The Gilded Koi Coin Purse Free Pattern – Crochet a Lustrous Fish Pouch

Dive into a shimmering underwater treasure with this crochet koi pouch, a plush and practical accessory that brings a splash of golden elegance to your everyday carry. Its sculpted fins and gentle curve make it a delightful handmade keepsake for coins, trinkets, or a favorite lip balm. This pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, offering a fun, quick project that results in a whimsical, elegant piece inspired by Japanese koi ponds.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The gauge is not critical, but maintaining consistent tension will ensure a neat, professional finish.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic blend in gold, burnt orange, cream, and deep teal (approx. 100g total). A cotton blend is recommended for durability and stitch definition.
• Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
• Other: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery, scissors, and optional black embroidery floss for the eyes.
• Gauge: 4 sc x 4 rows = 1 inch (not critical, but consistent tension recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous spirals unless noted. Use a stitch marker to track rounds. The body is made in two identical pieces, then joined to create the pouch.

Body (Make 2 identical pieces, then join)

Round 1: With gold yarn, make a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. (6)

Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12)

Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc) around. (18)

Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24)

Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) around. (30)

Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc) around. (36)

Round 7: (Sc in next 5 sts, inc) around. (42)

Round 8: (Sc in next 6 sts, inc) around. (48)

Rounds 9-16: Sc in each st around. (48)

Round 17: (Sc in next 6 sts, dec) around. (42)

Round 18: (Sc in next 5 sts, dec) around. (36)

Round 19: (Sc in next 4 sts, dec) around. (30)

Round 20: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. (24)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Make a second piece identically but do not fasten off; instead, continue to join.

Joining the Body

Place the two pieces with wrong sides together. With the working yarn from the second piece, sc through both layers around the edge, but leave an opening of about 8 stitches at the top (the mouth of the pouch). Work sc evenly around the rest, then fasten off. The opening will be the top of the pouch.

Tail Fin (Make 2)

With deep teal yarn, ch 6.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog. (3)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc3tog. (1)

Fasten off. Sew one fin to each side of the tail end (the bottom of the pouch), with the pointed end facing outward.

Dorsal Fin (Top Fin)

With deep teal yarn, ch 4.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (3)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. (3)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in last st. (2)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog. (1)

Fasten off. Sew this fin along the top center of the pouch, just behind the mouth opening.

Pectoral Fins (Side Fins, Make 2)

With deep teal yarn, ch 5.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (4)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc2tog. (2)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog. (1)

Fasten off. Sew one fin to each side of the pouch, about halfway down, angled slightly backward.

Eyes (Make 2)

With cream yarn, make a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. Sl st to join. Fasten off. With black yarn, embroider a small French knot or satin stitch in the center of each cream circle. Sew eyes onto the front of the pouch, about 2 inches below the mouth opening and 1 inch apart.

Mouth

Using burnt orange yarn, embroider a small smile line just below the eyes using a backstitch.

Scales Detail (Optional)

Using burnt orange yarn, embroider small curved lines in a scale pattern over the body, or use surface crochet to add a few slip stitches in a decorative pattern. This adds a beautiful, handcrafted texture.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. To close the pouch, you can add a simple button and loop, or just pinch the opening and use a small clip. The pouch naturally stays closed if you fold the top edge slightly inward.

Your Gilded Koi Coin Purse is now complete! This charming accessory makes a wonderful gift for fish lovers, a unique addition to your own collection, or a delightful way to carry small treasures. The combination of gold, teal, and burnt orange creates a striking, elegant look that is sure to spark conversation. Happy crocheting!