts (curve for frame hinge),
b. Sc in next 3 sts,
c. Hdc in next 3 sts,
d. Dc in next 5 sts,
e. Hdc in next 3 sts,
f. Sc in next 3 sts,
g. Sl st in next 3 sts.
Repeat this whole sequence once more around. - Sl st to next st, fasten off, and leave a long tail for sewing. Weave in other ends.
2. EARS (Make 2, Black)
- MC, 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Sl st to first st.
- Row 2: Ch 1, [sc, inc] twice, 1 sc. (Increases to 9)
- Sl st to join.
- Rows 3-4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. (9)
- Fasten off, leave a tail for sewing. (Lightly stuff if desired, fold flat.)
3. FACE PATCHES (Make 2,)
- MC, ch 1, 3 sc in ring.
- Ch 1, 3 dc in ring.
- Ch 1, 3 sc in ring.
- Pull ring tight, sl st to close. Leave a tail for sewing.
Alternatively: If you want classic black panda patches, use black yarn for this step.
4. EYES (Make 2, Black)
- MC, ch 1, 3 sc in ring.
- Sl st to first st, fasten off, leaving a tail.
(Add a tiny French knot or small stitch in black for "sparkle" after attaching, if desired.)
5. FINISHING DETAILS
Attach Frame:
- Place edge of open purse evenly into the channel of the coin purse frame. Line up the 3 sl sts with the frame's hinge area on both sides.
- Thread your sewing needle with strong thread or matching yarn (double up if thin), and sew the purse body to the frame through the holes in the metal frame.
- Secure all loose ends.
Attach Ears:
- Fold ears at base and sew symmetrically to each side of the frame/upper edge of the purse.
Attach Face Patches & Eyes:
- Position white/black face patches just under the frame seam and sew on using tail yarn.
- Sew/paste (with hot glue) the small black eyes on top of the white patches. Embroider a small neat stitch of white for the eye sparkle if desired.
Embroider Nose, Mouth, & Cheeks:
- With black yarn or embroidery floss, embroider an upside-down triangle or oval for the nose at center bottom of face patches, about 1-2 rows under the frame.
- Stitch a gentle mouth beneath the nose using black yarn or thread.
- (Optional) Use pink yarn or embroidery floss to create a French knot or small spot on each cheek for blush, or use a very small amount of textile blush.
Suggestions & Tips
- Accuracy: Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round for efficiency and accuracy.
- Shape: Lightly stuff ears or keep flat, depending on your style/make.
- Frame Fit: Adjust the final round/row count if the body does not perfectly fit your coin purse frame; ideally the number of stitches should evenly fit within the holes.
- Attachment: Use hot glue for extra security after sewing, especially for parts receiving tension such as ears/eyes.
Pattern Maintenance Tips
- Keep stitches tight to prevent coins or small objects from falling out.
- Hand wash gently and air dry to maintain shape.
- If used for headphones, consider lining the interior with fabric for added softness.
Final Words & Conclusion
You have now created a functional and adorable panda coin purse, perfect for storing coins, headphones, or tiny treasures! The simple round construction, expressive ears and face, and sturdy framed opening make this a delightful, practical project. Customize with color, add keychain hardware, or use as a gift for any panda lover.
Key Challenges and Solutions
While crocheting intricate details like the panda's face, keeping consistent tension can be tricky. If the fabric looks uneven or the stitches feel bulky, try using a smaller hook size or practice working tighter single crochets for more precision.