Pinecone Pixie Coin Purse Free Pattern – Knit a Forest Treasure Keeper

Knit a Forest Treasure Keeper: The Pinecone Pixie Coin Purse Pattern

Imagine tucking your spare change into a tiny, hand-knit pinecone, complete with a leafy green top and a hidden zipper. This whimsical coin purse is the perfect accessory for nature lovers who want a touch of woodland charm in their everyday carry. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick weekend project or a beginner eager to try something new, this pattern is designed to be both accessible and rewarding. The finished piece is a small, textured treasure keeper that makes a delightful handmade gift or a charming addition to your own collection. Let's dive into creating this forest-inspired gem together.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience. All materials are readily available at your local craft store or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Warm brown (main body) – approximately 50 yards
  • Forest green (leafy top) – approximately 15 yards
  • Dark brown (stem) – a small scrap amount
• Knitting Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) straight needles
• Zipper: One 4-inch metal or nylon zipper in a coordinating color (silver or gold works well)
• Sewing Supplies: Sewing needle and thread to match the zipper, plus a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Scissors: For cutting yarn

Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. While gauge is not critical for this project, matching it will ensure your purse is the intended size (approximately 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide).

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is knitted flat in two main pieces and then seamed together. The pinecone texture is created with a simple seed stitch pattern, which is easy to memorize and produces a beautifully bumpy, dimensional surface. Follow along carefully, and you'll have your own forest treasure keeper in no time.

Pinecone Body (Make 2)

You will knit two identical pieces for the front and back of the purse. The seed stitch pattern creates the pinecone scale effect.

1. Cast On: With warm brown yarn, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): *Knit 1, Purl 1; repeat from * to end of row. (You will end with a purl stitch.)
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): *Purl 1, Knit 1; repeat from * to end of row. (You will end with a knit stitch.)
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Wrong Side row. This ensures the next row is worked on the Right Side.
5. Decrease Row 1 (Right Side): Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row. You will now have 10 stitches remaining.
6. Next Row (Wrong Side): Purl across all 10 stitches.
7. Decrease Row 2 (Right Side): Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row. You will now have 5 stitches remaining.
8. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 5 stitches on your knitting needle. Slide the stitches off the needle and pull the yarn tight to gather the top of the pinecone. Secure with a knot. This forms the pointed top of the pinecone.

Leafy Top (Make 1)

This piece creates a ruffled, leaf-like crown for your pinecone. The yarn-over (yo) and knit-two-together (K2tog) combination creates the decorative holes and ruffled edge.

1. Cast On: With forest green yarn, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit across all 12 stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl across all 12 stitches.
4. Row 3 (Right Side): Knit 1, *yarn over (yo), Knit 2 together (K2tog); repeat from * to the last stitch, Knit 1. (The yarn over adds a stitch, and the K2tog removes one, so you maintain 12 stitches.)
5. Row 4 (Wrong Side): Purl across all 12 stitches.
6. Row 5 (Right Side): Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row. You will now have 6 stitches remaining.
7. Row 6 (Wrong Side): Purl across all 6 stitches.
8. Row 7 (Right Side): Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row. You will now have 3 stitches remaining.
9. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Thread it through the remaining 3 stitches, pull tight, and secure. This gathers the top and creates a ruffled, leaf-like effect.

Stem

This small tube forms the pinecone's stem, adding a realistic finishing touch.

1. Cast On: With dark brown yarn, cast on 5 stitches.
2. Knit in Stockinette Stitch: Knit one row, then purl one row, alternating for 1 inch. (You'll have about 7-8 rows total.)
3. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely.
4. Shape: Fold the knitted strip in half lengthwise (with the right side facing out). Using a tapestry needle and the yarn tail, sew the long edges together to form a small, tight tube. Set aside.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together. Take your time with the sewing to ensure a neat, professional finish.

1. Seam the Body: Place the two pinecone body pieces together with their Right Sides facing each other. Using a tapestry needle and the long tail from one of the pieces (or a separate piece of brown yarn), sew around the curved edges using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Leave the straight bottom edge open. Turn the piece right side out. You should now have a pouch with a gathered top and an open bottom.
2. Attach the Zipper: This is the most delicate step. Turn the pouch inside out again so the wrong side is facing you. Position the zipper face-down along the open bottom edge, with the zipper teeth aligned with the fabric edge. Using a sewing needle and thread, hand-sew the zipper tape to the fabric using a small backstitch or whip stitch. Sew one side, then the other, ensuring the zipper is centered and straight. Turn the pouch right side out and check that the zipper opens and closes smoothly. If it's crooked, carefully remove the stitches and try again.
3. Attach the Leafy Top: Position the leafy green piece over the gathered top of the pinecone body. The ruffled edge should fan out over the top. Using a tapestry needle and green yarn, sew the leafy piece securely to the top point of the pinecone, stitching through both layers. Make sure it's firmly attached.
4. Attach the Stem: Place the small dark brown tube at the center of the leafy top. Sew it in place using the dark brown yarn tail, stitching through the stem and the leafy piece to secure it firmly.
5. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends on the inside of the purse. Trim any excess thread from the zipper sewing.

Congratulations! You've just completed your very own Pinecone Pixie Coin Purse. This charming little creation is perfect for holding coins, earbuds, or other small treasures. The earthy browns and forest green evoke the quiet beauty of a woodland floor, making it a unique accessory that's sure to spark conversation. Enjoy your handmade forest treasure keeper, and don't be surprised if you find yourself knitting another one as a gift for a fellow nature lover!