A coin pouch takes one hour and uses fabric scraps you probably have

A coin pouch is a small drawstring bag, usually 4 by 5 inches, that holds coins, buttons, or small notions. You sew two pieces of fabric together, leave a gap for turning, flip it right-side out, and close the gap by hand. Then you thread a cord or ribbon through a channel at the top to cinch it shut. The whole project takes about an hour and uses only a needle and thread (or a sewing machine), two fabric pieces, and a length of cord.

This is one of the easiest sewing projects because the seams are straight, the shape is forgiving, and mistakes are hidden inside the pouch. You do not need a pattern—you can cut your own pieces to any size you want. Most people use cotton fabric, but you can use linen, canvas, or even old clothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two identical rectangles of fabric (4 by 5 inches is a good starting size) and pin them together with the pretty sides facing each other.
  • Sew three sides closed with a quarter-inch seam allowance, leaving one short side open for turning the pouch right-side out.
  • Turn the pouch through the opening, press it flat, and hand-stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch.
  • Fold the top edge down about half an inch and sew a channel around the pouch, then thread cord through the channel to create the drawstring.
  • You can sew by hand or machine; hand sewing takes longer but requires no equipment beyond a needle and thread.

What you need to gather before you start

Collect two pieces of fabric cut to the same size. A 4-by-5-inch rectangle is a standard coin pouch size, but you can make yours larger or smaller. The fabric should be cotton or a similar weight—avoid stretchy fabrics like knit or jersey, which are harder to control. If you have fabric scraps, old cotton sheets, or worn-out clothing, those work perfectly.

You will also need thread that matches your fabric (or contrasts, if you want the stitches to show), a needle if sewing by hand, a sewing machine if you have one, scissors or a rotary cutter, pins, and a length of cord or ribbon for the drawstring. Paracord, embroidery floss, ribbon, or even a strip of fabric works for the drawstring. Cut the cord about 24 inches long so you have enough to thread through and tie.

If you are sewing by hand, use a needle size that feels comfortable in your fingers—a size 8 or 9 embroidery needle works well. If you are using a machine, thread it with the same thread you chose for hand sewing, and set it to a straight stitch with a stitch length of about 2.5 millimeters.

Cutting and pinning your fabric pieces

Lay one piece of fabric on a flat surface and place the second piece on top of it, with the pretty sides facing each other (the sides you want to see when the pouch is finished). This is called "right sides together." Smooth out any wrinkles and pin the two pieces together around all four edges, placing pins about an inch apart.

If you are cutting your own pieces, measure and mark a 4-by-5-inch rectangle on one piece of fabric using a ruler and pencil or chalk. Cut along the lines with scissors or a rotary cutter. Place the first piece on top of a second piece of fabric, pin them together, and cut the second piece to match the first. This ensures both pieces are exactly the same size.

Sewing three sides closed

You will sew three of the four sides, leaving one short side open. This opening is how you will turn the pouch right-side out later. Start at one corner of a long side and sew along the edge with a quarter-inch seam allowance—that means your stitches should be about a quarter inch away from the raw edge of the fabric.

If sewing by hand, use a running stitch: push the needle through both layers of fabric, pull it out about a quarter inch away, and repeat. Keep your stitches small and even. If using a machine, align the fabric edge with the quarter-inch mark on the presser foot (most machines have these marks), lower the presser foot, and sew slowly, guiding the fabric straight.

Sew along the first long side, around the corner, along the second long side, around the next corner, and along the second short side. Stop about a quarter inch before the end of that side. Leave the entire first short side unsewn—this is your turning opening. Backstitch at the end (or reverse on the machine) to lock the thread.

Turning the pouch right-side out and closing the opening

Trim the corners of the sewn seams at a 45-degree angle, cutting away about a quarter inch of fabric at each corner. Be careful not to cut through your stitches. This step, called clipping corners, helps the corners lie flat when you turn the pouch right-side out.

Reach into the opening and grasp the fabric inside. Gently pull the pouch through the opening, turning it inside out so the pretty sides now face outward. Use a blunt tool like a chopstick or the eraser end of a pencil to push the corners out from the inside so they are sharp and square. Press the pouch flat with an iron on low heat, or lay it under a book overnight.

Fold the raw edges of the opening inward about a quarter inch and pin them together. Use a ladder stitch to close the opening by hand. Bring the needle up through the fold on one side, slide it horizontally inside the fold for about a quarter inch, come back out, and cross over to the opposite side. Repeat this zigzag pattern along the entire opening. The stitches will be nearly invisible because they run inside the fold. Pull the thread snug every few stitches so the opening closes tightly.

Creating the drawstring channel and threading the cord

Fold the top edge of the pouch down about half an inch and pin it in place all the way around. This folded edge will become the channel that holds the drawstring. Sew along the bottom edge of this fold with a running stitch (by hand) or a straight stitch (by machine), staying about a quarter inch from the fold. This creates a tunnel around the top of the pouch.

Thread your cord or ribbon through a large needle or a safety pin. Push the needle through the channel, working your way around the pouch until the cord comes back out where it started. You now have a loop of cord running through the channel. Tie the two ends of the cord together with a square knot, and trim any excess. Pull the cord to cinch the pouch closed.

Finishing touches and variations

Your coin pouch is now complete. If you want to reinforce the seams, you can sew over them a second time, or you can leave them as they are. Some people add a decorative button or bead to the outside, or embroider a design on one side before sewing the two pieces together.

If you want a larger pouch, cut rectangles that are 5 by 7 inches or 6 by 8 inches instead. If you want a smaller one, try 3 by 4 inches. You can also make the pouch square instead of rectangular, or add a second layer of fabric inside for extra structure. Once you have made one, you can experiment with different fabrics, cord colors, and sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a sewing machine?

Hand sewing works perfectly for a coin pouch. Use a needle and thread, and sew with a running stitch or a backstitch. It takes longer than a machine—usually 45 minutes to an hour—but the result is the same. Hand sewing is actually a good way to learn because you can feel the fabric and control the stitch length easily.

Can I use stretchy fabric like jersey or fleece?

Stretchy fabrics are harder to control because they shift as you sew and can pucker. Cotton, linen, canvas, and other woven fabrics are much easier for a beginner. Once you have made a few pouches, you can experiment with other materials, but start with something stable.

What happens if my stitches are uneven or messy?

Uneven stitches are normal, especially when learning. Most of them will be hidden inside the pouch or inside the channel. The stitches that show are the ladder stitch closing the turning opening, and those improve with practice. Even imperfect stitches hold the fabric together just fine.

Do I need to use a pattern?

No. You can draw your own rectangle on paper, cut it out, pin it to your fabric, and cut around it. Or you can measure and mark the fabric directly with a ruler and pencil. Patterns are helpful for complex shapes, but a coin pouch is a straightforward rectangle, so you can skip that step.

Can I make the drawstring from fabric instead of cord?

Yes. Cut a strip of fabric about half an inch wide and 24 inches long, fold it in half lengthwise, and sew along the long edge to create a tube. Turn it right-side out and press it flat. This fabric drawstring works the same way as cord and can match your pouch perfectly.