Cute Crochet Watermelon Coin Purse: 5 Easy Steps

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you sit down with a fresh skein of yarn, your hook in hand, and a pattern that promises both fun and function. The yarn rests on the table, waiting for your touch, and as you begin to form that first chain, the project starts to take shape. It is a quiet moment of creation, where the simple act of pulling loops through stitches transforms colorful strands into something tangible and useful. This watermelon coin purse captures that feeling perfectly, blending the joy of crafting with the satisfaction of a finished accessory that is ready to carry your summer essentials.

Why This Project Works

This watermelon purse is more than just a cute summer accessory; it is a clever introduction to adding zippers to crochet projects without the usual intimidation factor. The design uses simple single crochet stitches to create a sturdy, rounded shape that mimics the natural curve of a fruit. The color blocking—starting with green, moving to white, and finishing in pink—creates a realistic and playful look that appeals to both children and adults. Beyond its aesthetic charm, the purse is highly practical. It is the perfect size for farmers markets, fairs, or daily outings, offering a secure way to carry coins, lip balm, or small treasures. The inclusion of the Yarn Zip adds a professional finish that elevates the piece from a simple pouch to a polished accessory, while the option to add an i-cord strap transforms it into a hands-free crossbody bag.

Project Overview

This pattern guides you through creating a watermelon-shaped coin purse or crossbody bag. The body is worked in the round from the top down using simple single crochet stitches and color changes to create the rind, pith, and flesh of the watermelon. Black yarn seeds are added for detail, and a 9-inch Yarn Zip is attached to the top opening for closure. The project can be kept as a small pouch or expanded with a handmade i-cord strap for a wearable crossbody style.

Materials

• Red Heart Super Saver in Spring Green (or any green)
• Red Heart Super Saver in White
• Red Heart Super Saver in Grenadine (or any watermelon pink/red)
• Red Heart Super Saver in Black (for seeds)
• Size H Crochet Hook
• Size D Crochet Hook (for attaching zipper)
• Tapestry Needle
• 9″ Yarn Zip

Gauge and Finished Size

Finished Size: Approximately 8 inches wide x 7 inches tall.

Note: Specific gauge measurements are not provided in the source pattern. The finished dimensions are achieved by following the stitch counts and round instructions exactly.

Abbreviations

Note: Standard crochet abbreviations are used. Specific abbreviations were not listed in the source text, but the following are implied by the instructions:

• SC: Single Crochet
• HDC: Half Double Crochet
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• Ch: Chain
• Dec: Decrease (SC decrease)

Pattern Notes

• The watermelon is worked from the top down.
• Color changes occur at the start of specific rounds as indicated in the instructions.
• Stitch markers are recommended for positioning the zipper.

Pattern Instructions

Watermelon Body

With green yarn, Chain 60, join to first SC to create a circle, chain 1.

Rounds 2-3: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (60 SC)

Round 4: SC decrease, SC in next 4 stitches, repeat around. Join.

Join in white yarn, chain 1.

Round 5: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (50 SC)

Round 6: SC decrease, SC in next 3 stitches, repeat around. Join.

Join in pink yarn, chain 1.

Rounds 7-12: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (40 SC)

Round 13: SC decrease, SC in next 2 stitches, repeat around. Join, chain 1.

Rounds 14-18: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (30 SC)

Round 19: SC decrease, SC in next stitch, repeat around. Join, chain 1.

Rounds 20-22: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (20 SC)

Round 23: SC decrease around. Join, chain 1.

Rounds 24-26: SC in each stitch around. (10 SC)

Fasten off. Using a tapestry needle, weave through the top loops of the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the tip of the watermelon. Secure and weave in ends.

Watermelon Seeds

Make 3.

With black yarn, Chain 4. Slip stitch in second chain from hook, SC in next chain, HDC + SC in last chain. Fasten off leaving a tail for sewing.

Stitch the seeds to the narrow end of the watermelon as pictured. You could also make another 3 seeds and attach them to the backside!

Assembly

Attaching the Yarn Zip:

1. Begin by positioning the yarn zip inside the top opening of the watermelon. Use stitch markers to hold both ends of the zipper in place.
2. Using a Size D crochet hook and green yarn, insert your hook through the top edge stitch of the watermelon and through the woven channel of the Yarn Zip.
3. Pull the yarn through both layers, then pull through the loop on your hook to create a slip stitch.
4. Continue making slip stitches evenly around the entire opening, working through both the crochet piece and the zipper channel at the same time.
5. The woven channel makes it easy to attach the zipper directly to your crochet without any sewing.
6. When you reach the end, fasten off and weave in your ends.

Alternative Zipper Attachment Method:

If working the zipper on with a crochet hook feels awkward, there is another option that might be even easier. The woven channel of the Yarn Zip is large enough for a tapestry needle to glide right through. Simply thread matching yarn onto your tapestry needle and stitch through both the crochet fabric and the zipper channel, much like you would sew a zipper in place. The difference is that you are working with yarn instead of thread and a large tapestry needle instead of a tiny sewing needle. I found the needle slid through the Yarn Zip like butter, making it a fantastic alternative for crocheters who prefer sewing over slip stitching. Whether you use a crochet hook or a tapestry needle, you will end up with the same clean finish.

Optional: Crossbody Strap (I-Cord)

This little watermelon isn’t just for coins! To make it even more fun, you can crochet a simple i-cord and attach it to each side of the purse to create a lightweight crossbody strap. It is the perfect size for kids, summer outings, fairs, farmers markets, or carrying a few small essentials. You can customize the length to fit children or adults, and because it is made from the same yarn, it blends right into the design.

Easy Crochet I-Cord Instructions:

Using a crochet hook:

1. Chain 4.
2. Insert hook into second chain from hook and pull up a loop.
3. Insert hook into third chain and pull up a loop.
4. Insert hook into fourth chain and pull up a loop.
5. Slide loops to opposite end of hook and repeat, pulling yarn across the back each time.
6. Continue until desired length. I suggest 25 inches long.

Attach each end securely to the sides of the purse near the zipper ends.

Tips

• A smaller hook (Size D or smaller) makes it easier to work through the zipper channel.
• Stitch markers help keep the zipper centered while attaching.
• Match your yarn color to the rind for a nearly invisible finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

While the pattern is designed for Red Heart Super Saver (worsted weight), you can use any worsted weight yarn. Keep in mind that using a different weight may alter the finished size and the fit of the zipper.

How do I attach the zipper if I don’t have a crochet hook?

You can use a tapestry needle instead. Thread your yarn onto the needle and sew through the woven channel of the Yarn Zip and the top edge of the crochet piece, just as you would sew a standard zipper.

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes, the watermelon body uses only single crochet stitches, making it accessible for beginners. The zipper attachment is also straightforward, especially with the Yarn Zip design.

Can I make the crossbody strap longer?

Absolutely. The i-cord instructions suggest 25 inches, but you can continue chaining and working the i-cord technique until it reaches your desired length.

What is a Yarn Zip?

A Yarn Zip is a zipper tape with a woven channel designed specifically for yarn crafts. It allows you to attach the zipper directly to your crochet work using a hook and yarn, eliminating the need for sewing.